* New drivers, prepare for your NYS permit test and your road test.
* Veteran drivers, brush up on the rules of the road.
Note: Beginning July 1, 2003, no person may legally operate a vehicle in New York State with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. This Driver's Manual version contains that information.
Read the Driver's Manual on-line, then take a practice quiz after each chapter to test your understanding. Practice tests are available only for those sections of the manual covering rules of the road, Chapters 4 through 11, and for the road sign chart.
You must have a valid driver license to drive legally in New York State. If you reside in and hold another license from another state or nation, you probably can drive legally in New York State. However, even if you are licensed elsewhere, you may not drive in New York State if you are under age 16.
If you have moved here, you must turn in your out-of-state driver license and obtain a New York State license within 30 days after you become a permanent resident. With few exceptions, it is illegal to hold both a New York State driver license and a license from another state. It is also a violation of Federal law to hold more than one commercial driver license (CDL).
It is a crime to alter or forge any motor vehicle document, including a driver license. This may result in suspension or revocation of the driver license and criminal prosecution leading to a fine or imprisonment.
TYPES OF LICENSES
New York State issues six types of non-commercial licenses. The information in this chapter applies primarily to passenger car and motorcycle licenses. To drive most other types of vehicles, you need a commercial driver license (CDL). For information about commercial driver licenses, refer to the Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) available from the DMV Internet Office Westchester NY, by request from a DMV Call Center, or at any motor vehicle office. You must have a CDL if you drive any vehicle that:
* Has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs. (11,794 kg); or,
* Pulls a trailer that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) and the GCWR of the hauling vehicle plus the trailer is more than 26,000 lbs. (11,794 kg); or,
* Is designed or used to carry 15 or more persons, not counting the driver; or,
* Regardless of seating capacity, is defined as a bus by Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (including vehicles carrying school children or disabled people); or,
* Carries hazardous materials required by federal law to be placarded.
The non-commercial licenses reviewed in this manual are:
Operator, Class D - Minimum age is 18, or age 17 with driver education (see Driver Education). Allows you to drive a vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. (11,794 kg) or less. A Class D driver can drive a vehicle that tows another vehicle (for example a trailer) that has a maximum gross weight of 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) or less. A Class D driver can tow a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) only if the combined weight rating of the two vehicles is 26,000 lbs. (11,794 kg) or less. You may also operate Class B and C mopeds with this license. See the important information about changes for Class D drivers that result from a law that eliminates the Non-CDL Class C license.
Junior Operator, Class DJ - Minimum age is 16. A Class DJ license allows you to drive passenger cars and trucks with an unladen weight or a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or less. A class DJ driver can drive a vehicle that tows another vehicle (for example a trailer) with a GVWR of 3,000 lbs. or less. See Junior Operator Restrictions.
Non-CDL Class C - See the important information about changes for Class D drivers that result from a law that eliminates the Non-CDL Class C license.
Taxi/Livery, Class E - Minimum age is 18. Allows you to drive the same vehicles as a Class D license, plus transport passengers for hire in a vehicle designed or used to carry 14 or fewer passengers. However, if the vehicle is defined as a bus under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (e.g., a school car or a van used to transport physically or mentally disabled people), regardless of seating capacity, you must have a CDL.
Motorcycle, Class M - Minimum age is 18, or age 17 with driver education (see Driver Education). Allows you to drive motorcycles and mopeds.
Limited Junior Motorcycle/Junior Motorcycle, Class MJ - Minimum age is 16. Allows you to drive the same vehicles as a Class M license with certain restrictions (see Junior Operator Restrictions).
Note: If you have a motorcycle license and another type of license, both classes will be listed on one document (e.g., "Class DM").
Driver Education (To Change Your Class DJ or MJ License to Class D or M) - You may apply to change your junior license to a full license at age 17 if you have received a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) from an approved driver education course. Apply at any motor vehicle office. Otherwise, your junior license will automatically become a full license when you become 18 years old and you do not need to apply for a license change.
Recreational Vehicle or "R" endorsement - Recreational vehicles, with or without air brakes, are not defined as commercial vehicles. You may apply for an "R" endorsement for your Class D or Class E driver license to allow you to operate a recreational vehicle (RV) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,001 lbs. (11,794 kg) or more.
To obtain an "R" endorsement, you must: submit a completed Application for Driver License or ID Card (MV-44), indicating a license amendment, to any state or county motor vehicle office; pay a permit fee, which is valid for up to two road tests; and pass a road test in the size and type of vehicle you will be driving. No written test is required. To take the road test, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old who has a license valid for the type of vehicle you will be driving during the test (e.g., a driver license with an "R" endorsement or the appropriate Commercial Driver License). The road test will be about 15 minutes in length and will include turns, intersections and backing the vehicle to the curb. Upon passing the road test, you must go to a motor vehicle office and pay the required fee to complete the license amendment process.
APPLYING FOR YOUR FIRST LICENSE
All information and required application forms you need to apply for a driver license are available at any state or county motor vehicle office by request from a DMV Call Center, and from the DMV Internet Office (www.nysdmv.com). To apply for a learner permit, driver license or non-driver identification card, you must complete an Application For Driver License or ID Card (MV-44). You also must pass a vision and written test, and pay application and license fees. Most drivers also must complete an approved 5-hour classroom training course and pass a road test. For more information about how to apply for and receive a license to drive a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL, refer to the Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC) or the Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10).
You must bring your completed application to any motor vehicle office, show the required proof of name and date of birth, and pay the appropriate fee. The addresses of motor vehicle offices are available in the manual. The most recent listing of motor vehicle addresses may be obtained from the DMV Internet Office or by request from a DMV Call Center.
