New Jersey Driver's Handbook Summary (2026): Key Rules by Section

The 10 handbook sections the New Jersey knowledge test draws from, summarized in our own words. Each rule links to its page in the official handbook.

1. Section 1: The Driver License System and GDL · 7 key rules
   New Jersey's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program: the permits, the supervised driving, the probationary license and the restrictions for drivers under 21.
2. Section 2: The Knowledge, Vision and Road Tests · 5 key rules
   What the knowledge test, vision screening and road test include, and what your car needs to be accepted for the road test.
3. Section 3: Seat Belts, Car Seats and Your Car · 7 key rules
   Seat belt and child seat laws, keeping your car in good condition, steering, signals, driving in reverse and parking.
4. Section 4: Speed, Passing, Right-of-Way and Parking Rules · 9 key rules
   Speed limits, passing, keeping right, pedestrians, intersections, highways, turns, stopping for school buses and emergency vehicles, headlights, parking and cell phones.
5. Section 5: Defensive Driving · 7 key rules
   Following distance, distractions, fatigue, bad weather, night driving, skids, vehicle failures and what to do after a crash.
6. Section 6: Drinking, Drugs and Health · 4 key rules
   How alcohol and drugs affect driving, the legal BAC limits and how health, vision and hearing matter behind the wheel.
7. Section 7: DUI Penalties, Points and Surcharges · 6 key rules
   DUI penalties, the breath test and ignition interlock, common violations, driver programs and the point and surcharge system.
8. Section 8: Sharing the Road · 5 key rules
   Pedestrians, the Safe Passing Law, motorcycles, trucks and buses, mopeds, bicycles, trains and horses.
9. Section 9: Title, Registration, Inspection and Insurance · 3 key rules
   Titling and registering a car, license plates, inspection and mandatory insurance.
10. Section 11: Signs, Signals and Road Markings · 5 key rules
    Traffic signals, what sign shapes and colors mean, warning, guidance and regulatory signs, and pavement markings.