New York

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

Once you've passed your road skills exam, 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 apply for your license at any DMV branch office.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

New York requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to obtain a learner's permit before taking the road test and applying for a driver's license in the state.

To apply for your New York permit, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number (if you're applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced permit).
  • New York residency.
    • The NY DMV provides a full guide to acceptable proofs based on whether you want a standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID permit.
• A completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
  • You can also start this form online.
• Payment for the appropriate fee, based on your age and residence.

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 an Online Permit Test Attestation for Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older (form MV-264) and sign it in front of the DMV agent.

You'll then need to take either a high school/college driver education course or a 5-hour Pre-Licensing course, where you'll receive a certificate of completion. To take your road test and apply for your license, you'll need 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).
• Glasses or contacts, if applicable.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment and provide 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).
• Glasses or contacts, if applicable.

To apply for a NY junior driver's license, you must:

• Have earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 6 months.
• Have completed your required driver's education course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours, logged on the Certification of Supervised Driving (form MV-262).
• Pass the driving skills road test.

New York requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to get a learner's permit and complete a pre-licensing course before being eligible to obtain a NY driver's license. However, there are no minimum practice hours. To apply for a license, you must:

• Have earned your learner's permit and practiced with it to feel confident behind the wheel.
• Pass your 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can obtain your license once you're at least 16 years old and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit.
• Held your permit for at least 6 months, if you're under 18 years old.
• Completed your required driver education course and, if you're under 18 years old, your behind-the-wheel practice hours.

You may be eligible for a conditional or restricted use license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on what kind of restriction will apply to you. All applicants should be prepared to:

• Attend a court hearing.
• Bring the applicable documents to the DMV based on your specific circumstances.
• Pay any applicable fees.

You can request a hardship license at specific DMV offices. Contact your local office to find out if it issues restricted or conditional licenses. You may need documentation including court documents, proof of completion for an Impaired Driver Program, and/or payment for applicable fees.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to obtain a learner's permit. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The DMV offers practice tests as well as the NY Driver Manual for a rundown of what you can expect.

A licensed driver at least 21 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with NY laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Schedule your road test with your local DMV road test location.

Fees are based on your age and residence see the NY DMV's fee chart for details.

The New York Driver's Manual is available online.

If you're under 18 years old, you can apply for your license once you've held your permit for at least 6 months. If you're a new driver 18 years old or older, there is no minimum holding period.

Fees are based on your age and residence see the NY DMV's fee chart for details.

No.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent/guardian will need to sign a Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (form MV-45), if you use one, and/or the Online Permit Test Parent/Guardian Certification (form MV-263), if you took your permit test online. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your permit test.

You will need to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number (if you're applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced permit).
  • New York residency.
    • If you're under 21 years old, you can submit a Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (form MV-45) as your proof of residency. Your parent/guardian must accompany you to the DMV.
    • The NY DMV provides a full guide to acceptable proofs based on whether you want a standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID permit.
• A completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
  • You can also start this form online.
• Payment for the appropriate fee, based on your age and residence.

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 an Online Permit Test Parent/Guardian Certification (form MV-263) and have your parent sign it in front of the DMV agent.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a New York learner's permit.

To apply, you'll need to:

• Submit proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number (if you're applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced permit).
  • New York residency.
    • If you're under 21 years old, you can submit a Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (form MV-45) as your proof of residency. Your parent/guardian must accompany you to the DMV.
    • The NY DMV provides a full guide to acceptable proofs based on whether you want a standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID permit.
• Provide a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
  • You can also start this form online.
• Pass a knowledge exam and vision screening.
  • You can take your knowledge test online before your DMV visit see below for details.
• Have your photo taken.
• Pay the appropriate fee, based on your age and residence.

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:

• Online Permit Test Attestation for Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older (form MV-264) if you're an adult, and sign it in front of the DMV agent.
• Online Permit Test Parent/Guardian Certification (form MV-263) if you're under 18 years old, and your parent must sign it in front of the DMV agent.

Some examples of potential questions include:

Q: You may cross a double solid yellow line:

1. Only to pass another car
2. In order to get into the left-hand turn lane
3. Never

Q: If no speed limit is posted, you may drive no faster than:

1. 55 MPH
2. 65 MPH
3. 75 MPH

Q: When making a right-hand turn at a red light, who has the right of way?

1. The driver making the right-hand turn
2. Other vehicles on the through-road

Find more sample questions on a free New York practice test.

