This bill amends New Jersey's driver education requirements to enhance training and testing related to the responsibilities of drivers when interacting with pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals using personal conveyances. The new legal language explicitly includes these responsibilities in the driver's license examination process, which will now cover safe driving practices such as recognizing bicycle lanes, navigating intersections, and safely exiting vehicles. Additionally, the examination will be expanded by 20 percent to incorporate questions about the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, the dangers of non-compliance with traffic laws, and the importance of sharing the roadway with all users.

Moreover, the bill establishes new requirements for applicants seeking a standard basic driver's license, including the need to provide proof of identity, age, and residence through specified documents, with a consistent point total required for all applicants regardless of immigration status. It mandates that the driver's manual and educational materials include information on driver responsibilities towards vulnerable road users and the penalties for non-compliance. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of personal information collected during the licensing process and outlines conditions for its disclosure. It includes provisions for developing curriculum guidelines for driver education courses, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential driving topics. The bill is set to take effect 13 months after enactment to allow for implementation preparations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:5F-41