New York Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your New York learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: NY DMV — Get Your Learner Permit and First Driver License ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in New York
- Pass the knowledge test and apply for a learner permit at a DMV office (16+)
- Complete the pre-licensing course (or a 48-hour high school/college driver education program)
- Hold the permit at least 6 months (under 18) while logging 50 supervised hours, 15 after sunset
- Pass the road test to get a junior (Class DJ) license with regional restrictions
- Get the unrestricted Class D license at 17 with driver education, or at 18
New York GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Region N Y C: Junior license holders may not drive in the five boroughs of New York City
- Region upstate: Unsupervised driving allowed 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; at night only between home and work or school course, otherwise supervised
- Region long island: Unsupervised only for specific home-to-work/school trips in Nassau and Suffolk counties
- Passenger rule: No more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless supervised
Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of Social Security number
- Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262), completed by a parent/guardian, at the road test (under 18)
The details
- Permit eligibility: Learner permit at 16+
- License fee: Included in the age-based original permit/license fee
- Permit hold details: Under 18 must hold the permit at least 6 months before scheduling the road test
- Practice hour details: 15 hours must be after sunset; certified by parent/guardian on form MV-262, presented at the road test
- Knowledge test: 20 questions; 70% to pass; Web search: 20-question test, 14 correct (70%) to pass, plus a sub-requirement of at least 2 of 4 road-sign questions correct
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in New York?
You can get a learner's permit in New York at 16. Learner permit at 16+.
How long do you have to hold your permit in New York?
Under 18 must hold the permit at least 6 months before scheduling the road test.
How many practice driving hours does New York require?
New York requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 15 at night.
Where can I practice for the New York permit test?
Right here — take a free New York practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
