How to get a driver's license in New York

If you are under 18

1. Apply for a learner permit

   You can apply for a New York learner permit when you are 16 or older. If you are 16 or 17, you need parental consent, unless you are 17 and have a Driver Education Certificate of Completion (MV-285). Your parent or guardian gives consent by signing the Parent/Guardian Consent section of the application form (MV-44). To get the permit, you must pass a written test and a vision test.

   Source: [1] [13] [14]

2. Follow the learner permit rules

   With a learner permit, you may drive only with a supervising driver who is 21 or older and has a valid license for the car. You may never drive with a permit on streets inside New York City parks, on Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority bridges and tunnels, on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County, or in a DMV road test area. With a junior permit, the only person allowed in the front seat is your supervising driver, and the other junior permit rules depend on where and when you drive:

   • Upstate New York, 5 AM to 9 PM: any supervising driver who is 21 or older and has a valid license for the car.
   • Upstate New York, 9 PM to 5 AM: your supervising driver must be your parent, your guardian, a person acting as your parent ("in loco parentis"), a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor.
   • New York City (the 5 boroughs), 5 AM to 9 PM: your supervising driver must be your parent, your guardian, a person acting as your parent, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor, and the car must have dual controls (dual brakes).
   • New York City, 9 PM to 5 AM: you may not drive at all.
   • Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), 5 AM to 9 PM: your supervising driver must be your parent, your guardian, a person acting as your parent, a person they name in writing, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor.
   • Long Island, 9 PM to 5 AM: you may not drive at all.

   Source: [8] [21]

3. Take driver education or the Pre-Licensing Course

   Before the road test, you must complete the Pre-Licensing Course (about 5 hours), unless you complete a 48-hour Driver Education Program at your high school or college. You must have a valid learner permit before you start the course. You must be at least 16 to take the classroom or virtual classroom course.

   Source: [3] [4]

4. Practice 50 hours and wait 6 months

   With a junior permit, you must have at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including at least 15 hours after sunset, before the road test. Your parent or guardian signs a Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262), and you give it to the examiner each time you take a road test. You must also wait at least 6 months from the date you got your permit before you schedule the road test (time when the permit was suspended or revoked does not count).

   Source: [3] [5] [21]

5. Pass the road test and get a junior license

   When you pass the road test, DMV gives you a junior license (Class DJ). This is the license class for drivers aged 16 and 17.

   Source: [8] [11]

6. Follow the junior license rules

   You may carry no more than 1 passenger under 21, unless the passengers are your immediate family or your supervising driver is your licensed parent, guardian, a person acting as your parent, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor. Other rules depend on the region:

   • Upstate New York, 5 AM to 9 PM: you may drive without a supervising driver.
   • Upstate New York, 9 PM to 5 AM: you may drive alone only directly between home and work or a school course. Otherwise, you need a supervising driver who is 21 or older and has a valid license for the car: your parent, guardian, a person acting as your parent, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor.
   • New York City (the 5 boroughs): you may not drive at all with a junior license. DMV advises junior permit holders who plan to drive a lot in New York City to wait until they are 18 to take the road test.
   • Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties): except in certain cases, you may drive only with a supervising driver (your parent, guardian, a person acting as your parent, a person they name in writing, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor). One exception: from 5 AM to 9 PM, you may drive alone directly between home and work.
   • When you use the home-to-work exception (Upstate between 9 PM and 5 AM, or on Long Island between 5 AM and 9 PM), you must carry a filled-out Certificate of Employment (MV-58A).

   Source: [7]

7. Get full driving privileges

   At 17, you can change your junior license to a senior license (Class D) if you have completed a state-approved high school or college driver education course. If you do not change it, the junior rules apply until you are 18. At 18, you do not need to visit an office: DMV mails you the new license automatically.

   Source: [7] [13] [11]

If you are 18 or older

1. Start with a learner permit

   At 18 or older, you apply for a Class D license, the license for passenger cars. There are 3 stages: pass the permit test, complete the pre-licensing requirements, and pass the road test. To get the learner permit, you must pass a written test and a vision test.

   Source: [11] [1] [13]

2. Drive only with a supervising driver

   With a learner permit, at any age, you may drive only with a supervising driver who is 21 or older and has a valid license for the car. You may not drive with a learner permit:

   • on any street inside a park in New York City
   • on any bridge or tunnel of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
   • on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
   • in a DMV road test area

   Source: [8]

3. Take the Pre-Licensing Course

   All new drivers must complete the Pre-Licensing Course (about 5 hours) before the road test, unless they completed a 48-hour Driver Education Program at a high school or college. You need a valid learner permit before you start. At 18 or older, you can also take the course online. The online course gives no certificate; instead, the course provider reports your completion to DMV, usually within 48 hours.

