NJ Residents Face Long Wait For New Driver's License

NEW JERSEY — If you've complained about long lines at New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission in the past, be aware that for one group it's gotten worse.

Teens and other drivers who are applying for an examination permit — the first step in getting a New Jersey driver's license — have found that appointments are booked for months.

First-time permit applicants must secure either a special learner’s permit (if they are 16 or older), or an examination permit if 17 or older. The first group used to be able to get permits through their school, but because of COVID disruptions, schools couldn't do it last year.

Now, teens who want to drive this summer, and others who want to get a New Jersey driver's license for the first time, are waiting weeks and months for an appointment.

There are several reasons, according to the state's Motor Vehicles Commission.

"While many residents can take advantage of NJMVC’s newly-online services and resources, we are aware and understanding of the issues that New Jerseyans are encountering with securing appointments for first-time permits," a spokesman told Patch this week. "Demand is high for first-time permit appointments due to a combination of factors including COVID-19 health and staffing challenges, more students applying for permits this year at agencies because they couldn’t get them through schools, and more permit applications because of expanded eligibility."

The expanded eligibility refers to the new "status neutral" eligibility implemented May 1, in which undocumented residents are now able to apply for a license. (See more information here.)

"Over the past three months, the NJMVC has processed a historically high number of initial permits, issuing roughly 100,000, compared with 60,000 for the same period in previous years," the spokesman said. "In order to further increase capacity and better meet the demand, we continue to add appointments, enhance staffing, and make customers aware of online services ... at NJMVC.gov."

A parent said in a story on NJ.com last month that he was only able to get his teenage son an appointment in mid-September by checking in at 3 a.m., and the appointment is 90 miles away.

The situation may improve in fall, the agency spokesman said.

"As COVID restrictions are relaxed and in-person school re-starts, fewer employees will need to take leave and students will get their initial permits through their schools again," he said.

Anyone seeking a new license will have to complete the state’s Graduated Driver License program and will receive a standard New Jersey driver license or ID when the requirements are met. The Graduated Driver License program is outlined at the MVC’s First Driver License/ID webpage, with resources in English and Spanish.

“There will be no ‘special process’ or ‘special license’ for those seeking to be licensed without regard to immigration status,” explained MVC Chief Sue Fulton in spring. “Beginning May 1, the process for getting a standard NJ driver license will stay the same for all applicants – what will change are the documents you will be required to bring to an appointment to obtain an initial permit at an MVC Licensing Center.”

For more information or an appointment, head to NJMVC.gov. Appointments are added each day, so customers should check the website frequently, says the state, and try multiple Licensing Centers.

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