Yes. You must first complete either a high school or college Driver's Ed course, or a 5-hour Pre-Licensing course.

The New York Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a NY permit.

If you are under 18, you'll need your parent/guardian to come with you to the DMV. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your permit test.

You can contact the DMV online, or call your local branch office.

You can apply once you're 16 years old.

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

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.

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

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.

You'll need to complete the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44). You can also start this form online.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills 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.

There are no prerequisites to obtaining a New York instruction permit, other than turning at least 16 years old.

To apply for your NY learner's license/instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number (if you're applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced permit).
  • New York residency.
    • If you're under 21 years old, you can submit a Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (form MV-45) as your proof of residency. Your parent/guardian must accompany you to the DMV.
    • The NY DMV provides a full guide to acceptable proofs based on whether you want a standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID permit.
• Provide a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44).
  • You can also start this form online.
• Pass a knowledge exam and vision screening.
  • You can take your knowledge test online before your DMV visit see below for details.
• Have your photo taken.
• Pay the appropriate fee, based on your age and residence.

Yes, you will need to either take a vision test at the DMV, or provide proof of a recent eye exam via a completed Vision Test Report (form MV-619).

Yes, you may renew by mail if your notice states that you're eligible to do so. Fill out and sign your renewal notice and include payment for your renewal fee.

Most drivers can renew online, and the DMV highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal.

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This may include:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.
• Information from your completed Vision Test Report (form MV-619).

You'll also need payment for the applicable renewal fee.

To renew by mail, you will need:

• Your renewal notice.
• A completed Vision Test Report (form MV-619).
• Payment for the applicable renewal fee.

To renew in person, you will need:

• Your renewal notice.
• Your current driver's license, plus:
  • any additional identity documents stated on your notice.
  • Additional documents if you're upgrading to an Enhanced license or a REAL ID.
• Any glasses or contact lenses, if applicable.
• Payment for the applicable renewal fee.

You can renew your NY driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in New York expire every 5 years. You can renew it up to 1 year before its expiration date.

Renewal fees vary by your license class and residence. See the DMV's list of renewal fees.

Only your licensed supervising driver may be in the vehicle along with you and the examiner.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity and residency, plus payment for your license fee.

The New York permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the New York Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test, even if you opt to take your exam online.

Check your local branch office's hours to see if an DMV branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

You can take your exam online or in person at the DMV. If you take your exam online, you must still visit a DMV office to complete your application process.

Yes all new drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a permit before getting a full NY driver's license.

Find a DMV testing location online and schedule your test for a time convenient for you.

You'll receive a temporary permit, and your permanent card should arrive in the mail within a couple of weeks. All new drivers must then 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.

Then, if you're under 18 years old, you 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.

You can take your exam online, or at your local NY DMV office.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you feel comfortable coming back for a retest. You have two road tests available before the DMV requires you to pay an additional fee for two more attempts.

You are eligible to schedule a retest right away.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting New York, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a New York driver's license within 30 days.

No, you will need to exchange your out-of-state permit for a New York learner's permit.

You do not need to take a road test if your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license is still valid/unexpired or has been expired for less than 2 years. You may be required to take a road test if your out-of-state license has been expired for 2 years or longer, or if you're a teen driver with different graduated driver license requirements in your previous state.

You must obtain a New York license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must earn a 70% or better to pass your permit exam. You must answer 14 of the 20 questions correctly, with at least 2 of the 4 questions on road signs answered correctly.

20.

Yes, you may take your exam online, but you must still visit a DMV office to finish your application. If you take your test online, your parent/guardian must supervise it and will need to sign an Online Permit Test Parent/Guardian Certification (form MV-263) in front of the DMV agent.

You can miss 6 total questions on the test. You can only miss 2 of the 4 questions on road signs.

A New York enhanced driver's license functions as a land/sea passport to specific countries. With it, you may use your driver's license to cross international borders to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean nations, rather than needing your U.S. passport.

If you already have a NY driver's license and want to convert it to an enhanced one, visit your local DMV branch office with:

• Your NY driver's license.
• Proof of your:
  • Social Security number.
  • Identity and U.S. citizenship.
  • New York residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for an enhanced license.
• Payment for the $30 enhanced driver's license fee.

If you've never before been licensed in New York, you'll need to follow the application steps for first-time drivers based on your age (minor vs. adult). The process will be the same to obtain an enhanced driver's license, but you'll need to submit specific documents for your proofs of identity, and you'll pay the $30 license fee on top of the standard license fee for your region.