Bill requiring holders of special learner’s permits, examination permits under 21 to complete at least 50 hours of practice driving, with 10 hours during darkness advances

NEW JERSEY – The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Gordon Johnson to require holders of special learner’s permits and examination permits under the age of 21 to complete at least 50 hours of practice driving, with at least 10 of those hours completed during hours of darkness.

“New Jersey is one of the only states that does not already mandate practice hours for new drivers, which puts our roads and our children at needless risk,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester), “This requirement will save lives and help reduce the increase in traffic accidents we have seen since the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Under the bill, S-2789, parents, guardians, or other supervising adults would keep track of practice driving hours and certify with the Motor Vehicle Commission that the required number of practice hours were completed in order for permit holders under the age of 21 to obtain a probationary driver’s license.

“Mandating practice hours is common sense,” said Senator Johnson (D-Bergen), “In 2019 alone, over 30,000 teen drivers in New Jersey were involved in crashes, including over 7,000 which resulted in injury or death. This bill will reduce that, and save the lives of motorists across the State.”

The bill was advanced in a 9-0 vote.