How licensing works in New York
New York uses a graduated system for drivers under 18. You start with a junior learner permit, move to a junior license (Class DJ) and then get a senior license (Class D). What you may do at each stage depends on your region.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Junior learner permit | 16 | Supervisor 21+ in the front seat. Only the supervisor may sit in front. One passenger under 21 (non-family) unless supervised by a parent, guardian or instructor |
| Junior license (Class DJ) | 16, after six months on the permit | 50 practice hours (15 after sunset) and the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course. One passenger under 21 (non-family). Regional time limits |
| Senior license (Class D) | 17 with driver education, otherwise 18 | Full privileges |
Regional rules for junior drivers
| Region | Permit, 9 p.m.–5 a.m. | Junior license, 9 p.m.–5 a.m. |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Must not drive | Must not drive |
| Long Island | Must not drive | Alone only between home and work, school, driver education or farm work |
| Upstate | Only with a parent, guardian or instructor | Alone only between home and work or a school course |
In New York City, a junior license holder may drive alone between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. only for trips between home and work, school, driver education or farm work. Other daytime trips need a licensed parent or guardian.
The New York written permit test
The written test covers rules of the road, safe driving, road signs, and alcohol and drug laws. It has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 14 correctly, and you must also get at least two of the four road sign questions right.
- Class D tests are offered in multiple languages, on touch screens or paper.
- Students can take an online test in English or Spanish.
- You also take a vision test: you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without glasses.
What to bring
- A completed application (form MV-44)
- Proof of name worth 6 points, proof of date of birth and your Social Security number
- The fee
Rules specific to New York
Alcohol and drugs
| Offense | Minimum license penalty |
|---|---|
| Zero Tolerance, under 21 (BAC .02–.07) | Six-month suspension |
| DWAI by alcohol | 90-day suspension |
| DWI (BAC .08 or more) | Six-month revocation |
| Aggravated DWI (BAC .18 or more) | One-year revocation |
| Refusing a chemical test | One-year revocation plus a civil penalty |
Points
Traffic convictions add points to your record. With 11 or more points within 24 months, your license will be suspended. Texting, reckless driving and failing to stop for a school bus are each 5 points. Junior and probationary drivers convicted of texting or phone use face a 120-day suspension.
Phones
New York bans hand-held phone use and texting for all drivers. Police can stop you for it alone.
Turning on red in New York City
Outside New York City you may usually turn right on red after a full stop. Inside New York City, you may not turn on red unless a sign allows it.
Move Over Law
When you see a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, such as police, fire, ambulance, tow truck or highway crew, you must slow down on any road. On a multi-lane highway, also move out of the lane next to it if traffic allows.
Slow down and move over a lane for stopped vehicles with flashing lights.
- Stopped emergency vehicle on the shoulder
- Your car moving to the far lane
- Lane next to the stopped vehicle: leave it empty if you can
School buses and work zones
Three convictions for passing a stopped school bus within three years lead to a revocation of at least six months. In work zones, posted limits can be as low as 25 mph, and you must always obey flaggers.
Test tips
- Learn the key numbers: 16, 21, 20 questions, 14 to pass, 2 of 4 signs, 50 hours, 15 after sunset, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Know your region's rules, but learn the others too. The test can ask about all of New York.
- Practice road signs until you know them by shape and color.
- Read each question slowly. Some answers differ by only one word.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers what is special about New York. The written test also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, highway driving and road signs. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.