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Are you looking to get your NY learner’s permit? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The process may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll go through all the details so you know exactly what to expect.
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The learner’s permit is the first step in the licensing journey, and you can get one as soon as you turn 16 years old. Regardless of your age, you’ll need to hold a permit before you can progress through the Graduated License Program (GDL). If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DMV to start the application process.
Getting a learner driver permit is the first step to getting a driver license. Permits are valid for approximately 5 years (the exact expiration date depends on your date of birth and the date that you apply).
A Class D - Operator permit is the most common class of permit that people apply for. The steps on this page outline how to get a Class D Operator permit.
You must be 16 or older to apply for your New York learners permit. Before you head to your local New York DMV office, you’ll need to have your paperwork in order. You will need to complete the New York MV-44 Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the consent section.
You’ll need to be able to provide proof of identity and age. Finally, you’ll need to take a written test at the DMV to get your learners permit. The best way to prepare is by studying the New York State Drivers Manual – the New York DMV also provides practice tests to help you get ready for the real thing!
Once you’re all set, you can head down to your DMV office. Many New York DMV offices allow you to make a reservation; you can see if yours does at the NY DMV Reservations webpage.
Step 1: Prepare for the permit test
Study the NY State Driver's Manual and take the practice tests.
Both Class D and M permit tests are given in 16 languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian and Spanish.
Start nowStep 2: Gather what you need to apply
When you apply, you will need to provide proof of age, identification, and residence. Your permit will be Standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID, depending on the proofs you bring and the fee.
Step 3:Apply for Your NY Learners Permit and take your permit test
When you head to the DMV, make sure you bring the completed learners permit application, your proof of identity/age documents, your original Social Security Card, and are prepared to pay the applicable fee. You’ll need to take a vision test, and of course you’ll be taking your learners permit written test. To pass the multiple-choice exam, you’ll need to get 14 out of the 20 questions right. That includes at least two of the four test questions about road signs! Once you pass, you’ll be issued your learners permit – and you’ll be ready to learn how to drive!
Start nowYou can submit your application and take your test online (using a PC or tablet), at home, and come to the DMV to complete your application.
In order to take the Online Permit Test, you must have a webcam enabled, and you must allow DMV to access the webcam. If you do not have a webcam connected or you do not allow webcam access, you will not be able to begin your permit test online
Multiple images will be taken during the course of the permit test. Please ensure that you are in an area where you are clearly visible. If DMV is unable to identify you in the captured images, or if multiple people are in the frame, you may be asked to re-take the test in the office.
Start your test – you must begin your test within 5 minutes of selecting “I am ready to take my test.”
Take your permit test (if you fail, do not worry! - you can resubmit your application and try again after a least 6 hours)
The written test is one of the most important parts of the GDL program. This exam will cover core driving concepts and traffic laws in the state of New York. There are 20 questions on the exam and you must answer 14 correctly, including at least two of four questions about road signs.
It is also one of the hardest parts of getting your New York learners permit with over a 50% fail rate nation-wide, so we recommend that you study with a proper study resource.
At this point, you’ll be charged a permit fee based on your age. If you are in one of the following counties: Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester, you will be charged a Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District Fee (MCTD*).
After you pass your test, use the link we send you by email to make a reservation to visit a DMV office to
You can come to a DMV to apply (but is easier if you start your application online). Follow these instructions
You did not think that you would be able to drive unrestricted, did you? There are a lot of restrictions for learner drivers with a permit:
May not drive on any street within a park in NYC
May not drive on any bridge or tunnel under jurisdiction of the Tri-Borough Bridge or Tunnel Authority
May not drive unless accompanied by an adult 21 years or older
Once you get your permit, you will need to pass a road test to get your full driver license.
Prepare for your road test
Start nowHow do you get a permit in NY?
1.Bring. Your application. Your proofs of identity, age, and residence. 2.Take the written test (if you fail, do not worry! - you can try again at no additional cost). 3.If you pass your written test. We will give you a temporary permit at the office.
How many questions are on the New York DMV written test?
The NYS DMV written test consists 20 multiple choice questions. To pass the test, you must correctly answer at least 14 questions (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 questions about road signs
Can I get my permit online in NY?
If you want to take your test online, you must complete this process within the next 7 days. If you do not complete the online application and test, you may still take the permit test in the DMV office at the time of your scheduled appointment.
When can I start to learn to drive?
When you pass the vision and written tests and pay your fees, your learner permit will be issued and you can start to practice driving.
I have a learner permit. Can I drive alone?
No. When you practice, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least age 21 who has a license to operate the vehicle you are driving. In Long Island and New York City, this person must be a parent, guardian or instructor.
How many hours do I need to practice driving before taking the NYS road test?
Before you take the road test, you are encouraged to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 15 hours after sunset. It is recommended that at least 10 hours be in moderate to heavy traffic.
How long is my learner permit valid?
The learner permit is valid for approximately 5 years. The exact expiration date depends on your date of birth and the date that you applied for the learner permit.
Can I Take a Permit Test Online NY?
Alternatively, you can take the written permit test online via the NY DMV Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA). If you pass the online permit test, you should bring the receipt to the DMV office. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles is determined to make more of its services available online. This is now treated with more urgency due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The permit test online NY is just one of the programs. You can Google ‘online permit test NYC’ to access the portal.
Is The Permit Test Easy In NY?
The test is basically the same anywhere in the United States. How easy or difficult it is depends on your level of preparation.
What documents are needed to get a permit in NY?
Proof of age, identity, and residence When you apply, you will need to provide proof of age, identification, and residence. Your permit will be Standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID, depending on the proofs you bring and the fee.
Do you need an appointment for permit test in NY?
You will take the written exam at a DMV office on the same day when you apply for your permit/license. You don't have to make an appointment; however, you may make a reservation online in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Onondaga or Albany Counties.