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New York DMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your New York License
  • Preparing For Your NY Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your NY Permit Test
  • Renewing Your NY License
  • Taking Your NY Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your NY Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to New York or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have a learner's permit:

  • You may only drive while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
  • You may NOT drive with your permit in any of the following areas:
    • In a DMV road testing area.
    • Any park or street within New York City.
    • Any tunnel or bridge that falls under the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
    • On the following Westchester County parkways:
    • Cross Country
    • Hutchinson River
    • Saw Mill River
    • Taconic State
  • You must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test.
  • You must wear a seat belt at all times, as well as each passenger.
  • Only your supervising driver is allowed to sit in the front seat.
  • Only one passenger under 21 years old is allowed, UNLESS your parent/guardian is supervising you or the passengers are immediate family members.

All other restrictions are regionally specific to the New York county in which you live. These include additional restrictions on how many passengers you can carry, which daytime and nighttime hours you're allowed to drive within, cell phone use, and seatbelt provisions. See the NY DMV's guide to each region's junior learner's permit restrictions to learn exactly what's required in your area.

If you have a junior driver's license, your restrictions will similarly be region-specific. Consult the DMV's guides offered above for details.

What happens after I pass my NY road test?

The examiner will issue a temporary license to use until your permanent photo card arrives in the mail. Keep this interim license with your permit at all times.

If you're under 18 years old, there are still a few license restrictions you'll need to follow until you turn 18. These are specific to where in New York State you live see the DMV's guide to the graduated licensing restrictions for your area.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver (at least 21 years old) sitting in the passenger seat.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the DMV office where you apply.

Once I get my NY permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

With your learner's permit in hand, you can immediately begin practicing your driving skills with your parent or supervising driver.

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How To Get A New York Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for new drivers, or drivers whose out-of-state licenses have expired 24 months or longer prior to moving to New York.

The requirements to obtain a NY driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard, REAL ID, or enhanced driver’s license.

NY Learner’s Permit Requirements

All new drivers in New York, regardless of age, must first obtain a learner’s permit before qualifying for a full driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years old to get your permit.

To apply, you’ll need to:

You can take your written exam in person, or you can start your permit application and take your permit test online. If you’re under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must supervise your exam.

If you choose to take your test online, you’ll still need to visit the DMV to complete the application process. In addition to the documents listed above, you’ll also need to bring in a:

Learner’s Permit Restrictions for All Drivers

Regardless of age, all New York drivers with a learner’s permit must adhere to the following requirements:

  • You may only drive while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
  • You may NOT drive with your permit in any of the following areas:
    • In a DMV road testing area.
    • Any park or street within New York City.
    • Any tunnel or bridge that falls under the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
    • On the following Westchester County parkways:
      • Cross Country
      • Hutchinson River
      • Saw Mill River
      • Taconic State

Junior Learner’s Permit Restrictions for Minors

If you’re under 18 years old, there are additional restrictions you must adhere to on top of those required for all permitted drivers. All teens must:

  • Hold a learner’s permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test.
  • Wear a seat belt at all times, as well as each passenger.
  • Only allow your supervising driver to sit in the front seat.
  • Only allow one passenger under 21 years old, UNLESS your parent/guardian is supervising you or the passengers are immediate family members.

All other restrictions are regionally specific to the New York county in which you live. These include additional restrictions on how many passengers you can carry, which daytime and nighttime hours you’re allowed to drive within, cell phone use, and seatbelt provisions. See the NY DMV’s guide to each region’s junior learner’s permit restrictions to learn exactly what’s required in your area.

All drivers under 18 years old must also complete at least 50 total hours of supervised driving practice before applying for a driver’s license. These hours must include:

  • At least 10 hours driven in moderate to heavy traffic.
  • At least 15 hours driven after sunset.

Your supervising parent or guardian must complete and sign a Certification of Supervised Driving (form MV-262) attesting that you’ve met the state’s requirements.

Driver’s Education Requirements in New York

Before you can take your road test, all new drivers must complete one of two driver education options:

  • A high school or college Driver Education course.
  • A 5-hour Pre-Licensing course. If you’re at least 18 years old, this can be taken online. The DMV offers a list of approved providers.

