New Jersey Driver’s License Classes (A Complete Guide)

Getting a driver’s license for the first time?

If you didn’t know yet, there are several driver’s license classes in New Jersey. And this might confuse you. 

Which one do you need?

We’re here to help. 

In this article, we’ll explain all the New Jersey driver’s license classes in detail. We’ll also walk you through the steps on how to get each one. 

So are you ready?

Let’s go!

What are the Driver’s License Classes in New Jersey?

There are 5 types of driver’s licenses in New Jersey. These are:

• Class D
• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL
• Class E

Let’s get into the details of each class. 

Class D

The most common type is the Class D license. You use it to drive your private vehicle around. 

With that in mind, Class D licenses cannot operate commercial vehicles or vehicles made to carry 16 or more people. 

Another thing you should know is that, since it is the most basic license type, you first need to have a Class D license before getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

Class A CDL

The highest CDL type is Class A. This can operate commercial vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. It should also tow a unit that weighs 10,000 pounds or more. 

Some examples of Class A vehicles are tractor-trailers, tanks, and livestock carriers. 

And since it is the highest CDL, you can use it to operate Class B and Class C vehicles. 

Class B CDL

The Class B CDL is similar to Class A, which means it can operate commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,0001 pounds. The difference lies in the towing. If a Class B vehicle tows a unit, it should not exceed 10,000 pounds. 

Some examples of Class B vehicles are city and tour buses, box trucks, and dump trucks. 

Also, you can operate Class C vehicles with a Class B CDL. 

Class C CDL

The last CDL type is Class C. This is for commercial vehicles that don’t fall under either Class A or Class B. 

The Class C CDL also has specific uses:

• For vehicles that transport hazardous materials that require placards
• For vehicles that are designed to carry 16 or more passengers
• For vehicles used to transport children to school or school-related activities
• For vehicles used for hire and designed to carry more than 8 passengers but less than 16

Class E

The Class E license is for drivers operating vehicles with less than 4 wheels. Examples of these are mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles. 

You don’t need to get a Class E license if you already have a Class D. Instead, you can simply add an “M” endorsement to your Class D license.  

How to Get a Class D License in New Jersey

In New Jersey, everyone is required to go through 3 stages before they get their Class D license. And yes, we mean EVERYONE, no matter your age. 

But don’t fret — we’re going to walk you through the stages one by one. 

Stage 1: Permit

Here are the steps to getting a New Jersey permit:

1. Schedule a visit online to purchase a permit. 

2. On your scheduled date, submit the following documents:
   1. A filled-out Application for Permit / License / Non-Driver ID Form (BA-208)
   2. Consent from your parent or legal guardian (only if you are below 18 years old)
   3. Proof of identity and date of birth (you need 1 primary and 1 secondary)
   4. Proof of residency in New Jersey
   5. Proof of Social Security number 

NOTE: For acceptable documents, check this link.

3. Pay the $10 permit fee.

4. Purchase red decals for $4 (only if you are below 21 years old).

5. Schedule a visit for your knowledge test. 

6. During your scheduled date, do the following:
   1. Show proof of permit
   2. Submit the same documents mentioned above
   3. Pass the vision test
   4. Pass the knowledge exam

7. Let the MVC validate your permit. 

Stage 2: Probationary License 

Here are the steps to switch from a permit to a probationary license: 

1. Satisfy the eligibility requirements:
   1. Be at least 17 years old
   2. Hold your permit for 6 months (if under 21 years old) or 3 months (if 21 or older)
   3. Have no license suspensions or postponements 

2. Schedule your road test.

3. On your scheduled date, bring the following:
   1. Proof of identity and date of birth (primary and secondary)
   2. Proof of residency in New Jersey
   3. Proof of Social Security number
   4. Your valid permit
   5. A licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 3 years of driving experience (if under 21 years old)
   6. A vehicle for your road test
   7. The vehicle’s current inspection sticker and insurance papers

4. Pass your road test and have the MVC stamp your permit.

5. Get your probationary license. 

Stage 3: Class D License 

And here are the steps to upgrade your probationary license to a Class D license:

1. Satisfy the eligibility requirements:
   1. Be at least 18 years old
   2. Hold your probationary license for 1 year

2. Go to New Jersey’s License Upgrade page.

3. Put in the necessary information 

4. Follow the online prompts. 

5. Pay the Class D license fee:
   1. Standard license – $24 
   2. REAL ID-Compliant – $35 

6. Print out your Class D license. Your official one will arrive by mail within 10 to 20 business days.

And there you have it!

If you want even more details and information, check out “How to Get a New Jersey Driver’s License”.

