Get a Learner Permit

Step 1: Prepare for the permit test

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.

Step 2: Gather what you need to apply

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.

What is the difference between a Standard, Enhanced, or Real ID?

See a side-by-side comparison to learn more and determine which type of permit is right for you.

See what documents you need

Complete one of these guides to ensure you have the documents and proofs of identification you need before you apply.

Document Guide For Enhanced or REAL ID Permit

Document Guide For a Standard Permit

You can also see a complete list: How to Apply for a New York Learner Permit/Driver License/Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (ID-44).

If you use the "Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (PDF)" (MV-45), your parent or guardian must come with you.

Step 3: Apply and take your permit test

You can begin your application online or at a DMV office.

Online

You can submit your application and take your test online, at home, and come to the DMV to complete your application. Follow these instructions

1: Use the 'Begin your permit application' button below to Log in to NY.gov ID or create an account if you do not have one
(We recommended you use the latest versions of Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox browsers - if you use Internet Explorer, make sure Compatibility Mode is disabled)
2: Tell us who you are
3: Confirm the type of permit you want (D (car) or M (motorcycle)
4: Identify the supporting (identification) documents you have and the forms you will need to get a permit
5: Upload your documents – you must provide scanned or photo images of your documents
6: Review and confirm your application
7: Check your email for the permit test link – you must begin your test within 15 minutes of receiving it

Expect the test to take 30-40 minutes to complete
We recommend you use a PC or tablet (smartphones may not properly display the questions)

8: Take your permit test (if you fail, do not worry! - you can resubmit your application and try again after a least 6 hours)

If you are under 18：Your parent/guardian must supervise the test, that parent/guardian must come with you to a DMV office to complete your process, and sign the Online Permit Test Parent/Guardian Certification (PDF) (MV-263) in front of a DMV representative
If you are 18 or older, you must sign the Online Permit Test Attestation for Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older (PDF) (MV-264) at a DMV office, in front of a DMV representative
To pass the test, you must correctly answer at least: 80% of the overall questions, and 50% of the questions relating to road signs

9: After you pass your test, use the link we send you by email to make a reservation to visit a DMV office to

Show the originals of the documents you uploaded
Have your photo taken
Pay the permit fee
Get a temporary permit (you will receive your permit within 2 weeks by mail)

At a DMV office

You can come to a DMV to apply (but is easier if you start your application online). Follow these instructions
1: Bring

Your application
Your proofs of identity, age, and residence
Fee for payment – see the fee chart to estimate the cost

2: Take the written test (if you fail, do not worry! - you can try again at no additional cost)

To pass, you must get at least 14 of the 20 multiple-choice questions correct, including the correct answers to at least two of the four questions about road signs

3: If you pass your written test

We will give you a temporary permit at the office
You will receive your permit within 2 weeks by mail

Please note: Office procedures have changed due to COVID-19. We recommend you conduct your DMV business at the office or by mail in the County where you are a resident. See instructions and reservation information for your County.

Next step: Get your license

Once you get your permit, you will need to pass a road test to get your full driver license.

First, prepare for your road test

You must have supervised driving practice
You must take a pre-licensing course or a driver education course before you take your road test
Learn how to find a pre-licensing course and prepare for your road test
You will need to follow all learner permit restrictions
If you are under age 18, you must wait at least 6 months from the date you received your learner permit to schedule your road test

Next, schedule a road test

take your road test before your permit expires (you cannot renew a permit)
schedule & take a road test
if you pass your test, the examiner will give you an interim license that allows you to drive
keep the interim license with your photo permit until your new license arrives in the mail (in about 2 weeks)
if you fail, prepare more, and schedule another test

Get a Learner Permit

Step 1: Prepare for the permit test

Step 2: Gather what you need to apply

Step 3: Apply and take your permit test

Next step: Get your license

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