Take These Steps to Get Your New York Driver’s License

Learn the steps to obtain a driver's license in New York with information on the entire process, from getting a permit and completing the five-hour pre-licensing course to the official road test and final application.

There are two sets of rules to meet before getting licensed: one for young applicants and another for adult motorists. It’s important to fully understand the requirements for getting a New York state driver's license, so let’s dive in.

Young NY Motorists (Ages 16-17)

NY uses a phased graduated licensing program for young motorists under 18:

Junior learner’s permits: 16+; written test to drive with supervision
Junior licenses: 16-17; drive unsupervised with restrictions
Unrestricted licenses: 18+; 17 in some specific cases

If you are at least 16, the first step is getting a junior permit. You must bring proof of identity and pass a written and vision test for driver's license permits at a local New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) office. The permit test is also available online.

If you score at least 80% (including 50% of the road sign questions) correctly, you pass! If you fail, you can apply again and retake the test in six hours.

Next, you must complete an approved pre-licensing course to meet the New York State DMV requirements for driver's license applicants. Topics covered include defensive driving, drug and alcohol laws, road signs and traffic safety. If you’re under 18, you must complete the course in person.

After completing the training, you must log at least 50 hours of practice driving over six months with a licensed NY driver who is at least 21. That number includes 15 mandatory hours of post-sunset practice. At night, your supervisor must be a parent, guardian or instructor.

Next, you can schedule the junior licensing road assessment. Results can be viewed on this website after 6 p.m. on test day.

If you pass, you’ll get a temporary junior license (DJ) while you wait for the permanent card to arrive in the mail. If you fail, your learner’s permit is still valid. You can retake it at no cost after seven days.

You cannot drive in the five boroughs of New York City with a Class DJ junior license. Other location, passenger and curfew restrictions apply. Make sure you understand these restrictions.

You can earn your full Class D unrestricted privileges once you turn 18. Or once you turn 17 and follow certain graduated license (GDL) procedures.

Adult NY Motorists (Ages 18+)

Adult motorists can jump straight to a Class D driver’s license at the end of a short process. It starts with a learner’s permit and practice driving with restrictions. Adults must also take a five-hour pre-licensing course. The final steps are taking the road assessment and getting licensed.

The learner’s permit process is the same as described above. Applicants must pass both a vision test and a knowledge test.

Pre-licensing education comes next. With busy lives and hectic schedules, many adults opt to avoid scheduling an in-person pre-licensing course and choose an online driving school instead for convenience. The training must be approved by the NYS DMV. Students must be at least 18 to take the pre-licensing course online.

New York Safety Council offers NYS DMV-approved online driver safety courses, including mandatory pre-licensing training and defensive driving education.

You can train at your pace from any internet-connected device. We’ll automatically submit the certificate of completion to the state, and you can then schedule a skills assessment.

After completing the behind-the-wheel assessment, you can see results online after 6 p.m. on test day. If you pass, you are officially Class D licensed without restrictions. If you fail, you can retake the test once more for free after seven days.

Class D licenses in NY are valid for eight years, except for drivers under the age of 21, who must renew theirs once they pass that milestone. Before expiration, you’ll need to go through the driver's license renewal process, which includes a new vision test, photo, residency and identity verification and fee payment.

Note that commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements are different. Consult NYS DMV for more information about the CDL process.

Take Your NY Driving Education Course Now

Now that you know how to get a driver's license in New York, find a training provider you can trust. New York Safety Council provides quality online driving education for New York residents who are ready to get behind the wheel.

With online courses that satisfy a range of state requirements, including our 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing course and Defensive Driving course for the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP), you can complete your training 100% online at a pace that works for you. Start your training today!