New York DMV License

Learner’s Drivers License Steps

In New York, the NY Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and learner’s permits. All teens applying for a driver’s license are required to pass through the state’s graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program. Getting your New York learner’s permit is the first step in the graduated driver’s licensing program.

New York Learner’s Permit

You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a learner’s permit. It is not a requirement to complete a driver’s education course, but if you choose to do it, you will be exempted from taking your written knowledge exam.

To apply, visit your local NY DMV office and:

• Provide proof of identity
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of Social Security number
• A completed Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44). It must be signed by your parent or legal guardian.
• Pay the appropriate fee
• Take a vision test
• Pass a written knowledge exam

With your learner’s permit, you are only allowed to drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. In addition, you are not allowed to drive in the following areas: on any bridge or tunnel that is under Triborough Bridge, Tunnel Authority’s jurisdiction and on any street inside a park in New York City. On the following parkways in Westchester County: Taconic State, Hutchinson River, Cross County and Saw Mill River.

New York Provisional License

You are eligible for your Provisional License after holding your learner’s permit for more than six months and you have completed the required 50 hours of supervised driving, with 15 hours at night.

To apply visit your local DMV road testing location and make an appointment, you should also bring the following documents:

• Your learner’s permit
• Driver’s Education Certificate (Form MV-285)
• A pre-licensing course certificate (Form MV-278)
• A Certification of Supervised Driving (Form MV-262), signed by your parents certifying that you completed50 hours of supervised driving.
• Proof of insurance and registration of the car you will be testing in
• Payment for any applicable fees.

 
You will obtain your Provisional License after passing your DMV road test.