   Source: [3] [4]

4. Practice, then pass the road test

   The New York State Driver's Manual advises at least 50 hours of practice before the road test, with at least 15 hours after sunset and at least 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic. After you pass the road test, every new license holder, at any age, has a 6-month probation period.

   Source: [21] [1]

Moving to New York with a license from another state

New Resident Guide →

• The deadline: 30 days

  If you have a license from another U.S. state or territory, a federal district or a Canadian province, you must exchange it within 30 days after you become a New York resident. Living in New York for 90 days is considered evidence that you are a resident. Students from other states or countries who attend school in New York are normally not residents, so they do not need to exchange their license.

  Source: [12]

• Which licenses can be exchanged

  You must have had your license for at least 6 months (a commercial driver license is an exception). If the issue date on your license is within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of your driving record that shows you have had a license for more than 6 months. You cannot exchange a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is removed.

  Source: [12] [13]

• How the exchange works

  The written test and the road test may be waived if your license is from another U.S. state or U.S. territory, has been in effect for 6 months and has not been expired for more than 2 years. You must go to a DMV office in person, pass a vision test there (or bring a completed Vision Test Report, MV-619), surrender (give up) your out-of-state license and pay a fee. New York keeps your old license. You get a temporary license without a photo, and your new license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

  Source: [12] [13]

• If you are under 18

  If you are under 18 and have a license from another U.S. state, U.S. jurisdiction or Canadian province or territory, you need parental consent. If you are under 18, you cannot transfer a license from a country other than Canada. If you are under 16, you cannot drive in New York, even with a permit or license from another state.

  Source: [13] [7]

Documents to bring

• Basic rules

  When you apply, you must prove your age, your identity and where you live (your residence).

  • Bring original documents, or copies certified by the agency that issued them.
  • Expired documents are not accepted, unless DMV's list says otherwise.
  • Damaged documents, or documents with changes or erasures, are not accepted.
  • Only 1 document of each type, or from each source, is accepted.
  • Documents in a foreign language must come with a certified English translation.

  Source: [2] [13]

• Social Security number: 1 item

  Bring 1 item about your Social Security number. If you were ever given a Social Security number, you must write it on the application form (MV-44). Examples from DMV's list:

  • Original U.S. Social Security Card
  • Social Security number without the card: the number must be written on the application form (MV-44). This option cannot be used for an Enhanced document.

  Source: [13] [14]

• Citizenship, lawful status or date of birth: at least 1 proof

  Bring at least 1 proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful status or date of birth. Every proof in this group also counts as proof of your date of birth. Examples from DMV's list:

  • U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • Original U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by a state or local government)
  • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card I-551

  Source: [13]

• Proof of name: 6 points

  Each proof-of-name document has a point value, and your documents must add up to at least 6 points. At least 1 of them must show your signature. If you are under 21, your parent or guardian can use the Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (MV-45), which is worth 4 points. Your parent or guardian must come with you and sign this form in front of DMV staff. They must not sign it before the visit. You must still bring a birth certificate or other accepted proof of your date of birth.

  Source: [13] [21] [2]

• New York residence: 1 or 2 proofs

  Bring 1 proof of New York residence for a Standard license or permit, or 2 proofs for a REAL ID or Enhanced document. Your current address must be printed on the document (a P.O. box is not accepted), and electronic statements and e-bills must be printed. Some proofs, such as a bank statement or a utility bill, must be issued within 1 year before your visit. You can use proofs in your spouse's name if you have the same last name or you show documents that prove your relationship, such as a marriage certificate. Examples from DMV's list:

  • A New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card
  • A recent bank statement
  • A recent pay stub showing your current New York State address

  Source: [13] [16] [15]

• If your name has changed

  Only your full legal name can be printed on a REAL ID or Enhanced document; nicknames are not allowed. For these documents, if your name is different from the name on your proof of citizenship, lawful status or date of birth, bring original or certified copies of documents that show the change, such as a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or court-issued documents.

  Source: [16] [13]

• The complete list

  The documents you need depend on the card you choose: Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced. The complete official list is in form ID-44 ("How to Apply"). DMV's online pre-screening tool (Document Guide) tells you which forms and documents to bring.

