International Students and Driver’s License in New Jersey

1. What are the regulations for international students obtaining a driver’s license in New Jersey?


International students must meet the same requirements as any other person applying for a driver’s license in New Jersey. The specific requirements can be found on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) website. In general, applicants must be at least 17 years old, pass a vision test, pass a knowledge test, and present proof of identity, among other things. Additionally, international students must show proof of their legal status in the U.S. and provide their passport and visa documents. Depending on the type of visa they possess, they may also need to provide additional documents or have their visa documents translated into English.

2. What is the cost of obtaining a driver’s license in New Jersey?

The cost of obtaining a driver’s license in New Jersey varies depending on the type of license you are applying for and the length of validity. For most applicants, the fee for a standard 4-year license is $24. For those ages 21 through 64, the fee is $22.50 for 8-year licenses, and those under 21 have a reduced fee of $17 for 4-year licenses. If your license is issued with fewer than 4 years remaining on its validity period (based on your date of birth), there may also be an additional fee. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with road tests and other related services.

2. Are there special requirements for international students in New Jersey to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes, New Jersey has special requirements for international students to obtain a driver’s license. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen must present an unexpired passport or consular ID card from the country of origin to prove identity. Additionally, international students must present proof of valid visa status and enrollment in an approved educational institution in New Jersey. New Jersey also requires all applicants to pass the written and visual tests before receiving a driver’s license.

3. How long do international students have to wait to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey?


International students in New Jersey typically wait at least three months before they are eligible to obtain a driver’s license. They must first pass the written test, have a valid student visa, and provide a valid home country driver’s license.

4. Does New Jersey accept foreign driver’s licenses from international students?


Yes, New Jersey does accept foreign driver’s licenses from international students. However, after a certain period of time, typically two years, the international student must obtain a New Jersey driver’s license or state ID card. Additionally, the international student must apply for a New Jersey driver’s license or state ID card if they plan to stay in the state for more than six months.

5. Are international students eligible to apply for a driver’s license in New Jersey if they have valid student visas?


Yes, international students with valid student visas are eligible to apply for a driver’s license in New Jersey. They will need to provide proof of their identity, age, and address, as well as proof of their legal presence in the state.

6. What documents do international students need to bring when applying for a driver’s license in New Jersey?


International students applying for a driver’s license in New Jersey must bring:
1. Proof of identity, such as a passport or unexpired foreign photo identification card
2. Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport
3. Proof of Social Security number, such as an SSN card, W-2, or SSA-1099 form
4. Proof of New Jersey address, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement
5. Proof of U.S. residency status or lawful presence, such as an unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. visa or I-94 form printed from the internet
6. A secondary form of identification to verify the primary form of identity presented. Secondary forms can include Social Security card, bank statement, credit card statement, motor vehicle registration document, school transcript or diploma
7. A completed and signed application for a driver’s license (Form DL-180)
8. Two documents proving your signature is the same on each
9. Proof of completion of an approved driver education course (if required)

7. Are there any restrictions on what type of vehicles international students can drive with a driver’s license in New Jersey?


Yes, there are restrictions on the type of vehicles that international students can drive with a driver’s license in New Jersey. All drivers in the state must have a valid driver’s license issued by the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), and only certain classes of vehicles are allowed. For example, motorcycles and commercial vehicles require a special endorsement, and drivers under 21 years of age are not permitted to operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 6,000 lbs. Additionally, mopeds, motor scooters, and dirt bikes may require separate licenses or permits to operate.

8. What is the minimum age requirement for international students to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey?


In order to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey, international students must be at least 17 years of age.

9. Is a written test an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey?


No, a written test is not an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey. However, international students need to pass the road test and the vision test to obtain a driver’s license.

10. How long does it take for an international student to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey?


The time it takes an international student to obtain a driver’s license in New Jersey depends on whether the student has a valid license from another country. If the student does not have a valid license from another country, they must pass the written and road tests in order to be issued a New Jersey driver’s license. This process can take anywhere from two to six months.

11. Is there a grace period for an international student to renew their driver’s license in New Jersey?


Yes, international students in New Jersey may have a grace period of up to 60 days from the date of expiration of their license before they must renew it.

12. Are there any special benefits or discounts for international student drivers with a license in New Jersey?


Yes, some insurance companies offer international students discounts. Additionally, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offers a reduced fee driver license for international students who are enrolled in an eligible school located in the state. To qualify, the student must have valid immigration documents from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

13. Can an international student use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in New Jersey?


No, an international student cannot use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in New Jersey. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) requires all new drivers to complete a 6-hour driver’s education class before applying for a driver’s license.

14. Does New Jersey require international students to take additional tests if they want to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes. International students in New Jersey must take the vision, knowledge, and road tests in order to obtain a driver’s license. Additionally, they must bring proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of authorized stay in the United States.

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of cars that an international student can drive with a driver’s license in New Jersey?


Yes. International students with a valid driver’s license from their home country are allowed to drive in New Jersey for up to one year. However, they are only allowed to drive cars that are approved by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. This includes cars that have a valid license plate and registration, and that are insured.

16. What is the process of obtaining a driver’s license for an international student residing in New Jersey?


In order to obtain a driver’s license for an international student residing in New Jersey, the student must first obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. The student must also provide valid immigration documents, such as a passport and visa, as well as proof of New Jersey residency.

Once these documents are obtained, the student must pass a written exam and vision test at a local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Once the tests are passed, the student will be issued a Temporary Driver’s License. The student will then need to complete a road test in order to obtain a full, valid driver’s license.

17. Can an international student transfer their foreign driver’s license to New Jersey?


No, international students cannot transfer their foreign driver’s license to New Jersey. They must apply for a New Jersey driver’s license in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission agency.

18. Is there any specialized training or courses available for international student drivers in New Jersey?


Yes, there are specialized training and courses available for international student drivers in New Jersey. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offers a special course for international student drivers. This course includes the rules of the road, how to read highway signs, defensive driving techniques, and a driving test.

19. Can an international student exchange their foreign driver’s license for one from New Jersey?


No, international students cannot exchange their foreign driver’s license for one from New Jersey. They must meet the same requirements needed for anyone else in the state to obtain a valid driver’s license.

20. Do the laws concerning obtaining a driver’s license differ for international students compared with other residents of New Jersey?


Yes, the laws concerning obtaining a driver’s license do differ for international students compared with other residents of New Jersey. International students must show proof of legal presence in the U.S., provide valid visa documents, and present a valid passport to obtain a driver’s license. Additionally, they must provide proof of residence in New Jersey and complete the required driving tests in order to receive a valid driver’s license.