How to Obtain a Driver's License in New York

By eHow Cars Editor

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You can drive in New York State if you have a valid license from another country or another state. Follow these steps to obtain a driver's license in New York State.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Vehicle in good mechanical condition
Verification of insurance
Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285)
Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate (MV-278)
Application for New York Driver license (MV-44)
New York Driver's Manual
Social Security Card
Proper documentation

Step1

Obtain and study a New York Driver's Manual. You can read the Driver's Manual online and take practice quizzes, or you can get the manual from your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or DMV Call Center.

Step2

Refer to the Driver's Manual for the documents and the forms you need to apply for your license.

Step3

Apply for a learner's permit. Pay the application fee and the driver's license fee. Pass the vision test and the written test. Receive your permit. This can be done in one step.

Step4

Practice for your road test.

Step5

Take a driver education course, or a DMV-approved pre-licensing course.

Step6

Use your driver education certificate or pre-licensing course certificate to make an appointment for your road test by phone or on-line.

Step7

Pass your road test and receive your New York State driver license.

Tips & Warnings

You are not required to take the written test if you have form MV-285 (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion).
If this is your first driver's license, you must take a pre-licensing course or driver education course before you can make a road test appointment.
Based on your vision test results, you may be required to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving.
An oral test will be given on request (an appointment may be required).
If your out-of-state license has been valid for less than six months or expired more than one year ago, you also must pass the written and road tests and complete the safe driving course.
If you are a new resident licensed in a country other than Canada, you must pass the vision, written and road tests, complete the safe driving course and turn in your foreign license.