Why do people bother answering questions when they have no idea what they're talking about! Rack up points somewhere else.
Your answer is: not necessarily. Read on!
In New Jersey, the car you test in MUST have a foot or hand brake accessible to the test administrator in the event of a problem of some kind.
For most vehicles, this DOES mean a center hand brake (a.k.a. emergency or parking brake). It could also mean a bench seat or something similar that would allow the instructor easy access to a foot brake/brake pedal.
According to the DMV, here are the things your car CAN'T have if you're using it for the test:
*** a center console, air conditioner, radio or other equipment in a position that prevents the examiner from reaching the foot or parking brakes.
* Improper, expired or no inspection sticker
* Any defect or condition that affects the safe operation of the test vehicle, such as, but not limited to:
- poor brakes (pedal must not fade or go to the floorboard)
- broken or missing parking brake
- unsafe tires (smooth, cut, badly worn)
- vehicle interior is not in reasonably clean condition.
- vehicle failed inspection, and driver does not bring the card issued by the inspection station to road test area.
- vehicle not equipped with radial tires or snow tires or chains when road is snow covered.
- fast engine idle (cannot judge speed control).
- missing seat belts. Seat belts are required on all vehicles manufactured after July 1, 1966.
And I found this on a "NJ Road Test" website:
"The driving test cannot be administered in a vehicle in which there is a center console type construction, or other obstruction which will prevent the licensing examiner from having access to the foot brake, unless the parking brake is mounted to the right of the driver in a position accessible to the examiner. If the emergency brake is the only accessible brake to the examiner it must be in good working order."
Hope this helps! I'd suggest borrowing a friend or relative's car for the test if you need to. Good luck!
PS - The hand brake is commonly called the parking brake because it is usually engaged when parked. It is ALSO referred to as an emergency brake, for the simple fact that if you need to stop in an emergency, it will make you! There is some quibbling in car circles about the phrase, but it is NOT incorrect usage.