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Getting your first New York driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 14, 2026.

  1. Get your learner permit first, then practice driving with a supervising licensed driver.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  2. With a junior (DJ/MJ) permit, log at least 50 supervised hours, 15 of them after sunset, and have a parent sign form MV-262.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  3. Complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course or a 48-hour Driver Education program.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  4. Schedule the road test online or by phone; under-18 drivers must have held the permit at least 6 months.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  5. Bring your photo permit, original course certificate, a properly licensed accompanying driver and a registered, inspected vehicle to the test.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  6. After passing, get your interim license online; the photo license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks. If you fail, wait 14 days to retest.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

Fee for first permit / Class D license
Varies by age and county. Class D/DJ total: $80.00 at 16 to 16½ ($90.00 in the MCTD counties); $64.25-$67.50 at 21 and older ($73.25-$77.50 in the MCTD). MCTD = NYC boroughs plus Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
Pre-licensing course
All new drivers must complete the Pre-Licensing (5-Hour) Course before the road test, unless they complete a 48-hour high school/college Driver Education Program.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
Wait before road test (under 18)
At least 6 months after receiving the learner permit.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
Retake after failing the road test
Wait at least 14 days; extra fees apply after two failed road tests.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

More in the New York guide

Learner permitSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to New YorkSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official New York links

Agency home pagedmv.ny.gov ↗Appointmentsdmv.ny.gov ↗Driver handbookdmv.ny.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dmv.ny.gov ↗Online renewaldmv.ny.gov ↗REAL IDdmv.ny.gov ↗Permit and first licensedmv.ny.gov ↗New residentsdmv.ny.gov ↗Replace a licensedmv.ny.gov ↗Feesdmv.ny.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.