New York NY DMV · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your New York Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your New York Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.

📋 New York GDL Program Overview

New York uses a 2-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program: Phase 1 is the Learner Permit (age 16+), and Phase 2 is the Class DJ Junior License (earned after the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course and a passing road test). Junior drivers face curfew, passenger, and NYC-driving restrictions until they upgrade to a full Class D at 18 (or age 17 with a driver-education Certificate of Completion).

Phase 1 — Learner Permit

Minimum age: 16. Hold for at least 6 months before the road test. Permit fee is based on your age and date of birth (paid with license fee).

Phase 2 — Class DJ Junior License

Ages 16–17. Curfew 9 pm–5 am, max 1 non-family passenger under 21, no NYC driving except with an instructor. Included in permit fee.

Full Class D License

At age 18, or 17 with an MV-285 driver-education Certificate of Completion. All GDL restrictions lifted. Valid for up to 5 years.

🪪 Phase 1 — Getting Your Learner License

Meet the Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Learner Permit. People under 16 cannot drive in New York under any circumstances, even with an out-of-state license (MV-21 ch. 1, p. 6).

Complete Form MV-44 and Make a Reservation

Download Application for Driver License (MV-44) from dmv.ny.gov, fill it out, and reserve an appointment at any NY DMV office through MyDMV.

Gather Your Documents

You must show 6 points of proof of name + age, provide your Social Security number, and (for REAL ID/EDL) prove residency and lawful status.

6 points of proof of identity and age (passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, NY photo ID — see form ID-44 for full list)
Social Security number (or documented ineligibility)
For REAL ID: two proofs of NY residence (utility bill, mortgage/lease, pay stub)
Applicants under 18 without 6 points: MV-45 Parent/Guardian Statement of Identity and/or Residence

Pass the Vision Exam & Knowledge Test

A vision exam is given (you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses). Pass the knowledge test with at least 70% (14 correct out of 20 questions), including at least 2 of 4 road sign questions.

Pay the Fee

The Learner Permit/license fee is based on your age and date of birth (typically $64.50–$107.50 depending on age and region). The permit is valid up to 5 years and covers up to two road tests.

📜 Phase 1 Driving Rules (Learner License)

While Holding a New York Learner License

You must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, with a license valid for the vehicle you are driving, seated in the front passenger seat with you.
Both you and your supervisor must wear a seat belt. You are limited on passengers during practice per NY Graduated Driver Licensing rules.
No using a hand-held cell phone, no texting, and no portable electronic devices while driving — a single conviction triggers a 120-day license suspension.
You cannot drive between 9 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian/driver-education teacher, with regional variations for NYC, Long Island, and Upstate.
You cannot drive alone in New York City at any time — only with a driver-education teacher or a certified driving-school instructor.
Hold the learner permit at least 6 months (excluding any suspension time) and complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278) before scheduling a road test.

🚗 Phase 2 — Getting Your Provisional License

Meet Phase 1 Requirements

You must be at least 16 and have held your Learner Permit for at least 6 months (not counting suspension time). Complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278) or a high-school/college driver-education course.

Bring the Required Forms to Your Road Test

Bring your learner permit, the completion certificate from your 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278) or driver-education MV-285, a licensed supervising driver (21+), a properly registered and insured vehicle, and any necessary identification.

Pass the Road Test at NY DMV

The NY DMV road test is a 20-minute on-road evaluation that includes steering, stopping, turning at intersections, parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, and safe driving behavior. If you pass, you receive a Class DJ Junior License immediately (or Class D if you are 18+ or have your driver-education MV-285).

📋 Phase 2 Restrictions (Provisional License)

While Holding a New York Provisional License (Phase 2)

No more than 1 passenger under age 21 unless they are members of your immediate family.
Night curfew 9 pm – 5 am (varies by region — NYC, Long Island, Upstate). Limited solo exceptions for home-to-work, school, driver-ed, or farm employment with proof.
No driving in New York City at any time unless accompanied by a driver-education teacher or certified driving-school instructor.
Every passenger must wear a seat belt — one person per belt. Children must use the appropriate child restraint.
Hand-held cell phone, texting, or portable electronic device use = 120-day license suspension on a 1st conviction; 1-year revocation on a 2nd within 6 months.
Cannot operate taxis, liveries, tow trucks, or any commercial vehicle with a Class DJ license.

🎉 Upgrading to a Full Class D License

Full Driver License — Unrestricted

All GDL restrictions are lifted at age 18 — or at 17 if you hold a driver-education Certificate of Completion (MV-285).
Standard Class D license fee: based on age and region (approx. $64.50–$107.50), valid for up to 5 years (renewed on your birth month/day).
Adult first-time applicants (18+) still need to pass the vision test, the 20-question written knowledge test, and a road test. Most must complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278).
You must notify DMV of any address change within 10 days. New residents must exchange an out-of-state license within 30 days of becoming a permanent resident.

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