How to Pass the New Jersey Knowledge Test Your First Time
- Safe Roads Driving School
- Nov 3, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 17
More than 40% of people fail the written driving knowledge test the first time they take it. That’s nearly half. But with the right prep and a few helpful resources, you can be one of the drivers who pass on their first try.
Here’s how to make sure you walk into the testing center confident and ready.
What to Know About the New Jersey Written Test
The New Jersey knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need at least 40 correct. Sounds simple, but the questions can be tricky if you’re not fully prepared.
This written test is required for all first-time drivers before they can apply for a probationary license. That includes teenagers, adults who’ve never been licensed, and new residents who didn’t hold a valid license in their home country.
1. Study the New Jersey Driver’s Manual
This may sound obvious, but many people skip straight to practice tests without reviewing the actual manual. That’s a mistake.
The NJ Driver’s Manual has every fact, rule, and guideline you’re expected to know for the written exam. You can read it online as a PDF or grab a physical copy from your local MVC office. It’s broken into chapters that cover topics like:
Right-of-way rules
Road signs and pavement markings
Alcohol and drug laws
Defensive driving techniques
We recommend reading the full manual at least twice. Highlight sections that trip you up. Take notes. And don’t try to read it all the night before.
Step 2: Take Practice Tests That Actually Prepare You
Practice tests help you figure out what you know and what you don’t. But not all practice quizzes are created equal.
At Safe Roads Driving School, we created a full NJ Permit Practice Course that includes a free 50-question quiz, just like the real test. You’ll see where you’re strong, what topics need more review, and start to feel comfortable with how questions are worded.
You can take the quiz as many times as you want. You’ll get immediate feedback, so you know exactly where to improve.
For even more practice, the NJMVC also offers a sample test on their website.
Step 3: Watch Our Educational Videos on YouTube
Some people learn better by hearing things than by reading them. If that’s you, try narrated videos or audio practice sessions.
We’ve put together a full YouTube playlist of NJ knowledge test questions with answers and explanations. You can watch them while eating, riding the bus, or even doing chores. It’s a great way to absorb the material passively while still reinforcing the key points.
Each video focuses on different parts of the test:
Road sign meanings
Traffic laws
Safe driving habits
Real sample questions
Some students say these videos helped them more than the manual itself. Check out our latest videos here.
FYI the NJ MVC provides a 20-question sample knowledge test.
Why So Many People Fail the Knowledge Test
It’s not that the questions are impossible. It’s that people underestimate them.
The top reasons students fail are:
Not studying all sections of the manual
Guessing instead of learning
Taking the test too soon
Memorizing answers without understanding the “why”
Getting confused by similar answer choices
Here’s something to keep in mind: less than half of new drivers pass the knowledge test on their first try. And for commercial license holders, some sources say failure rates are as high as 60 to 80 percent.
So if you’re feeling nervous, you’re not alone.
But you don’t have to be one of the people who walks out disappointed. With a little focused prep, you can pass the first time and move on to the next step—learning to drive.
Final Tips for Test Day
Once you’ve studied the manual, taken practice quizzes, and reviewed video guides, you’re almost there. A few last reminders:
Double-check what documents you need to bring with you
Get a good night’s sleep
Eat something light before the test
Show up early to avoid rushing
And don’t panic if you blank on a question. Eliminate any wrong answers, make your best guess, and move on.
Ready to Pass on Your First Try?
We’ve helped hundreds of students across Jersey City and North Jersey pass their written test—and their road test too.
Get started today with our Free NJ Permit Course and Practice Quiz. It's the easiest way to study smart and gain real confidence.
If you’re still unsure, reach out to us anytime at (201) 402-2008 or contact@saferoadsnj.com. We’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many questions are on the NJ knowledge test?
There are 50 multiple-choice questions. You must get at least 40 correct to pass.
What happens if I fail the test?
You can retake the written test. In most cases, you’ll need to wait at least 7 days before trying again.
Can I take the test in another language?
Yes. The NJMVC offers the knowledge test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and more.
Is your practice quiz the same as the real test?
Our quiz isn’t the official test, but it’s modeled closely after the real format and covers the same topics. Students who score 90% or higher on our quiz usually pass the real thing with ease.
i need the know the most misleading questions on the DMV knowledge test!/in NEW JERSEY
multiple Q and A questions are trickey