Depending on which course you take, you’ll receive one of the following certificates of completion:

  • Driver’s Ed course: Student Certificate of Completion (form MV-285).
  • Pre-licensing course: Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (form MV-287).

You must bring the appropriate form with you to your road test.

Getting a New York Driver’s License

You can schedule your road test once you have:

  • Completed your required education course (all drivers).
  • Completed your supervised driving hours and held your permit for at least 6 months (applicants under 18 years old).

You must bring a registered vehicle and a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with you to your road test. Make sure to also have your:

  • Learner’s permit.
  • Proof of registration/inspection and insurance for the vehicle you will test in.
  • Student Certificate of Completion (form MV-285) or Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (form MV-287).
  • Signed Certification of Supervised Driving (form MV-262), if you’re under 18 years old.
  • Glasses or contacts, if applicable.

Once you pass your road test, the examiner will issue a temporary license to use until your permanent photo card arrives in the mail. Keep this interim license with your permit at all times.

You can also upgrade to an enhanced license or REAL ID license, if you didn’t do so when you applied for your permit. An enhanced license allows you to cross land borders (Mexico and Canada) using your driver’s license instead of requiring a passport. There are specific documents to bring, and you’ll pay an extra $30 fee for the enhanced license (there is no additional fee for a REAL ID).

Lastly, if you’re under 18 years old, there are still a few license restrictions you’ll need to follow until you turn 18. These are specific to where in New York State you live—see the DMV’s guide to the graduated licensing restrictions for your area.

Transferring an Out-of-State Driver’s License to New York

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to New York, you have 30 days to apply for your NY driver’s license once you’ve established residency.

Transferring a Learner’s Permit to New York

If you have an out-of-state learner’s permit, you cannot exchange it for a NY permit. Instead, you’ll need to complete the steps above for applying for a New York learner driver permit.

Transferring an Out-of-State Unrestricted License to New York

If you have a full, unrestricted out-of-state driver’s license, the process of converting it to a NY driver’s license is quite simple. First, though, your license must:

  • Be current or expired for under 24 months.
  • Have been issued at least 6 months before you moved to New York State and are applying for a NY driver’s license.
  • Clearly show your photo.

To exchange your out-of-state license for a NY license, you must visit a DMV office in person. Gather the following documents:

  • Your valid out-of-state driver’s license.
  • Proof of your:
    • Name (must total at least 6 points).
    • Identity and citizenship or lawful presence.
    • Social Security number (REAL ID or Enhanced license).
    • New York residency.
      • Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID, standard driver’s license, or Enhanced driver’s license, and each document equals a different point total. See the NY DMV’s guide to acceptable documents and points for help.
  • Payment for the applicable fee(s):
    • Standard license: $65
    • Standard license—MCTD counties: $75
    • Enhanced license: Additional $30 on top of license fee

Make an appointment with a DMV branch office and bring all of the above. All out-of-state applicants must undergo a vision screening or submit a completed Eye Test Report (form MV-619), but most won’t need to repeat a written exam or driving test. However, certain circumstances (such as an expired out-of-state license, for example) may necessitate taking these exams.

New York DMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

NY Motorcycle Permit Requirements

To get a motorcycle license in New York, all new motorcycle riders must first get a motorcycle permit. If you haven’t yet obtained a standard New York learner’s permit or license and you plan to do so, apply for that credential first before getting your motorcycle license (see the steps above for details).

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, you’ll need to:

You can take your written exam in person, or you can start your permit application and take your permit test online. If you’re under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must supervise your exam.

With your permit, it’s highly recommended you get at least 30 hours of riding practice before attempting your road test, with at least 10 hours in medium-to-heavy traffic. you’ll need to adhere to the following restrictions:

  • You must be accompanied by a supervising driver who:
    • Is at least 21 years old.
    • Has their own valid motorcycle license.
    • Is within ¼ mile of you at all times.
  • You may NOT drive with your permit in any of the following areas:
    • In a DMV road testing area.
    • Any park or street within New York City.
    • Any tunnel or bridge that falls under the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
    • On the following Westchester County parkways:
      • Cross Country
      • Hutchinson River
      • Saw Mill River

If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll need to follow additional requirements on top of those for all permitted drivers. These are regionally specific to the New York county in which you live. See the NY DMV’s guide to each region’s junior motorcycle learner’s permit restrictions to learn exactly what’s required in your area.