  Source: [2] [13]

REAL ID

• What a REAL ID is

  A REAL ID is a license, learner permit or non-driver ID that meets federal rules. Unless you have a valid passport, you need one to board a flight inside the U.S. or to enter certain federal buildings. It is optional: you do not need it to drive. Since May 7, 2025, a Standard license, permit or ID cannot be used to board a domestic flight or to enter a federal building or military base.

  Source: [16] [17]

• Star, flag or neither

  New York REAL ID documents have a star. Enhanced documents have a U.S. flag and also meet REAL ID rules. A New York license or ID with no star and no flag is not a REAL ID. Enhanced documents are only for U.S. citizens who live in New York; you can use one instead of a passport to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.

  Source: [17] [16]

• What a Standard card and a REAL ID need

  The documents you need depend on the type of card:

  • Standard: proof of date of birth, 1 proof of residence and 6 points of proof of name.
  • REAL ID: proof of Social Security, proof of citizenship or lawful status, 2 proofs of residence and 6 points of proof of name.

  Source: [13]

• Special cases for REAL ID

  • A foreign passport alone proves your date of birth, but not lawful status. It cannot be used for a REAL ID or Enhanced document.
  • If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), dated within 30 days of your office visit, that says so. Also bring the Department of Homeland Security documents that you showed to the SSA.
  • If you have temporary lawful status, your REAL ID expires no later than the expiration date on your temporary lawful status document.

  Source: [13]

• How to apply

  You cannot get a REAL ID online, by phone or by mail: you must visit a DMV office, and DMV takes a new photo. There is no extra fee for a REAL ID, but the normal fees still apply. You get a temporary document, and your new card arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

  Source: [21] [16]

At the DMV office

These steps describe how you apply for a learner permit at a DMV office.

1. Make a reservation

   DMV strongly encourages you to make a reservation at a DMV office. When wait times are long, only people with a reservation may enter.

   Source: [18]

2. Get pre-screened online

   DMV's online pre-screening tool (Document Guide) tells you which forms and documents to bring. You can also fill in your application there, then print it and bring it to your appointment.

   Source: [2]

3. Fill in the application and bring your documents

   Every applicant completes the application form (MV-44). Write the address where you live (not a P.O. box): it will appear on your photo document. You must fill out the organ and tissue donation section (you can answer "Yes" or "Skip This Question"), and you sign that your information and documents are true and complete. Bring the form, your proofs of identity, age and residence, and the permit test fee.

   Source: [13] [14] [2]

4. Pass the vision test and the written test

   To get a learner permit, you must pass a vision test and a written test. If you passed the permit test online, DMV needs 3 business days to review your results and documents. If you go to the office within those 3 business days, you must take the permit test again there.

   Source: [13] [2]

5. Pay the fee

   The fee depends on your age and where you live. People who live in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, or Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County must also pay the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fee. You can pay by credit card, cash, or check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles". See DMV's fee page for the amounts.

   Source: [19] [13]

6. Get your learner permit

   When you pass the vision and written tests and pay the fees, DMV issues your learner permit, and you can start learning to drive. A learner permit is valid for about 5 years.

   Source: [21] [10]

The tests

• Written (knowledge) test

  The written test checks your knowledge of the rules of the road, safe driving, road signs and the laws about alcohol and drugs while driving. The material is in Chapters 4 to 11 of the New York State Driver's Manual. To pass, you must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, including at least 2 of the 4 questions about road signs.

  • Languages (20): English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu and Yiddish
  • Format: on a touch-screen test station or on paper

  Source: [21] [22] [2]

• Taking the permit test online (under 18)

  If you are under 18, you can take the permit test online when you pre-screen your documents. Students aged 15 years and 11 months or older can also take the test at participating high schools through DMV's Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA), in English or Spanish. If you pass, you can apply for your permit at a motor vehicle office once you are 16; if you fail, you can take it again online as many times as your school allows.

  Source: [2] [21]

• Vision test

  You need a visual acuity (sharpness of sight) of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes, with or without glasses or contact lenses. You can take the test at a DMV office, or your eye-care provider can send your results to DMV (a Vision Test Report, MV-619, must be completed in English). Results are normally valid for 12 months, but an eye doctor may decide that a result is valid for only 6 months. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, a "B" restriction is put on your license or permit.

