New York driver's license
Get your first license in New York after moving to the US.
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to New York and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
There is no single price: the total depends on your age and whether you live in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD), and one payment covers both the learner permit and the license. At 21 or older, a Class D license is $64.25 to $67.50 outside the MCTD and $73.25 to $77.50 inside it.
Every permit or license document that carries a photo adds a flat $12.50 photo fee, on top of the license fee and the $10 application fee.
If you live in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District — the MTA region surrounding New York City — you pay an extra $1 for every six months your permit or license is valid, on first issuance and again at renewal.
Residents of the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District, which covers New York City and the surrounding downstate counties, pay an extra $1 for each six months the permit or license is valid, on top of the class fee. The same $1 supplement applies at renewal.
A Class D or M license costs $98.50.
A Class D, DJ, M or MJ license costs three dollars and twenty-five cents for each six months, or part of six months, that it will be valid, so the total depends on how long your license will run. The Class C and Class E rate is six dollars and twenty-five cents per six months.
License fees are set by statute: the DMV cannot raise a fee or add a surcharge without the legislature amending the law.
The DMV cannot raise the fee or add a surcharge or penalty on its own. Only the state legislature can change it, by amending the law.
Applying for a license or permit costs between $64.50 and $107.50, payable by cash, check, or credit or debit card.
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
If your license from another state has expired
You cannot exchange a license that is suspended or revoked (clear it first, then present a valid license), a hardship or employment-only license, or one marked non-renewable or non-transferable. If yours is lost or stolen, you can apply to your previous state for a replacement photo license, which must show your license was valid for at least 6 months.
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validThe DMV does not accept expired documents unless the ID-44 list specifically says otherwise.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
The DMV collects Social Security numbers so it can exchange driver's license data more accurately with police agencies, other states and the federal government.
You must submit your Social Security number, or proof that you are not eligible for one, with any license or ID application or renewal. The number is not printed on the card and is not a public record.
Tests you take
Eye test
Falling short of 20/40 is not the end: between 20/40 and 20/70 with corrective lenses, you still qualify if your horizontal field of vision is at least 140 degrees. This second tier requires a statement from a physician, ophthalmologist or optometrist.
The standard is the same for a first license and a renewal: 20/40 in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. The screening can be done by the New York DMV, another state's DMV, or a licensed provider such as a physician, physician assistant, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, pharmacist, nurse practitioner or registered nurse.
You do not have to be tested at the DMV counter: a registered vision provider can file your result through the Vision Registry instead. The requirement can also be met with a corrective-lens restriction on your license.
The baseline standard is 20/40 in either or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. Vision in one eye is enough if that eye meets 20/40.
Drive test
A road test in a representative vehicle appropriate to your license class is required. The commissioner can waive it for certain classes of applicants; the statute states no criteria for that waiver.
Every license application except a renewal requires passing a road test, taken in a vehicle appropriate to the license class you are applying for.
Tries you get on the written test
The $10 application fee covers two attempts. There is no waiting period between attempts and no cap on your total number of attempts.
If you pass the permit test online and go to an office within the first 3 business days, you must retake and pass the test in the office.
Using up the attempts your fee covers does not bar you: a new $10 application fee restores your attempts. That is the only consequence of failing repeatedly.
Two attempts per application fee; failing both means a new application fee is required.
Practice questions for the written test
Instructional handbooks covering the whole pre-licensing course curriculum must be available at registration at every location where the course is given.
The driver manual and practice exams are on dmv.ny.gov.
New York's study document is the Driver License Manual, form MV-21, published as a PDF. It prepares you for the road test as well.
The DMV must hand you a driver's manual when it accepts your learner-permit application. It covers traffic law, the law on impaired and intoxicated driving and its physical effects, the duty to avoid hitting parked or stopped vehicles, and traffic signs and symbols.
Using an interpreter
You can ask for the knowledge test in a form other than written — an oral test, for example — at any stage of licensing, and if you meet the eligibility standards the DMV must give it that way. The alternative test costs an extra $5.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
While you practice, you must be under the immediate supervision and control of someone at least 21 years old who holds a license valid in New York for the type of vehicle you are driving.