NY Motorcycle Education Courses

If you don’t yet have another class of New York driver’s license, you must first take either a high school or college Driver Education course or a 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course in order to get your motorcycle license.

For drivers who already have a NY driver’s license, though not required, it’s highly recommended that you take a state-approved Basic Rider Course before taking your motorcycle road test. This course will teach you the specifics you need in order to pass your on-cycle road test and keep yourself safe while on the roads.

Taking the Basic Rider Course may also qualify you for a road test waiver. In order to be eligible, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Already have both a valid NY driver’s license and a motorcycle learner’s permit.
  • Take a class presented through the NY State Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Once you pass your courses, you can present your certificate of completion to the DMV in lieu of the on-road skills test.

NY Motorcycle License Requirements

Once you’ve practiced with your permit, you can schedule your road test. If you passed a Basic Rider Course and qualified for a skills test waiver, you can skip down to the licensing applications steps below.

At your road test, make sure you have:

  • A registered and inspected motorcycle, as well as a registered and inspected motor vehicle to carry the license examiner during your exam.
  • An accompanying licensed driver at least 21 years old.
  • Your motorcycle permit and NY driver’s license, OR your driver’s education or pre-licensing course completion certificate if you don’t yet have a NY license.
    • If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll also need your proof of supervised driving practice.
  • Your glasses or contacts, if applicable.
  • All appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and eyewear.

Once you pass your road test, the examiner will give you a temporary motorcycle license to kep with your permit. You must wait 7 days before heading to the DMV to apply for your motorcycle license. (If you don’t already have a standard NY driver’s license, you’ll get your motorcycle license in the mail instead). Bring to the DMV:

  • A completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
    • You can also start this form online.
  • Your temporary motorcycle license, permit, and standard driver’s license.
  • A Basic Rider Course (BRC) or a Basic Rider Course 2 License/Waiver (BRC2-LW) course  completion card, if you took a BRC and bypassed the on-cycle skills exam.

Payment for the $12.50 correction fee to add the motorcycle endorsement to your license.

New York CDL Requirements

New York CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in New York, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials (HAZMAT), you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid NY standard driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

To get your CLP:

  1. Make an appointment with your local DMV.
  2. Provide your NY driver’s license along with proof of:
    1. Name and legal presence.
    2. Social Security number.
    3. NY residency.
  3. Provide a completed:
    1. Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
      1. You can also start this form online.
      2. You must be able to list all states where you’ve held a license over the last 10 years, and certify the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive.
    2. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
  4. Pass a vision screening.
  5. Take the commercial learner’s permit exam, along with any other exams that pertain to specific CDL endorsements you’re applying for.
  6. Pay the applicable CDL fee, which varies based on your standard license expiration date and class as well as when you receive your CDL.

You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can test for your full commercial driver’s license. You may only practice while supervised by another CDL holder whose license is of the same class.

Once you’ve practiced and feel confident for your road test.

  1. Schedule your road test online.
  2. Bring a vehicle representative of the class and type which you’re applying to drive, along with its valid proof of registration and insurance.
  3. Provide your:
    1. Regular NY driver’s license.
    2. Commercial learner’s permit.
    3. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) or a medical waiver.
  4. Be prepared to pay any required testing fee.

The DMV CDL Manual offers a guide to your CDL skills exam. After passing your skills exam, you must wait at least 1 business day before heading to the DMV to get your full New York commercial driver’s license.

New York DMV Handbooks

New York CDL Handbook

New York CDL Handbook

New York CDL Handbook
New York Driver's License Handbook

New York Driver's License Handbook

New York Driver's License Handbook
New York Motorcycle Handbook

New York Motorcycle Handbook

New York Motorcycle Handbook