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  • 16Age to apply at a DMV officep. 11
  • 14 of 20To pass, with 2 of the 4 sign questionsp. 10
  • 6 monthsBefore the road test (under 18)p. 14
  • 50 hoursOf practice, 15 of them after sunsetp. 13–14

Step by step

  1. Fill in the application

    Complete the Application for Driver License (MV-44), from any motor vehicle office or the DMV website. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 8)

  2. Get your documents ready

    New York scores proofs of name with points:

    • Proofs of name worth at least six points in total, one of them signed
    • Proof of your date of birth
    • Your Social Security number
    • Under 21: a parent or guardian can vouch for your identity on DMV form MV-45

    (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 8–10)

  3. Pass the vision and written tests

    You need 20/40 vision in at least one eye. The written test has 20 questions: you must get 14 right, including 2 of the 4 road sign questions. Then you pay the fees. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 8, 10)

  4. Or take the written test at school

    From 15 years and 11 months, some high schools give the written test online. If you pass, you bring the receipt and forms to a motor vehicle office once you're 16. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 10–11)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner permit

  • A supervising driver aged 21 or older, licensed for the vehicle, sits in the front seat with you. On Long Island and in New York City it must be a parent, guardian or driving instructor. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 11, 13)
  • Junior permit hours depend on the region: in New York City and on Long Island no driving from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.; upstate, at night only with a parent, guardian or instructor. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 12)
  • No practicing in DMV road test areas, on streets in New York City parks, on its toll bridges and tunnels, or on some Westchester parkways. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 13)
  • With a junior permit, only your supervising driver may sit in the front seat, and everyone wears a seat belt. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 13)

If you don't pass

If you fail the written test online at school, you can try again as many times as the school allows. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 11)

What comes next

Under 18, after six months with the permit, a 5-hour pre-licensing course (or driver education) and a parent's certificate of 50 hours of practice (15 after sunset), you can take the road test for a junior license. (New York State Driver's Manual, p. 13–14)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free New York practice exam: 20 questions, 14 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21 (April 2026)), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.