New MVC ‘Written Test’ Should Expedite Appointments, Agency Says
NEW JERSEY - The ‘written test’ as New Jersey drivers know it may be a thing of the past.
Amid historically high demand for driver testing services in New Jersey, including driver knowledge tests for teens learning how to drive, the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission has announced a completed rollout of online knowledge testing, completely replacing the paper-and-pencil test at New Jersey high schools.
“We are always looking to modernize our processes so customers can be served more effectively,” said MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton in a statement. “Administering knowledge tests on a web-based application in proctored settings allows us to maintain the integrity of the test, while improving security, speeding processing, and providing flexibility in how and where they are taken.”
Related: NJ Teens Struggle To Find Drivers License Appointments Amid COVID
The first phase of the online rollout began in the 2021-22 school year at public and private high schools throughout the state. Instead of knowledge tests being mailed to schools on a compact disc (with teachers needing to print out seven different versions of the exam to curb cheating), computerized testing automatically displays different exam versions with the click of a button.
All 665 high schools in the state licensed to administer the test have since migrated to online testing, the MVC said. The second phase of the initiative was launched this spring, and employs online testing at the 139 commercial driving schools in the state.
The surge in demand specifically for teen-related driving services previously stemmed from factors ranging from COVID-19 related staffing challenges, more students seeking permits and tests at agencies instead of taking them through their schools and a backlog of teens who couldn't take the test last year due to the pandemic.
Other factors include an increase in no-show appointments and the recent expanded eligibility for new licenses.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MVC has also began to offer online knowledge tests at state college campuses, including 14 testing events at Rowan College and Passaic County Community College. Together, the locations have provided for nearly 2,300 exams since fall 2021, per the MVC.
In fact, the program may soon get even larger in expanding to commercial drivers license knowledge tests. Later this month, online knowledge testing for transportation, trucking and busing industries will be tested for state partners and stakeholders, the MVC added.
New MVC ‘Written Test’ Should Expedite Appointments, Agency Says originally appeared on the Across New Jersey Patch
