A Guide to Obtaining Your New York Driver’s License

Getting your driver’s license in New York State is an exciting experience. Once you get one, you are free to explore all parts of the state and the country at your leisure. However, as is the case in other states in New York you must complete a Graduated Driver’s License program before obtaining your license, regardless of your age.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and the path to obtaining your New York driver’s license.

New York learner’s permit

It is the first step in obtaining your New York driver’s license. Regardless of your age. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

You will have to pass an eye exam and a written exam to get the permit. The written test consists of 20 questions, of which you must answer 14 correctly to pass. Remember to bring proof of your date of birth, social security, identity card and place of residence to the DMV with your driver’s license application.

Once you have your permit, you must abide by the following restrictions:

  • You may not drive on any street within a park in NYC.
    You may not drive on any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-Borough Bridge or Tunnel Authority.
    You may not drive unless accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.

Junior driver’s license

Obtaining your junior driver’s license is the next step to GDL. To be eligible at this stage, you will need to have your permit for six months before applying.

How to obtain your junior driver’s license in New York City

You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours of night driving and 10 hours in light to moderate traffic. You will then be required to take a driver’s education course or a 5-hour pre-licensing course.

The NY DMV will require you to submit a certificate of completion prior to taking the road test.

You will then have to schedule and pass the driving test during this stage of the process. No walk-ins are allowed. On the day of your test, you will be evaluated on your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

In addition, the administrator will also test your ability to perform key driving maneuvers, such as parking, left/right turns, maintaining a safe following distance and more.

Remember to bring proof of your date of birth, ID, social security status and residency on the day of the test.

Restricciones de la Licencia de Conducir Junior

Once you obtain your junior driver’s license, you may drive but with certain restrictions.

  • May drive unsupervised to work, school, and social events from 5am to 9pm, restricted from operating from 9pm to 5am.
    Only one passenger under the age of 21 is allowed.
    Not allowed to drive in New York City.

Unrestricted New York Driver’s License

If you are under 18, you will automatically receive your full New York driver’s license in the mail as soon as you turn 18. If you are already over 18, you will be issued your license as soon as you complete the road test.

For the first 6 months that you have your license, you will be under a probationary period. During this time, your license will be suspended for 60 days if you commit any of the following traffic violations:

  • Speeding
    Street racing
    Reckless driving
    Following too closely behind another vehicle
    Using a mobile device while driving
    If you accumulate 2 traffic violations

Please note that if you committed any of the above violations, you will have to complete an additional 6-month probationary period.

That’s all you need to know to get your driver’s license in New York State. Although there are quite a few steps, it’s not as complicated as some people think, as long as you know exactly what you’re doing.