Free New York Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a permit in New York. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

You will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
• Social Security card or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration
• Two proofs of New York State residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
• Completed application for driver license or non-driver ID (form MV-44)
• Payment for the application fee
• For 6-point ID verification, you must have primary and secondary documents that total at least 6 points (e.g., U.S. birth certificate or passport as primary)
• Visit the New Jersey MVC website for a complete list of accepted documents and point values (Note: Although this example comes from New York, please refer to the New York DMV website for the proper list.)

Yes. If you are under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Accompany you to the DMV when you apply for your permit
• Sign your permit application (form MV-44)
• Give consent for you to receive a learner permit
• Sign the Consent Section of form MV-44 indicating they assume responsibility for your driving

The process is as follows:

1. Complete an Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44)
2. Gather the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian sign the application
4. Go to your local DMV office
5. Pay the fee
6. Take the vision test
7. Take the written knowledge test

New York allows you to start the application process online by completing a pre-application. However, you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the application, submit your documents, take your vision test, and complete your written knowledge test.

The New York DMV charges a fee for a learner permit that varies based on your age and the class of license you are applying for. This fee covers processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Check the New York DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in New York you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The New York permit written test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 14 questions correctly (70%) to pass the test.

The New York permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Special driving conditions (weather, night driving, etc.)
• Defensive driving techniques

The best ways to prepare for your New York permit test:

• Study the New York Driver Manual thoroughly, available on our website at New York Driver Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Focus on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

If you fail the New York permit test:

• You can retake the test another day (typically you must wait at least one day)
• You may need to pay a retesting fee for each additional attempt
• Review the areas where you had difficulty before your next attempt
• There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test

With a New York learner permit you can:

• Practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in New York you:

• Must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license to operate the vehicle you are driving
• Cannot drive in certain restricted areas, including parts of New York City and some parkways
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot use electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode if you’re under 18
• Face restrictions on when and where you can drive based on your location in the state
• In New York City, you cannot drive with a learner permit between 9 PM and 5 AM
• In Long Island and Upstate New York, similar nighttime restrictions apply

In New York, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are applying for a Junior (DJ) license (under 18):

• You must hold your learner permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test
• You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 15 hours at night
• You must complete a pre-licensing or driver education course

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period, but you must complete a pre-licensing or driver education course
• Practice until you develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

New York does not require a pre-licensing course to get your learner permit. However, education requirements differ based on your age:

• If you are under 18: You must complete either a 5-hour pre-licensing course or a state-approved driver education course before scheduling your road test.
• If you are 18 or older: You must complete a pre-licensing course or driver education course before scheduling your road test.

In New York, before you get your driver’s license:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete either:
  • A 5-hour pre-licensing course (form MV-278) at a licensed driving school or high school, OR
  • A state-approved driver education course that includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training
• Additionally, you must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 hours at night) and hold your learner permit for at least 6 months.

If you are 18 or older:

• You must complete a pre-licensing course (5-hour course) or a driver education course before scheduling your road test.

You can find New York-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the New York DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Contacting your local DMV office for recommendations
• Ensuring the program is authorized by the New York State Education Department and/or the DMV

The New York road test checks:

• Your ability to safely operate the vehicle
• Your knowledge and application of traffic laws
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parallel parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Your decision-making skills in various traffic situations

The test typically lasts about 15-20 minutes and includes both closed-course maneuvers and on-road driving.

You can schedule your road test in New York by:

• Visiting the DMV website and using the online scheduling system
• Calling the DMV’s automated phone system
• Having your driving school schedule it for you (if applicable)

Before scheduling, ensure you have:

• A valid learner permit
• Completed the required pre-licensing or driver education course
• Completed the required supervised driving hours (if under 18)

On the day of your road test in New York, bring:

• Your learner permit
• A pre-licensing course completion certificate (MV-278) or driver education certificate (MV-285)
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
• A vehicle that is properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle

Common reasons for failing the New York road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Excessive nervousness affecting driving performance

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in New York:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (15 hours at night)
• Complete a pre-licensing course or driver education course
• Pass the road test
• Pay the fees
• Obtain your Junior (DJ) license

If you are 18 or older:

• Hold your permit for at least 3 months
• Complete a pre-licensing or driver education course
• Pass the road test
• Pay the fees
• Obtain your license

New York’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner Permit: Must be at least 16 years old; pass the written and vision tests.
• Junior License (DJ): Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (15 at night), and pass the road test. Restrictions apply until you turn 18.
• Full License: Junior license restrictions end when you turn 18 or complete a state-approved driver education course.
• Adults 18 and older go directly from permit to full license after meeting the requirements.

As a new driver under 18 in New York with a Junior License, your restrictions vary by location:

• New York City (5 boroughs): You cannot drive without supervision by a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or designated person; no solo driving at any time.
• Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk counties): No driving between 9 PM and 5 AM except for driving between home and work or approved work-study programs; only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member.
• Upstate New York (all other counties): No driving between 9 PM and 5 AM except for driving between home and work or school; only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member.

These restrictions end when you turn 18 or upgrade to a full license.

New York does not recognize out-of-state learner permits. If you are moving to New York with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a New York learner permit
• You must pass the vision and written knowledge tests
• If you have a valid out-of-state license, you may be able to exchange it without taking the road test, depending on your state of origin

New York offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters (must be requested in advance)
• Extended testing time
• Ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Medical review to determine if special restrictions or equipment are needed

Contact your local DMV office before your appointment to request accommodations.

Yes, New York issues driver licenses and permits to residents regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of New York State residency
• Social Security Number or letter of ineligibility
• Other required documents

Visit the New York DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the New York Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free New York-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the New York permit process:

• Visit the New York DMV website at dmv.ny.gov
• Call the DMV at 1-518-486-9786 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV office
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 1-800-368-1186

If you lose your New York learner permit:

• You must apply for a replacement at your local DMV office or online at dmv.ny.gov
• Bring proof of your identity
• Pay a replacement fee
• A temporary document will be issued, and your permanent replacement will be mailed to you

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Filing a written request with the DMV
• Surrendering the current permit or license
• Completing form MV-1W (Withdrawal of Consent)

Once consent is withdrawn, the minor’s driving privileges are suspended until they turn 18 or until the parent provides consent again.