New Jersey Permit Test Languages: 13 Options and Interpreter Help

Yes. The New Jersey MVC provides the driver knowledge test in 13 languages. You can select your preferred language on the computer kiosk at the agency. Request your language when you schedule your appointment.

Can I take the permit test in a language other than English in New Jersey?

Yes. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) provides the driver knowledge test in 13 languages, including English. The test is administered on a computer kiosk where you can select your preferred language.

13 Knowledge-Test Languages and How to Choose One

The New Jersey MVC knowledge test is available in multiple languages at all regional offices. Request your preferred language when scheduling your appointment online or by calling the MVC contact center.

• You should request your language preference when scheduling your appointment online or by phone.
• You can often confirm or select your language on the screen before the exam begins.
• For example, a Korean speaker in Fort Lee can select Korean at the North Bergen MVC center, while a Portuguese speaker in Newark can take the test in their native language.

What if my language is not one of the 13 NJ permit-test languages?

Contact NJ MVC before the test so it can arrange a state-contracted interpreter. Interpreter appointments can take several weeks, so request the service well before your planned test date.

Does NJ MVC pay for the permit-test interpreter?

Yes. When MVC arranges an approved interpreter for an unsupported test language, MVC secures and pays for that interpreter.

Can I bring my own translator to the NJ knowledge test?

No. A personal or family translator cannot assist during the knowledge test. If the test is not available in your language, use MVC's approved interpreter process.

English and Spanish Oral Test Options

Oral tests (audio read-aloud) are available via headphones, but only in English and Spanish.

• If you need the questions read to you in Spanish, you must request headphones when you check in.
• For all other languages, the test is text-based only on the computer screen.
• The translation quality is official, but road signs within test questions often appear in English. A common mistake is not recognizing the English text for 'YIELD' or 'ONE WAY' when practicing only with translated materials.

Interpreter and Document-Translation Rules

• No Personal Help During the Test: You cannot use a phone, dictionary, or personal translator while taking the knowledge test.
• Document Translation: Foreign-language identity or residency documents have separate translation requirements. Check the Required Documents guidance before your MVC visit.

What languages is the New Jersey permit test available in?

The New Jersey permit test is available in 13 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian, and Turkish.

Test Languages vs. Driver Manual Languages

The computer-based knowledge test is offered in 13 languages. The official Basic Automobile Driver Manual is currently available digitally in English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Gujarati.

Are NJ Driver Manuals available in all 13 test languages?

No. The knowledge test is offered in 13 languages, but the digital Basic Automobile Driver Manual is currently available in six: English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Gujarati.

Interpreter and ASL Options for Other Language Needs

Applicants whose language is not available on the standard test can use MVC's interpreter process. Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants also have ASL support.

Can I take the New Jersey knowledge test in ASL?

Deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants can use ASL testing support and approved interpreter assistance through MVC. Ask for the accommodation before test day so MVC can arrange the correct option.

Knowledge-Test Language Support vs. Road-Test Interpreter Rules

The road test follows a separate interpreter policy. See the dedicated road-test language guide for those rules; this page covers knowledge-test languages and interpreter support.

How to Prepare for a Multilingual NJ Permit Test

• Confirm the language on the testing screen before you begin.
• If your language is not offered, request MVC interpreter support early.
• Use the current official Driver Manual and check document-translation requirements separately before your appointment.