NJ Form BLS-129: Driving School Exam Card Ledger Guide – Licensed driving schools and secondary schools in New Jersey that administer state-approved knowledge and vision tests must maintain accurate records of examination cards issued to students. The official tool for this is New Jersey Form BLS-129, the Driving School Examination Card Ledger. Issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Business Licensing Services Bureau, this controlled form helps schools track every card, ensure compliance, and prepare for MVC inspections.
This guide explains what Form BLS-129 is, who must use it, required information, record retention rules, and how to obtain the current version. All details are based on official New Jersey MVC resources and administrative requirements.
What Is New Jersey Form BLS-129?
Form BLS-129 is the official ledger used by New Jersey driving schools and secondary schools to account for the issuance of New Jersey School Driver Examination Cards (also called HS Waiver Cards or examination cards). These numbered, controlled documents are issued to students who successfully complete the MVC knowledge (written) test and, when applicable, a vision screening administered by a certified instructor.
The ledger records key details for every card so schools can demonstrate proper control of secure documents. The form is identified as BLS-129 (revised 4/16) and is available directly from the New Jersey MVC.
You can download the official blank Form BLS-129 PDF here: New Jersey Driving School Examination Card Ledger (BLS-129).
Who Must Use the Driving School Examination Card Ledger?
Form BLS-129 is required for:
- Licensed commercial driving schools authorized by the NJ MVC to administer knowledge and vision tests.
- Secondary (high) schools with certified instructors who issue New Jersey School Driver Examination Cards under MVC guidelines.
Only NJ MVC-certified instructors may administer the Drivers Education exam and complete the examination cards. Students are not permitted to fill out the cards themselves. The ledger must be maintained at the school’s principal place of business and made available to MVC representatives upon request.
Driving schools must also keep broader student and business records for three years under N.J.A.C. 13:23-2.19. Secondary schools typically retain examination-related records for at least two years.
Required Information on Form BLS-129
The ledger captures the following data for each examination card issued (based on the official BLS-129 format):
- Control number of the examination card
- Date of issuance
- Student’s full name
- Student’s date of birth
- Written (knowledge) test date
- Written test score (minimum 80% / 40 correct answers out of 50 is required to pass)
- Vision test results (when applicable)
- Instructor’s name
- Instructor’s MVC-issued license/ID number
- Indication of original or duplicate card
- Driving school name and ID number
All entries must be legible, typed or printed in ink. Corrections should follow standard recordkeeping practices (single line through the error, original entry remaining readable). Voids (including cards issued to anyone over age 18, which are invalid) must be noted and retained with the ledger.
How the Examination Card and Ledger Work Together?
When a student meets the proficiency standard on the knowledge test:
- The certified instructor fully completes the New Jersey School Driver Examination Card (left side issued to the student).
- The instructor signs the card in ink and enters their full certified instructor license number.
- Test results are immediately entered on Form BLS-129.
- The right side of the card is attached to the test document and stored securely (typically in a locked filing cabinet) for the required retention period.
Examination cards expire on the student’s 18th birthday with no exceptions. Lost or stolen cards or ledger materials must be reported to the MVC Business Licensing Services Bureau by the end of the next business day, along with a police report listing control numbers.
Recordkeeping and Compliance Requirements
New Jersey MVC regulations require driving schools to maintain all business, employee, and student records at the principal place of business for three years and make them available for inspection. Secondary schools follow similar security and retention rules for examination documents.
Key compliance points include:
- Secure storage of blank and completed examination cards as controlled documents.
- Accurate, up-to-date ledger entries for every card issued, including failures and voids.
- Availability of ledgers and related test documents for MVC audits or requests.
- Use of only MVC-approved forms and procedures.
Failure to maintain proper records can lead to license suspension, revocation, or other enforcement actions under N.J.A.C. Title 13, Chapter 23.
For the full list of driving school licensing requirements and related forms, visit the official NJ MVC Driving School License page.
How to Obtain and Complete Form BLS-129?
The current official Form BLS-129 is available as a free PDF download from the New Jersey MVC website:
Download New Jersey Form BLS-129 — Driving School Examination Card Ledger
Print the form and complete it by hand in ink or type the information. Keep the completed ledger with other secured driver education records. Driving schools order additional examination cards and related supplies through the official Driver’s Education Supply Order Form submitted to the Business Licensing Unit.
Contact for questions or supply orders:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business Licensing Services Bureau
Driving School Unit
P.O. Box 170
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0170
Email: [email protected]
Why Proper Use of Form BLS-129 Matters?
Accurate completion of the Driving School Examination Card Ledger protects students, supports the integrity of New Jersey’s graduated driver license (GDL) system, and helps schools avoid compliance violations. It creates a clear audit trail showing that only eligible students received examination cards after meeting the required 80% proficiency standard on the knowledge test.
Parents, teens, and driving school operators across the United States (especially those operating in or relocating to New Jersey) benefit from understanding these official MVC procedures. Always rely on the latest forms and guidance published by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
For the most current information, visit the official New Jersey MVC website or the dedicated Driving School License resource page.