I took my driving test today. Didn't get my license, but I can go back and take the test again in another couple of weeks, so no big deal. I took a driver ed course in 4th quarter of sophomore year (for 10th grade phys. ed/driver ed, my school places us by our birthdays). If you pass the written test (80 or higher), then you can go for your permit at 16. At 16, you can take a 6-hour behind-the-wheel course, then get your permit, and go for your license a year later at 17. Or, you can wait to get your permit until you're 17, and then go for your license 6 months later. In NJ, you have to be 17 to get your license (which I think is the oldest driving age of all the states).