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in New Jersey

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a Class A, B, or C CDL, the process is the same — get a CDL permit, then a CDL. 

Let’s check the details. 

Stage 1: CDL Permit

Here are the steps to get a CDL permit in New Jersey:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements:
   1. Be at least 18 years old (if driving intrastate) or 21 years old (if driving interstate)
   2. Be a US citizen or legal alien
   3. Have a Class D license

2. Schedule a visit for your CDL permit. 

3. On your scheduled date, bring the following documents:
   1. A completed Application for Commercial Driver License form
   2. A completed CDL Holder Self-Certification form
   3. A valid medical certificate (if applicable)
   4. Proof of identity and date of birth (primary and secondary)
   5. Proof of New Jersey residence
   6. Proof of Social Security Number

NOTE: Check here for accepted documents.  

4. Pay $125 for your Examination Test Receipt. 

5. Take and pass the CDL knowledge test. 

6. Validate your Examination Test Receipt. 

7. Get your CDL permit. 

Stage 2: CDL

Here are the steps to getting a CDL in New Jersey:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements
   1. Hold your CDL permit for at least 14 days
   2. Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program

2. Schedule a visit for your CDL road test. 

3. On your scheduled date, bring the following:
   1. Your valid CDL permit 
   2. Your validated Examination Test Receipt
   3. A licensed commercial driver with the same CDL class as you
   4. A vehicle that falls under your CDL class
   5. The vehicle’s registration, insurance, and current inspection sticker
   6. Proof of identity and date of birth (primary and secondary)
   7. Proof of residency in New Jersey
   8. Proof of Social Security Number

4. Pass the CDL road test.

5. Pay the $42 CDL fee. 

6. Get your CDL. 

Awesome! You’re now an official commercial driver in the state. 

If you need more information or details, you can find that in this article “New Jersey CDL Requirements”. 

How to Get a Class E License in New Jersey

As we mentioned, you can get a Class E license on its own or add an “M” endorsement to your Class D license. 

We’ll walk you through both procedures. 

Getting a Class E License (No Driver’s License)

The first step is to get a motorcycle examination permit: 

1. Schedule a visit for your motorcycle permit. 

2. Bring these documents:
   1. Social Security Card
   2. Proof of identity and date of birth (primary and secondary)
   3. Proof of residence in New Jersey
   4. Parent/legal guardian waiver for applicants below 18 years old

3. Pass the vision test. 

4. Pass the knowledge test. 

5. Pay the $5 motorcycle permit fee. 

6. Receive your motorcycle permit. 

From there, you have two options to get a Class E license. These are: 

• Complete a Basic Rider Course
• Apply without a Basic Rider Course

Complete a Basic Rider Course

If you are below 18 years old, completing a Basic Rider Course is a must. 

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Complete the Basic Rider Course from a state-approved training provider. 

2. Receive a waiver or completion card for the course. 

3. Schedule a motorcycle road test appointment here.

4. Bring your motorcycle or three/two-wheeled vehicle, helmet, eye protection, and proof documents. 

5. Pass the road test. 

6. Pay the $11 Class E license fee.

7. Obtain a probationary motorcycle license. 

8. Hold your probationary motorcycle license for 1 year.  

9. Get your Class E license at the MVC after you reach 18 years old and have held your probationary motorcycle license for 1 year. 

Apply Without a Basic Rider Course

If you are already 18+ years old, you can follow these steps to get your Class E license: 

1. Schedule a visit for your motorcycle road test. 

2. Bring these items:
   1. Your motorcycle or three/two-wheeled vehicle
   2. Helmet
   3. Eye protection
   4. Proof of identity, date of birth, New Jersey residency, and Social Security card

3. Pass the motorcycle road test. 

4. Pay the $11 fee and get your probationary motorcycle license. 

5. Get your Class E license after holding your probationary motorcycle license for 1 year. 

Getting a Motorcycle Endorsement (With Driver’s License)

Similar to the application process above, you have the option to apply by taking a Basic Rider Course (required for minors) or applying without it. 

Here’s how to get the endorsement: 

1. Apply for a motorcycle permit (follow the instructions above). You must have this for at least 20 days before applying for the endorsement. 

2. Schedule your motorcycle road test.

3. Bring the necessary items (see list above).

4. Pass the motorcycle road test.

5. Pay the motorcycle endorsement fee of $11.

6. Add the “M” endorsement to your Class D license. 

Conclusion

And there you have it — your complete guide to New Jersey driver’s license classes. 

Now that you know all the license classes, it will be a lot easier for you to determine the one you need. And when you know which one you need, you can follow the steps to obtaining it. 

Good luck!