  Source: [20]

• Road test: how to schedule

  Schedule the road test online in DMV's Road Test Scheduling System, or by phone at 1-518-402-2100. The earliest date is usually 3 to 5 weeks away; during summer and school breaks, it can be up to 10 weeks away. You do not have to take the test in the county where you live. To schedule, you need:

  • a valid New York learner permit
  • the ZIP code of the place where you want to take the test
  • at least 1 unused road test
  • if you took the classroom or virtual Pre-Licensing Course or driver education: your original Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) or Driver Education Certificate of Completion (MV-285). It must still be valid on the day you make the appointment. The MV-278 is valid for 1 year and the MV-285 for 2 years. If your MV-278 expires, you must take the course again.
  • if you took the online Pre-Licensing Course: no certificate

  Source: [6] [5] [4]

• Road test: what to bring

  No passengers other than the accompanying driver are allowed. Mobile ID is not accepted for either driver. The car must have permanent license plates (in-transit permits are not allowed) and working doors and seat belts, and the passenger seat belt must be clean and ready for the examiner. Bring:

  • your physical photo learner permit
  • your glasses or contact lenses, if your permit says you need corrective lenses
  • your original Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278), if you took the classroom or virtual course (copies are not accepted)
  • if you are under 18: the Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262), completed by your parent or guardian
  • a licensed driver who is over 18 (if they drive you to the test site) or over 21 (if you drive there)
  • a car with valid registration, insurance and inspection, that works properly and is clean

  Source: [5] [21]

• Road test: on the day

  • Bad weather or road construction can cancel or move a test, so check for cancellations before you leave.
  • Arrive up to 15 minutes before your test. If you are late, you may have to reschedule.
  • Before the test, the examiner takes pictures of you, your documents, your permit and the car.
  • The test is on city streets. Parallel parking is part of every road test, and you may be asked to make a three-point turn.
  • You may not practice driving at road test sites.

  Source: [5] [21]

• Road test: results

  Your result is posted online after 6 PM on the day of the test. If you fail, your learner permit stays valid until it expires, and you must wait at least 14 days before you take the test again. If you failed your first 2 road tests, you must pay extra fees for more tests.

  Source: [5]

After you pass

• Interim license, then your card by mail

  After you pass the road test, an interim license that lets you drive is available online. Keep it with your photo learner permit. Your photo driver license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

  Source: [5]

• 6-month probation

  Every new license holder, at any age, has a 6-month probation period after passing the road test. During this time, your license can be suspended or revoked for certain convictions. For example, your license is suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of speeding, reckless driving, following too closely or taking part in a speed contest, or of any 2 other moving violations.

  Source: [1] [9]

• If you are under 18

  With a junior license, you must obey the rules for junior drivers. Your junior license is suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of 1 serious traffic violation or 2 other violations committed while you held it.

  Source: [5] [7]

• Keeping your license

  Your first New York license is valid for up to 5 years and expires on your birthday. A renewed license is valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 1 year before it expires; if DMV has your current address, it mails you a renewal notice about 45 days before. If you move, you must tell DMV your new address within 10 days.

  Source: [21] [20]

Official links

• Get your learner permit and first driver license (dmv.ny.gov)
• Prepare for and take your permit test (dmv.ny.gov)
• Rules for drivers under 18 (Graduated License Law) (dmv.ny.gov)
• Complete list of documents: How to Apply (ID-44, PDF) (dmv.ny.gov)
• Application form MV-44 (PDF) (dmv.ny.gov)
• REAL ID and Enhanced documents (dmv.ny.gov)
• Find a DMV office and make a reservation (dmv.ny.gov)
• Schedule and take a road test (dmv.ny.gov)
• Driver license and learner permit fees (dmv.ny.gov)
• Exchange an out-of-state driver license (dmv.ny.gov)

Sources

1. Get Your Learner Permit and First Driver License (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
2. Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
3. Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
4. The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
5. Schedule and Take a Road Test (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6. DMV Road Test Scheduling System (nyrtsscheduler.com) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
7. The Graduated License Law and Restrictions for Drivers Under 18 (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
8. Learner Permit Restrictions (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
9. New Driver Restrictions (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
10. Learner Permits (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
11. New York State Learner Permit and Driver License Class Descriptions (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
12. Exchange Your Out-of-State Driver License (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
13. How to Apply for a New York Learner Permit, Driver License, Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44) (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
14. Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44) (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
15. Finding Enough Proof of ID (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
16. Enhanced or REAL ID (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
17. Sample New York DMV Photo Documents (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
18. DMV Office Locations and Reservations (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
19. Driver License and Learner Permit Fees and Refunds (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
20. Vision Requirements and Restrictions (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
21. New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
22. New York State Driver's Manual and Practice Tests (dmv.ny.gov) — New York State Department of Motor Vehicles