New York Driver License Requirements at-a-glance:

DMV Info
  • Minimum Age for Learner Permit 16 years old. (No one under the age of 16 may drive in New York State, even if they hold a valid license/permit from another state).
  • Learner Permit Holding Period 6 months
  • Minimum Amount of Supervised Driving 50 hours (including 15 at night) with a qualified supervising driver (i.e.--a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old)
  • Minimum Age for Driver License 17 years old (you must have also completed an approved high school or college drivers education course)
  • Road Test Yes
  • Unsupervised Driving Rules Except in New York City, if you hold a New York State “unlimited” junior license, you may drive unsupervised between 5am and 9pm. After these hours, you must have a qualified supervising driver with you when you drive unless driving to your job or to school. IN NEW YORK CITY--junior license holders may only drive between 5am and 9pm and must be accompanied by their parent/guardian, or certified driving school instructor (who’s at least 21 years old), and the car you drive must have dual breaks. You may not drive AT ALL between the hours of 9pm and 5am in New York City.
  • Passenger Rules Effective 2010, junior license holders may only carry one (1) non-family passenger who's under 21 years of age unless their parent/guardian is in the vehicle.

How to get your New York Driver License step-by-step:

  • Obtain driver education certificate
  • Practice for the written Learner Permit Exam using our free practice tests
  • -Find a driver license office and schedule an appointment for the written exam (you may also simply show up but you may have to wait some time)
  • Take the Learner Permit Written Exam
  • Take the Driving Exam