The United States is amongst the nations that require thorough training before one can get to the road as a driver. Consequently, a driver’s license is a legal requirement for anybody who operates a motor vehicle in all the states. If you have completed a driving course, you get a learner’s permit first before acquiring a driver’s license. Remember, you must pass preliminary tests that include practical and theory work. Besides, other requirements vary from state to state.
A driver’s license is a legal document that citizens and immigrants can use for many purposes. In the United States, it can be accepted as an identification document. For instance, you can use your driver’s license when making a payment or scheduling a flight.
Types of Driver’s Licenses in New Jersey
N.J. is one of the states with a robust licensing system, hence a number of licenses. Class D license is a basic license issued to people under the age of 18 years. The license allows them to operate a motor vehicle but not a motorcycle.
Classes A, B, and C are commercial driver’s licenses issued to people trained to drive buses, large trucks, towing vehicles, and any vehicle that carries hazardous materials. A gross combination weight rating of above 26,000 lbs. is allowed for Class A. Consequently, a driver who has obtained relevant experience in handling Class A vehicles is permitted to drive vehicles in the rest of the classes.
The gross combination weight rating requirement for Class B is 26,001. A person with a Class B commercial driver’s license can drive a vehicle that carries more than 16 passengers and can drive all vehicles in Classes D and C.
A person with a Class C can drive a vehicle with a Gross Combination Weight Rating below 26,001 lbs. Accordingly, such a driver can drive a bus, for instance, a school bus. However, the school bus must have a capacity of only 15 people.
Class E licenses are given to people who drive vehicles having less than four wheels. Consequently, motorbike riders are assigned this license. If an applicant is under 18, they must undergo a safety training course, Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course. Finally, Class G licenses are given to drivers who operate farm vehicles. Therefore, it is an agricultural license.
In N.J., there are six endorsements available for commercial driver’s licenses. They include:
- Triple and double trailer(T)
- Passenger(P)
- School bus(S)
- Tank vehicle(N)
- Hazardous materials(H)
- Air brakes(L)
Based on the state’s requirements which rhyme with the Federal Government, a driver’s license is only given to persons above the age of 18 years. They have to be familiar with the basic working of the vehicle as a machine and have a driving experience of about three years. Besides, physical fitness is also assessed. For instance, the school must conduct visual assessments to all potential license holders before issuing the license.
Probationary Driver’s License in New Jersey
The Motor Vehicle Commission directs that a provisional driver’s license be given to minors under 21 years or adults above 21 years who have not previously possessed a driver’s license. The license issued to these groups is called a probationary license.
A probationary driver’s license has many restrictions. For instance, the holder must not drive while using a hand-held gadget such as a phone or a video gaming device. Additionally, all the people in the vehicle must adhere to various instructions, such as wearing a safety belt.
In case the holder is less than 21 years, the restrictions are extended further. For instance, they are prohibited from riding a car beyond 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. Besides, the passengers are limited unless it is a parent or guardian. If the training is supervised, the supervisor must be above 21 years, a holder of a driver’s license, and has more than three years of experience.
Before the application of a probationary driver’s license, age is a crucial factor. Based on a general categorization, early-bird drivers are persons 16 years who want to obtain a permit to drive. They have to pass the theory exam and be enrolled in a training class. During the practical lessons, they have to use a dual-controlled car. The practice takes six months, after which a road test is administered. If they pass, they are given a probationary driver’s license.
Young adults between 17 and 18 years have an advantage over the early birds. They do not need to be trained under a professional instructor. However, to obtain a learner’s permit, they must pass a road test. Besides, they must secure permission from their parents or guardians before they begin the training.
People above the age of 21 have an edge since they are only required to train for three months before taking a road test. On passing the road test and other procedures, they are consequently given a learner’s permit. In case the candidate fails the road test, they can retake the test after 14 days.
Before getting a probationary driver’s license, persons under 21 years must complete a six-month practice. On the other hand, those above 21 years take their training for only three months. The candidate’s documents, including a photo, are further processed into a license on passing the test.
The license is called a probationary license because its offer can be limited or suspended, hence the need for keenness. For instance, if a holder violates the restrictions given, they will be required to enroll in a Probationary Driver School Program for four hours or more. If they fail to enroll or are convicted by the New Jersey courts for another violation, their license will be suspended. Besides, persons under 21 years convicted of drug or alcohol abuse will have their licenses suspended for not less than six months.
It is noteworthy that the lifetime of a probationary driver’s license is below three and half years. After that, the holder must renew the license or upgrade it at a relevant licensing center.
More information on Bergen County Top Driving School