How to Get a Driver's License in New York, Step by Step

The steps at a glance

New York State residents 16 and older can apply for a learner permit, the first step toward a driver license. The NY DMV lists three steps for a first passenger car (Class D) license:

1. Get a learner permit by passing a vision test and a written test at a DMV office.
2. Complete the pre-licensing requirements: supervised practice and a pre-licensing course.
3. Schedule and take a road test.

Applicants under 18 get a junior permit and license (Class DJ) with extra rules.

Step 1: The learner permit and written test

Bring the permit application (MV-44), proofs of identity, age and residence, and the fee to a DMV office. Your proofs of name must total six points or more, and at least one of them must have your signature.

You must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, and you must answer 2 of the 4 road sign questions correctly. Class D permit tests are given in 20 languages. To pass the vision test, you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses.

If you are under 18, you can take the permit test online and then make an appointment at a DMV office. DMV needs three business days to review your results; if you visit the office sooner, you must retake the test. Permits are valid for approximately 5 years. The total fee depends on your age and county; for applicants 21 and older it is $64.25 to $77.50.

Step 2: Supervised practice driving

No matter what age you are, with a learner permit you may drive only with a supervising driver who is 21 or older and has a valid license for the vehicle. Permit holders also may not drive in a DMV road test area, on streets within New York City parks, on Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority bridges and tunnels, or on certain parkways in Westchester County.

If you are under 18, more rules apply:

• You need at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including at least 15 hours after sunset. A parent or guardian certifies this on form MV-262.
• You must wait at least 6 months from the date you received your permit to schedule the road test.
• You cannot drive in New York City or on Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties) between 9 PM and 5 AM under any circumstances. In New York City during the day, the car must have dual controls (dual brakes).
• Every passenger must wear a seat belt. Upstate, no more than one passenger under 21 is allowed unless the passengers are immediate family; in New York City and on Long Island, the only front-seat passenger may be your supervising driver.

Step 3: The 5-hour pre-licensing course

The Pre-Licensing Course, also called the 5-Hour Course, is a DMV-approved, standardized course for new drivers. All new drivers must complete it before the road test, unless they complete a 48-hour Driver Education Program through a high school or college.

To book a road test, you need an original, unexpired Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) or a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285).

Step 4: Schedule and take the road test

You can schedule a road test online with the Road Test Scheduling System, or schedule, reschedule or cancel it by phone at 1-518-402-2100.

On test day, bring:

• your photo learner permit and your original MV-278 (copies are not accepted)
• form MV-262 if you are under 18
• your glasses or contact lenses, if your permit says you need them
• a vehicle with valid registration, insurance and inspection, and permanent license plates
• a licensed driver over 18 if someone drives you to the test site; no other passengers are allowed

If you pass, an interim license will be available online; keep it with your photo permit. The photo driver license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks. If you fail, your permit stays valid until it expires, and you must wait at least 14 days to take the test again.

Junior license rules and the probation period

A junior license (Class DJ) is available from age 16. Its main rules:

• New York City: you may not drive at any time.
• Long Island: from 5 AM to 9 PM you may drive alone only directly between home and work, school or driver education, or with a licensed parent, guardian or instructor.
• Upstate: from 5 AM to 9 PM you may drive alone; from 9 PM to 5 AM you may drive alone only directly between home and work or a school course.
• No more than one passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family.

At 17, you can get a senior license (Class D) if you have completed a state-approved high school or college driver education course and have an MV-285 on file. Otherwise, the junior rules apply until you turn 18.

All new drivers, regardless of age, have a 6-month probationary period after the road test. A conviction for speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, using a mobile phone or portable electronic device, or any 2 other moving violations during this time leads to a 60-day suspension.

Adults and drivers new to New York

Adults follow the same main steps: permit, written and vision tests, practice with a supervising driver 21 or older, the 5-hour course and a road test.

• License from another U.S. state: exchange it within 30 days of becoming a New York resident. It must be valid or expired less than 24 months. You pass a vision test and surrender your old license.
• License from another country: you can drive in New York with a valid foreign license. New residents must pass a written test, complete the 5-hour course and pass a road test. If your license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation to the road test. When you pass, you give your foreign license to the examiner.