New NJ drivers: Having issues driving legally?

Hello, fellow New Jersians!

I'm not a DREAMer myself, but my girlfriend is. She should be getting her SS card any day now. We plan to go to the DMV and start the process of getting her driving permit, which shouldn't be an issue. We do have one issue, though, that I'm sure many of you are aware of...

Seeing as neither of her parents have drivers licenses, she's 18 (no friends over 21,) and I'm almost 20, there's pretty much no way she could legally practice. How are you (assuming you have the same issue) going about practicing? Do you drive unsupervised, with a licensed friend, or something else? Have you ever been pulled over and gotten in trouble for not having a 21+ year-old, 3-year licensed driver with you? Did the cops listen to reason? Also, do you have your red decals on your drivers license?

Say you do get pulled over, and you get a ticket (for either not having a mature, licensed driver or not having decals.) What happens then? Will it affect your DACA status, or do you just pay the fine and move on? Will it hurt you later on when/if the DA passes?

What we theoretically could, but shouldn't do, is get her permit, not drive for 6 months (except for some short practice sessions so she can pass the test,) and then have her practice regularly with me once she gets her probationary license. However, this would technically be less safe than practicing illegally, as she would be able to drive alone with minimal experience.

What do you guys suggest/what are you doing?

Any answers would be appreciated! Thanks a lot!

The best thing is to go to driving school and have a driving instructor teach her. Yes, she must have red decals on the license plates of the car if under 21.I don't believe a ticket for not having the red decals or driving supervised with under 21 will hurt DACA renewal or any immigration reform. But there will be fines and could increase the time it takes her to get her license. It should be all in the handbook the fines, etc - so the risk is up to her. Also remember if she does get into an accident or traffic violation while you are in the car, you as well as her are responsible.

I am 21 and have received the examination permit. I am in the same boat of having no one to practice with so i just drive with the permit. I have called DMV and asked what happens if i get pulled over and they said it is only a $100 fine with no delays on the license which i will be getting january 29th. Also, it definitely does not affect any immigration status to get pulled over with a permit. (I could be wrong with the fine and delays as she is 18 and not 21, there are different rules regarding 21 year olds.)

Yes, I agree with Swim 19 better to pay for driving classes with instructor you can also pay them to take you to the dmv exam and borrow their care to take the test. Do you have any cousins? teachers that might be willing to help? Is she involved in any church group or community group? There is always someone willing to help out.

Thanks for the forewarning about getting in an accident/ Didn't even consider that being a possibility. The reason I asked about the red decals is because when I was supposed to us them (I had my provisional license for 3 months at the time,) almost nobody I knew actually used them. I don't even think I see them very often at all anymore, so I'm semi-curious as to whether or not cops actually care about them.

From what I see, it's the same fines. Thanks for your input!

Nope, she's out of high school and far from any teachers she had. All of her friends are at college for the most part. She's not a part of any groups. All of my cousins and siblings live too far that it would be inconvenient for them to help. Now that I think about it, my mom could definitely teach her. Not sure why I haven't thought of that before. I guess it sucks that she can't get practice with me, but we should both be thankful that she's allowed to get a DL thanks to DACA.

Thanks everybody for your input!

Though with the responsibility of accident/ticket I'm not sure if it would be the case if you are under 21..

I have no idea how strict they are about the red decals. Now that you mention it, I've never really noticed them on any cars. So maybe it isn't reinforced? Still it would suck to have to pay $100 fine for something stupid like that if you are caught.

Don't see the issue here. Its always been like this. If she knows how to drive best be for her to driving school and do it from there because i don't think she's going to wait till she is 21

You should go to a driving school. Then 6 months later take the test. Take the driving lessons toward the end of that period I guess.