This holds at every age: a permit holder must always be accompanied by a licensed driver to practice, and rules limit where you can drive on a permit.
Your supervisor must be at least 21 and hold a license valid in New York for the vehicle type — the statute does not say a license from another state or country counts. Further restrictions can be printed on the permit itself.
Practicing with a licensed driver and taking a registered pre-licensing course are both required for the road test.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
Another driver is required at the road test: over 18 if that person drives you to the test site, over 21 if you drive yourself there. Either way, they must carry a physical license valid for the vehicle you test in.
Only the accompanying driver rides along — no other passengers are allowed. Mobile ID is not accepted for either driver; the license must be a physical one, valid for the test vehicle.
If your accompanying driver is not properly licensed, the DMV can refuse to give you the road test.
The examiner in the car does not count as your supervising or accompanying driver. You still need your own qualified driver to get to and from the test site.
Driving during the road test itself is the one time the law lets you drive without a license. On the way to and from the test you must still be lawfully accompanied.
The car and its insurance
You supply the test vehicle yourself — New York does not provide one. It must have valid registration, insurance and inspection, operate properly, and be in clean condition.
Dash cams and all other recording equipment must stay off during the test — an attempt to record means the test is not conducted. Department-installed security or monitoring equipment is the one exception, and the examiner decides on the day whether the test can go ahead with it fitted.
New York's own digital Mobile ID is not accepted at the road test, for you or for your accompanying driver. Bring the physical card.
You can be turned away at the test for a vehicle that does not comply with the law, missing documents, an accompanying driver who is not properly licensed, or a dangerous load. The examiner is allowed to inspect the load.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
A motor vehicle license examiner, or another agent the commissioner designates, conducts the road test. The examiner does not count as your accompanying driver — you still need your own qualified driver to reach the test site and to leave it.
A DMV license examiner runs the test and takes pictures of you, your documents, your learner permit and the vehicle before the test starts.
The road test is given by a Department of Motor Vehicles employee, the license examiner. No other body is authorized to conduct it.
Booking an appointment
You can book your road test at nyrtsscheduler.com. The address is not on ny.gov, but it is New York's own road test scheduler.
You can make a DMV reservation at public.nydmvreservation.com.
Office locations
You can find DMV offices and make reservations at dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/office-locations.
Other states
U
Every source, quoted47 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“The fee for your first New York State driver license or permit, or a new license or permit after a revocation, depends on your age when you apply and where you live. The total fee includes the driver license application fee the fee for the type of license (see driver license classes for more info) the document fees the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fee, if you live in the MCTD”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/fees-refundsChecked August 15, 2026
“Photo image fee. In addition to any other fee prescribed herein, a fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents shall be charged for the processing of each learner permit or license document requiring a photo image.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“Supplemental learner permit/license fee in the metropolitan commuter transportation district. (i) Upon passage of the knowledge test required to obtain a learner's permit, an applicant for a driver's license who resides in the metropolitan commuter transportation district established by section one thousand two hundred sixty-two of the public authorities law shall be required to pay a supplemental fee of one dollar for each six months or portion thereof of the period of validity of a learner's permit or license which is or may be issued”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“an applicant for a driver's license who resides in the metropolitan commuter transportation district established by section one thousand two hundred sixty-two of the public authorities law shall be required to pay a supplemental fee of one dollar for each six months or portion thereof of the period of validity of a learner's permit or license which is or may be issued”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“License (Class D or M) ... $ 98.50”
dmv.ny.gov/forms/id44.pdfChecked July 28, 2026
“an applicant for a class D, DJ, M or MJ license shall be required to pay three dollars and twenty-five cents for each six months or portion thereof of the period of validity of a learner's permit or license which is or may be issued”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“Learner Permit (Class DJ/D or MJ/M) ... $ 136.00”
dmv.ny.gov/forms/id44.pdfChecked July 28, 2026
“In no event shall the commissioner increase fees or impose surcharges or penalties for the issuance or renewal of licenses without the specific mandate of the legislature effected pursuant to an amendment to this chapter.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“The fees to apply for a driver license or permit range between$64.50 and $107.50 and can be paid by cash, check, or credit/debit card.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/driver-licenses-and-the-green-light-lawChecked August 4, 2026
“You cannot exchange your license if it is suspended or revoked. You must remove the suspension or revocation and bring to a New York State DMV office a valid driver license that meets the requirements listed above. a hardship or an "employment-only driver license". marked "non-renewable" or "non-transferable". lost or stolen. You can apply to the previous state for a replacement photo driver license. The replacement driver license must: be a photo driver license show that your out-of-state driver license was valid for at least 6 months”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/exchange-out-of-state-licenseChecked August 14, 2026
“Unless specifically noted, DMV does not accept expired documents.”
