JQuery :: Validate Plugin And Onclick?

I am using an ASP panel for a 3 step registration, on the page I have used jQuery to validate the form (#form1)

Code:

<script>
$(document).ready(function(){
$("#form1").validate();
});
</script>

In the form I have used class= to set the required validation rules.

HTML Code:

<asp:TextBox ID="P1_txt_Forename" runat="server" class="required" minlength="2" />

And finally on the panel I have a button with an onclick event

HTML Code:

<asp:Button ID="btn_P1_Next" runat="server" onclick="btn_P1_Next_Click" Text="Next" />

The validation works as expected but regardless of whether the form is valid or not, the button takes me to the next panel. I think what I need to do is add something to the jQuery that will run "btn_P1_Next_Click" but only when form1 is valid, otherwise it will keep me on the same panel. Also within the jQuery I would need to account for the current panel, e.g. so if I am on panel1 then run "btn_P1_Next_Click", on panel2 run"btn_P2_Next_Click"...