The bill amends R.S.39:3-10 in New Jersey to enhance the requirements for obtaining a driver's license, particularly for individuals under 18 years of age. It establishes that these applicants must pass a comprehensive examination covering safe driving practices, traffic laws, and responsibilities towards non-motorized vehicles before being issued a basic driver's license or validated permit. Additionally, they are required to watch an informational video about their rights and responsibilities when stopped by law enforcement prior to taking the permit examination. The bill also allows the commission to waive the written law knowledge examination for individuals over 18 with valid licenses from other jurisdictions, while still requiring them to understand New Jersey's specific motor vehicle laws.

Moreover, the bill expands the driver's license examination by 20 percent to include questions on alcohol and drug use, highway safety, and aggressive driving. It introduces provisions for motorcycle licenses and endorsements based on engine displacement and ensures a consistent identification verification process for all applicants, regardless of immigration status. The bill mandates that applicants provide proof of their social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and it clarifies that a standard basic driver's license will not be valid for official identification purposes as per the REAL ID Act of 2005. The act also emphasizes the importance of safe driving education and outlines the responsibilities of the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in developing driver education curriculum guidelines. The bill is set to take effect 13 months after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:5F-41
Advance Law: 27:5F-41
Pamphlet Law: 27:5F-41