dmv.ny.gov/forms/id44.pdfChecked August 1, 2026
“The acquisition of social security numbers of such licensees and identification card holders will permit the department to more accurately exchange driver's license data with police agencies, other states and the Federal government.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked August 1, 2026
“An applicant for a license or a non-driver identification card or an applicant renewing such a license or such identification card must submit his or her social security number or provide proof that he/she is not eligible for a social security number.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked August 1, 2026
“He has a minimum visual acuity of less than 20/40 but not less than 20/70 (Snellen) in either or both eyes with corrective lenses and has a horizontal field of vision of no less than 140 degrees as tested in accordance with section 5.4(b) of this Part.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“The minimum vision standards for the issuance of an original or renewal driver license shall be the same.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked August 1, 2026
“o Passed in Office o Vision Registry o Corrective Lens”
dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdfChecked July 26, 2026
“He has a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 (Snellen) in either or both eyes with or without corrective lenses, as tested in accordance with section 5.4 of this Part.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“the commissioner shall cause the applicant to take a road test in a representative vehicle of a type prescribed by the commissioner which shall be appropriate to the type of license for which application is made, except that the commissioner may waive the road test requirements for certain classes of applicants”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“In addition to any other tests required, an applicant for a license, other than a renewal license, shall be required to pass a road test in a vehicle appropriate to the type of license for which application is made, except that such road test requirement shall be waived:”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“If application is made for any license other than a commercial driver's license, such fee shall enable the applicant to take the knowledge test required for issuance of a learner's permit and driver's license no more than twice.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“If you go to an office within the first 3 business days, you will be required to re-take and pass your permit test in the office before completing your transaction.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/prepare-for-and-take-your-permit-testChecked August 4, 2026
“If an applicant fails to pass the knowledge test required for issuance of a learner's permit in the number of times specified in subparagraph (i) or (ii) of this paragraph, a new application fee shall be required.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“If application is made for any license other than a commercial driver's license, such fee shall enable the applicant to take the knowledge test required for issuance of a learner's permit and driver's license no more than twice. ... If an applicant fails to pass the knowledge test required for issuance of a learner's permit in the number of times specified ... a new application fee shall be required.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/503Checked August 1, 2026
“The commissioner shall make available for distribution upon registration at each location where the pre-licensing course will be given (1) instructional handbooks outlining the content of the entire curriculum of the pre-licensing course including the information required to be included in the course pursuant to paragraphs (c), (c-1), (c-2), (c-3), (c-4) and (c-5) of this subdivision, and (2) information as to how a person may register in the New York state organ and tissue donor registry under section forty-three hundred ten of the public health law.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“The driver ... manual and practice exams are available on our website at ... dmv.ny.gov”
dmv.ny.gov/forms/id44.pdfChecked July 28, 2026
“reviewing the Driver License Manual (MV-21) (PDF)”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“Upon acceptance of an application for a learner's permit the commissioner shall provide the applicant with a driver's manual which includes but is not limited to the laws relating to traffic, the laws relating to and physiological effects of driving while ability impaired and driving while intoxicated, the law for exercising due care to avoid colliding with a parked, stopped or standing vehicle pursuant to section eleven hundred forty-four-a of this chapter, explanations of traffic signs and symbols and such other matters as the commissioner may prescribe.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“If a knowledge test is required in any stage of the licensing process, the applicant may request that such test be given in a form other than written and if the applicant meets the eligibility standards established by the commissioner for an alternative test then the commissioner shall give such test in an alternative form. An additional fee of five dollars shall be required for such an alternative test.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“Such permit shall be valid only ... when the holder is under the immediate supervision and control of a person at least twenty-one years of age who holds a license valid in this state for the operation of the type of vehicle being operated”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/501Checked August 1, 2026
