Get your first driver's license in New York

Online or in person

No, permit test at an office · An office visit and a road testThe online permit test is offered only under 18. You can use DMV's online pre-screening tool to see which documents you need, and book the road test online. At 18 or older with a photo learner permit you can take the Online Pre-Licensing Course (an internet pilot program). Bring your documents to a DMV office for the permit. DMV strongly encourages a reservation: when an office has long waits, only people with a reservation get in. The road test is a separate appointment, usually 3 to 5 weeks out.

Cost

$64.25 to $90.00, by age and regionThe fee for your first Class D permit or license depends on your age when you apply and where you live: $80.00 at 18 to 18 1/2 ($90.00 in the MCTD region), $76.75 to $80.00 at 18 1/2 to 21 ($85.75 to $90.00), $64.25 to $67.50 at 21 and older ($73.25 to $77.50). Extra fees apply if you fail your first two road tests.

You leave with

Learner permit, then a Class D licenseAfter the road test you get an interim license online; the photo license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Application for Driver License (MV-44) · all that apply
   • Proof of name and identity · all that apply
     Documents must add up to at least 6 points, with at least one showing your signature. DMV's ID-44 lists every accepted document and its points; its online pre-screening tool tells you what you need.
     Show accepted documents

     • U.S. passport (4 points)
   • Proof of age
     Original or certified copy.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Birth certificate
     • U.S. passport
     • Certificate of naturalization
   • Proof of New York residence · all that apply
   • Social Security number · all that apply
     You provide it on the application.
   • Parent or guardian statement (MV-45), if you use it · all that apply
     For applicants under 21, a parent or guardian can complete the MV-45 to give 4 points of proof of identity. If you must use it, your parent or guardian must go with you to the office visit; it must be signed in the presence of a DMV representative, so don't sign it beforehand.
   • Pre-licensing certificate
     Needed to schedule the road test and turned in at the test. Bring the original; copies are not accepted. The pre-licensing certificate is valid for one year and the driver education certificate for two; it must be valid the day you book. The online course (18 and older) gives no certificate: the provider reports your completion to DMV.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) (5-hour course)
     • Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) (Driver education through a high school or college)
   • For the road test · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Your physical photo learner permit
     • A supervising driver with a physical license valid for the vehicle (Over 21 if you drive yourself there, over 18 if they drive you; mobile ID not accepted)
     • A registered, insured and inspected vehicle with permanent plates (Clean and working properly; no in-transit permits)

2. Study the driver's manual

   The permit test has 20 questions; you need 14 right, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions.

   Chapter 1: Driver Licenses (DMV) ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our New York DMV Practice Test: 20 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the New York practice test

4. Get your learner permit at a DMV office

   Bring your MV-44 application, proofs of identity, age and residence, and the fee. Pass the vision test (20/40 in at least one eye) and the permit test.

   Get a Learner Permit (DMV) ↗

5. Practice with a supervising driver

   The supervisor must be 21 or older with a license valid for the vehicle. Under 18 (junior permit), you need at least 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 after sunset, the supervisor sits in the front seat, and time-of-day limits differ for New York City, Long Island and upstate.

6. Complete the pre-licensing course or driver education

   Take the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (certificate MV-278) or the 48-hour driver education program through a high school or college (MV-285) before you can book a road test. At 18 or older you can take the course online; no certificate is issued.

   The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (DMV) ↗

7. Schedule and pass the road test

   Book online at nyrtsscheduler.com or by phone. Bring the permit, the original certificate, a supervising driver and a properly registered, insured and inspected vehicle. Arrive up to 15 minutes early.

   Schedule and Take a Road Test (DMV) ↗