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Obtaining a driver license or permit in New York can be quite the hassle. Nobody enjoys taking time out of their day to head on down to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) just to stand in line or sit and wait for hours on end. But with the knowledge contained in this article, you just might be able to turn that arduous, time-consuming experience into an easy one.
How Old Must One Be to Apply for a Driver’s Licence in NY?
You can legally obtain a driver license permit in the state of New York as long as you are at least 16 years of age.
The official classification for standard motor vehicle applications is the Class D driver license. This license is available only to drivers who are at least 18 years old. Drivers under the age of 18 but at least 16 years old can instead obtain a Class DJ junior operator’s license.
The same goes for Class M and Class MJ motorcycle and junior motorcycle licenses.
The key difference between standard operator licenses and junior operator licenses is that Class D driver licenses are capable of obtaining endorsements, whereas Class DJ driver licenses are not. There are also other restrictions on junior driver licenses that we will cover in other articles. Check out our knowledge base for more information.
What Documentation Will I Need to Apply for a Driver’s License in New York?
The NY DMV requires you to bring whatever documentation you have that can prove the following three things:
- Your name
- Your date of birth (DoB)
- That you are in fact a NY resident
In order to obtain any classification of driver licenses in NY, you will have to prove all three of the above facts. If you fail to prove any of them, your application for a driver license will be denied.
To prove this information, you will need to bring a combination of some of the following documents:
- A valid, unexpired foreign passport issued by your country of citizenship.
- A valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate.
- A valid foreign driver license that includes your photo, and which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months.
- Permanent Resident Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months.
- Employment Authorization Card, which is either unexpired or expired for less than 24 months.
- Border Crossing Card.
- US Municipal ID Card (e.g. NYC ID) with a photo.
- Foreign marriage or divorce record or court issued name change decree.
- Foreign birth certificate.
For example, you could bring your passport, non-driver ID, and original Social Security card to obtain a license.
Passing the Permit Test
In order to obtain a driver license for the first time in New York, if you have not yet been issued a license in another state or if that out-of-state license has expired long ago, you will need to pass a two-part permit test.
- Step 1: Study the New York State Driver Manual and Take Practice Tests
The first step in passing the NY DMV permit test is to do your homework. A copy of the New York Driver’s Manual (which answers many of the questions that will be asked on the permit test) can be found here: https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/mv21.pdf.
- Step 2: Go to a DMV Office to Apply for a Permit and Take the Test
Once you’re sure you’ve studied well enough to pass the written test, you will need to register with the DMV, apply, and actually take the test. You can find a list of DMV locations here: https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1833.
You will also need to take an eye exam at the DMV or have a doctor fill out Form MV619 (Eye Test Report) and submit the completed version to the DMV.
How to Get Your License Once You Have a Permit?
After obtaining your driver license permit, you must allow at least six months to pass before you may schedule your road test. While waiting, you should practice driving and take an authorized pre-licensing course that has been approved by the state. This will help prepare you for the road test when that time comes. Here’s a table with some helpful information pertaining to age requirements of road tests in NY:
| Type of Permit | Minimum Age | DMV Requirements | Restrictions |
| Learner Permit | 16 years. | Pass the written test. | You must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, certified driving instructor, or other designated adult driver at all times while in operation of a motor vehicle. |
| Junior License | 16 years and 6 months. | Complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with a parent, legal guardian, certified driving instructor, or other designated adult driver at all times while in operation of a motor vehicle; pass a five-hour pre-licensing class; and pass the DMV road test. | You cannot operate a motor vehicle without a parent, legal guardian, certified driving instructor, or other designated adult driver between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. You also may not drive more than one other passenger under the age of 21 years old. |
| Senior License | 18 years. | None. | No restrictions on operating vehicles in the authorized classification category. |
Once you’ve waited the appropriate length of time, you can schedule and take the road test. This test must be completed in the presence of an authorized examiner. If they pass you, you will receive a temporary license immediately and your official license will be sent to you in the mail. It may take a few weeks to arrive.
What Should I Bring to My Road Test?
In order to ensure a smooth and efficient road test experience, be sure to bring all of the following things with you on the day of your test:
- Your learner’s permit.
- Your certificate of completion for the pre-licensing course.
- A licensed driver over age 21 with you.
- A properly registered and inspected vehicle to drive during the test.
- Your glasses or contact lenses, if applicable.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a License in NY?
The price of getting a license in NY varies depending on the applicant’s age and class of the license. See the table below for more information:
| Applicant’s Age | Cost: Class D or DJ | Cost: Class E | Cost: Class M or MJ** |
| 16 to 16½ | $80.00 or $90.00* | Not available at this age. | $85.00 or $95.00* |
| 16½ to 17 | $76.75 or $85.75* | Not available at this age. | $81.25 or $90.25* |
| 17 to 17½ | $92.50 or $102.50* | Not available at this age. | $97.50 or $107.50* |
| 17½ to 18 | $89.25 or $98.25* | Not available at this age. | $93.75 or $102.75* |
| 18 to 18½ | $80.00 or $90.00* | $110.00 or $120.00* | $85.00 or $95.00* |
| 18½ to 21 | From $76.75 to $80.00 or from $85.75 to $90.00* | From $103.75 to $110.00 or from $112.75 to $120.00* | From $81.25 to $85.00 or from $90.25 to $95.00* |
| 21 and older | From $64.25 to $67.50 or from $73.25 to $77.50* | From $91.25 to $97.50 or from $100.25 to $107.25* | From $68.75 to $72.50 or from $77.75 to $82.50* |
*Includes MCTD.
**Part of the Class M and MJ fee supports the Motorcycle Safety Program in New York State.