“Learner permit holders of any age must obey certain restrictions about where they can drive and always be accompanied by a licensed driver to practice driving.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-learner-permitChecked August 4, 2026
“Such permit shall be valid only (i) for the operation of a motor vehicle of a type which could be operated by the holder of the class of license for which application is being made; (ii) when the holder is under the immediate supervision and control of a person at least twenty-one years of age who holds a license valid in this state for the operation of the type of vehicle being operated; and (iii) in accordance with any additional restrictions prescribed by the commissioner and noted on such permit.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“Before you take your road test you must practice driving with a licensed driver and take a registered pre-licensing course.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-learner-permitChecked August 4, 2026
“a driver over the age of 18 (if a licensed driver is driving the permit-holder to the test site) or over the age of 21 (if the permit-holder is driving to the test site). In either situation, the other driver must have a physical driver's license that is valid to operate the test vehicle”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“a driver over the age of 18 (if a licensed driver is driving the permit-holder to the test site) or over the age of 21 (if the permit-holder is driving to the test site). In either situation, the other driver must have a physical driver's license that is valid to operate the test vehicle ... only the accompanying driver of the vehicle (no other passengers are allowed) ... Mobile ID (MiD) is not acceptable for either driver.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-road-testChecked August 1, 2026
“if the accompanying driver (if required) is not properly licensed”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“A motor vehicle license examiner or other agent designated by the commissioner, while engaged in conducting a road test is not deemed to be a supervising or an accompanying driver in relation to the applicant being tested.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“no person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle upon a public highway of this state or upon any sidewalk or to or from any lot adjacent to a public garage, supermarket, shopping center or car washing establishment or to or from or into a public garage or car washing establishment unless he is duly licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“a vehicle to drive during the test that has a valid registration, insurance, and inspection, operates properly, and is in clean condition”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“No applicant or any other person, other than a Department of Motor Vehicles employee or other party designated by the department, may use any audio, visual or other recording equipment in or on a motor vehicle operated by an applicant during a skills test. The skills test shall not be conducted if the applicant or any other person, other than a Department of Motor Vehicles employee or other designated party, uses or attempts to use audio, visual or other recording equipment during the skills test.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“Please note : Mobile ID (MiD) is not acceptable for either driver.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“An applicant may be refused a skills test if the vehicle in which the applicant is to be tested does not comply with the law, if the applicant does not have proper documents, if the accompanying driver (if required) is not properly licensed, or if the vehicle is carrying a dangerous load. Loads may be checked by the person giving the skills test.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“A motor vehicle license examiner or other agent designated by the commissioner, while engaged in conducting a road test is not deemed to be a supervising or an accompanying driver in relation to the applicant being tested.”
nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VATChecked July 31, 2026
“License examiner will take pictures of the applicant, required documents, learner permit and vehicle before the road test.”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“The Department of Motor Vehicles employee conducting the skills test shall determine if the skills test may be taken with such equipment installed in or on the vehicle.”
govt.westlaw.com/nycrr/Browse/Home/NewYork/UnofficialNewYorkCodesRulesandRegulationsChecked July 31, 2026
“Schedule a Test -> https://nyrtsscheduler.com/”
dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/schedule-and-take-a-road-testChecked July 23, 2026
“[Make A Reservation](https://public.nydmvreservation.com/ "NY DMV Reservation")”
r.jina.ai/https://dmv.ny.gov/location/albanyChecked August 2, 2026
“[DMV Office Locations and Reservations](https://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/office-locations)”
r.jina.ai/https://dmv.ny.gov/location/albanyChecked August 4, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in New York?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.