Getting a New York learner permit
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.
Study the New York State Driver's Manual (chapters 4-11 and road signs) and take the practice quizzes.
Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Choose a Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced permit; the choice determines which proofs and fee you need.
Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Use DMV's online pre-screening tool to see exactly which forms and documents to bring and to fill out the application.
Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026If you are under 18 you may take the permit test online, then wait 3 business days before your office visit.
Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Go to a DMV office (reservation strongly encouraged) with form MV-44, your proofs of identity, age and residence, and the fee.
Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Pass the vision test and the 20-question written test (14 correct, including 2 of 4 road-sign questions) to get the permit.
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
- Minimum age for a learner permit
- 16Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Parental consent
- Required at 16 or 17, unless you are 17 and hold a Driver Education Certificate of Completion (MV-285).Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- 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
- Written test questions
- 20 multiple-topic questions, 4 of them on road signs.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Passing score
- At least 14 of 20 correct, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Which manual chapters are tested
- Chapters 4 through 11 of the Driver's Manual (plus road signs); Part 1 is not on the permit test.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Written test languages
- 20 languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, Yiddish.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Reservation at DMV offices
- Strongly encouraged; when an office is busy only people with a reservation are let in. Not every office offers appointments.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Online permit test
- Applicants under 18 can take the permit test online through the DMV pre-screening tool; wait 3 business days after passing before the office visit or you must retake the test in the office.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- After passing the online permit test
- DMV needs three business days to review results and documents before you finish at an office.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Documents for a first permit
- Application MV-44, proofs of identity, age and residence (per form ID-44), and the fee. Proofs of name must total at least 6 points; Standard needs 1 proof of residency, REAL ID/Enhanced need 2 plus Social Security and citizenship/lawful-status proof.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
- Originals required
- Bring original or agency-certified documents; expired documents are generally not accepted.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
Official New York links
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