New York · Handbook chapter 1 · 8 min read

New York license classes, how to apply for a learner permit, the 20-question written test, junior permit and junior license rules by region, the road test, probation, points and suspensions.

Why this chapter matters

The New York permit test concentrates on Chapters 4 to 11 of the Driver's Manual, but you still need the licensing rules to plan your learner period, and junior permit questions do appear on many practice sets. The rules for drivers under 18 depend on where in the state you drive, so learn the three regions.

License classes for new drivers

No one under 16 may drive in New York State, even with a license from somewhere else.

Applying for a learner permit

1. Complete the Application for Driver License (MV-44).
2. Prove your name with documents worth at least six points in total (at least one must carry your signature), prove your date of birth, and give your Social Security number. Proofs must be in English or come with a certified English translation.
3. Pass the vision test: 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
4. Pass the written test and pay the fees. The fee for a Class D or DJ permit and license depends on your age and date of birth.

The written test

• 20 questions, of which 4 are about road signs.
• You pass with at least 14 correct, and at least 2 of the 4 sign questions must be among them.
• It covers the rules of the road, safe driving, road signs and the alcohol and drug laws.
• Class D tests are offered in 20 languages, on a touch screen or on paper, and applicants under 18 can choose to take the test online.
• Students aged at least 15 years and 11 months can take the test at participating high schools through the Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA), in English or Spanish, then apply for the permit in person once they are 16.

Rules for every learner permit holder

• A supervising driver aged 21 or older, licensed for the vehicle you are driving, must sit in the front seat with you. Junior permit holders in New York City and on Long Island face stricter limits on who may supervise (see the regional table below).
• You may not drive in a DMV road test area.
• In New York City, you may not drive on any street within a park, or on bridges and tunnels run by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
• In Westchester County, you may not drive on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River or Taconic State parkways.

Junior permit (Class DJ learner permit) by region

Extra junior permit rules:

• No more than one passenger under 21, unless they are immediate family or your supervisor is your parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, driver education teacher or driving school instructor.
• The only front-seat passenger may be your supervising driver.
• You and every passenger must wear a seat belt, one person per belt, and every child must be in the correct child restraint.

Getting ready for the road test

• Practice for at least 50 hours, including at least 15 hours after sunset. The manual recommends at least 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic.
• Complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (certificate MV-278, valid for one year) before you book the road test, unless you completed a driver education course (MV-285 on file). The Point and Insurance Reduction Program does not meet this requirement.
• A junior permit must be held for at least six months (not counting any time it was suspended or revoked) before the road test.
• Under 18, bring the Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262), signed by a parent or guardian.
• Bring a registered, inspected and insured vehicle in good working order, with a clean passenger seat belt for the examiner, and a supervising driver aged 21+ if you drive to the test.

After you pass, an interim license is available online, and the photo license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Junior license (Class DJ) by region

A junior license holder may carry no more than one passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family. When driving alone for work or school, carry the right proof, such as a Certificate of Employment (MV-58A) or a signed letter on school letterhead.

With a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285), you can change a junior license into a senior license. If you do not, junior restrictions apply until you turn 18.

Keeping your license

Junior drivers

• Convicted of a serious violation (three points or more) or two other violations: 60-day suspension.
• Convicted of a texting or cell phone violation: 120-day suspension.

Probation for new drivers aged 18 or older

New licensees aged 18 or older are on probation for six months. A conviction for DWAI (alcohol), speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, a speed contest, or any two violations brings a 60-day suspension and a new six-month probation. A texting or cell phone conviction brings a 120-day suspension.

The point system

Points count from the date of the violation, not the conviction. The DMV's point system page states that if you get 11 points in 24 months, your license may be suspended, and the Driver's Manual says that 11 or more points within 24 months brings a notice by mail that your license will be suspended. A DMV-approved crash prevention course (the Point and Insurance Reduction Program) can take up to four points off your record, once every 18 months, and cut liability and collision premiums by at least 10% for three years.

Other rules to remember

• Report a change of address within 10 days.
• New residents must get a New York license within 30 days.
• Leaving the scene of a personal injury or fatal crash, three speeding or misdemeanor traffic violations within 18 months, or three convictions for passing a stopped school bus within three years each bring a revocation of at least six months.
• Driving an uninsured vehicle brings a revocation of at least one year.