and be able to provide proof of New York residence and valid identification. The Graduated Driver License Law (GDL) in New York requires the successful completion of a knowledge exam and vision test, 50 hours supervised driving time, a driver education course, and a final road test.

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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in New York?

In New York, drivers must be at least 16 years old to apply for a license. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give their signed consent on

form MV-44

Before you head to the

New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NYDMV)

, you need to make sure you have your completed application form, money to

pay your fee

(approx. $65-$80, depending on your age), and documentation to verify the following:

Proof of date of birth—valid US passport, birth certificate, valid foreign passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, valid US employment authorization card with valid passport and visa, permanent resident card

Social Security status—Social Security card (you can apply for a driving permit without a Social Security number, but you cannot apply for a federally recognized REAL ID)

Proof of NY residence: If under 21, form MV-45 completed by parent or guardian, non-driver ID, bank statement, utility bill, printed US pay stub

Your name must match on all your documentation. If it does not, you must provide additional documentation (marriage license, divorce decree, legal name change) to further verify your identity. Check the

DMV website

for a complete list of documents you can use in your license application process.

New drivers with mental or physical conditions that could affect their driving must list them on their application and submit a completed

Form DS-6

from their doctor.

What are the requirements for young drivers?

Applicants under 18 must obtain the signed consent of their parent or guardian.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

New residents of New York must exchange their valid out-of-state driver’s license for a New York license within 30 days of becoming a New York resident. You must also either pass a vision test or provide a completed Eye Test Report (

Form MV-619

) from your eye doctor.

How to get a driver’s license in New York

Get a learner’s permit

Under New York’s GDL, all new drivers—regardless of age—must start with a learner’s permit. Once you have a learner’s permit, you must complete supervised driving practice and a pre-licensing course or driver education course before you take your road test.

To receive your learner’s permit, you must pass both a vision test and written knowledge exam.

Vision test

To pass the vision exam, you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses.

Knowledge exam

After completing the vision exam, you will take the written test based on the

New York State Driver’s Manual

. If you fail the test, you may retake it at no additional charge.

The New York State Driver’s Manual contains all the information you need to know to pass the written test. It also includes QR codes you can scan for access to free online practice tests.

While you can practice the test online, you must complete the actual test to receive your learner’s permit in person either at

any NY DMV location

or through the

DMV Online Knowledge Test Application program

at any participating high school.

The written test consists of 20 questions, and you must answer at least 14 questions correctly to pass.

Practice driving

Once you receive your learner’s permit, you’re ready to begin practicing. New drivers must complete the following while supervised by a driver over 21 years of age who holds a license to operate the vehicle you’re driving:

At least 50 hours driving practice

At least 15 of the 50 hours must be completed after sunset

Recommended 10 hours of practice in moderate to heavy traffic

Take a pre-licensing course

In addition to supervised practice, new drivers must also complete one of the following:

A high school or college driver education course and receive a Driver Education Certificate (Form MV-285) (valid for 2 years)

A 5-hour pre-licensing course at a driving school and get a Pre-licensing Course Certificate (Form MV-278) (valid for 1 year)

You must bring your original certificate with you to your road test, which you’ll take next. The certificate must not be expired on the day you take your road test or you’ll have to complete the pre-licensing course again.

Road test

The final step in the process to get your New York Driver’s License is to complete a road test. If you’re under 18, you won’t be able to complete the test until you’ve held your learner’s permit for at least 6 months. You should schedule your road test at a

NY DMV road testing center

within your general area.

For the test, you’ll need to bring your own vehicle and it must have:

Valid vehicle registration

Current inspection sticker

Required

car insurance

coverage

Bring all of your documents to the New York driving test. During the exam, you will be evaluated on the following:

Smooth steering

Smooth and moderate acceleration

Smooth braking

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, your ability to keep it in the correct gear

Obeying posted speed limits

Keeping adequate distance between you and other vehicles

Obeying traffic signals, signs, and markings

Stopping position at intersections and crosswalks

Lane selection and position

Communication via turn signals and/or hand signals with other drivers and pedestrians

Observation and recognition of potential problems or hazards

Your ability to anticipate and react

If you pass your driving test, you’ll receive a printed interim license from your examiner that allows you to drive until you receive your new license in about two weeks.

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FAQs

What do I need for a New York driver’s license?

To get your driver’s license in New York, you’ll need valid identification, a Social Security number or equivalent documentation, and proof of residential address.

How much does it cost to get a New York driver’s license?

The fee depends on your age and costs between $65 and $80.

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