Your first New York State driver license will expire in about 4½ to 5 years, on your month and day of birth. Your fee for a learner permit and license in Class D, DJ, M or MJ will be based on your age and date of birth.
Proof of Identity and Age
For your own protection, we must be sure who you are. As part of the application, you must provide your social security card. You must present documents that prove your name and age. All proofs must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. If you do not have the proofs on the instruction list, a supervisor may have the authorization to examine and approve other documents. The most recent listing of acceptable documents and assigned point values, described below, is available on the publications License/Permit/ID Instructions (MV-44.1) and Proofs of Identity (ID-44). Each publication is available from the DMV Internet Office or from a DMV Call Center.
Proof of Name
Documents that prove your name are assigned a point value. You must present proofs that total six points or more. At least one of the proofs must have your signature. A few examples of common proofs and their point values are listed below.
Each document below has a value of 6 points:
* New York State Photo Driver License/Permit/Non-Driver ID Card
The document below has a value of 4 points:
* If Under Age 21 — statement of Identity by Parent/Guardian (MV-45) (see special instructions and requirements on DMV form). Proof of date of birth and an original social security card are required for the applicant.
* U.S. Passport that is valid and is not expired.
Each document below has a value of 3 points:
* Foreign passport - in English and with a U.S. Visa and valid I-94 or unexpired I-155 stamp attached. If not in English, a certified translation by the embassy or consulate of the issuing country is required. For details, see the publication Proofs of Identity (ID-44).
* Valid U.S. Re-entry Permit (I-327)*
* Valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571)*
* Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570, N-578 or N-645)
* Permanent Resident Identification Card (INS I-551, with photo)*
* Valid U.S. Employment Authorization Card (INS I-688B or I-766, with photo)*
* U.S. Military Photo Identification Card (issued to military personnel only)
* N.Y.S. Medicaid/Benefit/Food Stamp Card, with photo (or, 2 points without photo)
*NOTE: Most documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must be issued for at least one year and valid for at least 6 more months. The USCIS was formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). See the publication Proofs of Identity (ID-44) for additional information.
Each documents below has a value of 2 points:
* Photo Driver License issued by another U.S. State, jurisdiction, territory or possession, or, a Canadian province or territory (must be in effect at least 6 months and not expired for more than 12 months)
* U.S. Military Dependent ID card
* N.Y.S. DMV Non-Photo Interim License or Computer Generated Learner Permit
* N.Y.S. Title of Vehicle Certificate
* N.Y.S. Vehicle or Boat Registration Receipt
* U.S. Social Security Card (must have your signature)
* U.S. High School ID with Report Card
* U.S. College ID With Photo and Transcript
* U.S. Marriage or Divorce Record, or Court-Issued Name Change Document
* N.Y.S. Professional License
* N.Y.S. or New York City Pistol Permit
* St. Regis Mohawk Tribe identification card
Each document below has a value of 1 point:
* Valid U.S. Major Credit Card, or
U.S. Cash (ATM) Card (with pre-printed name and signature), or
U.S. Canceled Check (with your pre-printed name), or
U.S. Bank/Financial Institution Statement/Record
* U.S. Employee Identification Card
* U.S. Computerized Pay Stub (must include your name)
* U.S. Supermarket Check Cashing Card (must have your pre-printed name and signature)
* U.S. Insurance Policy (in effect at least two years)
* U.S. Health Insurance Card/Prescription Card
* U.S. Utility Bill (must have your name and address)
* U.S. High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
* W-2 Form (must include Social Security Number)
* U.S. Union Card
* Veteran's Universal Access Photo Identification Card
Proof of Age
You also must prove your date of birth. Your document must be the original or a certified photocopy from the issuing agency. DMV will accept ANY ONE of these documents:
* Birth Certificate issued and certified by a Board of Health or Bureau of Vital Statistics in the U.S., its territories or possessions. Foreign birth certificates are not acceptable.
* Certificate of Birth Registration issued by the Department of Health of New York State or New York City
* St. Regis Mohawk Tribe identification card and a birth certificate issued by Canada.
* U.S. Military Photo Identification Card
* U.S. Passport
* Foreign Passport (with INS documentation) or Immigration Documents - See the publication Proofs of Identity (ID-44) for details.
* Certification of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
Vision & Written Tests
To pass the vision test, you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses. If you cannot pass this test or if you wear telescopic lenses, contact a DMV Call Center for further guidance.
The written test for a Class D, M, DJ, MJ or E license examines your knowledge of the rules of the road, safe driving techniques, road signs and their meanings, and the laws about the use of alcohol and drugs while driving. To pass the written test, you must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked. All the information you need to pass the written test is contained in this Driver's Manual. You can practice for the written test by answering the questions included in the manual and by taking practice quizzes on-line at the DMV Internet Office (www.nysdmv.com).
If you want a motorcycle license, study the Motorcycle Operator's Manual (MV-21MC). There is a separate commercial driver license written test for a CDL Class A, B, or C. If you are applying for a commercial driver's license, study the Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10).
The Learner Permit
When you pass the vision and written tests and pay your fees, your learner permit will be issued and you may begin learning to drive. Every time you practice driving, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old who has a license valid for the type of vehicle you are driving.
There are special restrictions for a learner under 18 years old (see publication, Learner Permits & Junior Licenses (C-41), available from the DMV Internet Office, or at any motor vehicle office. Depending on your age when you apply, your permit will be valid for three to five years. When you pass the road test, your new license will expire on the same date as your permit would have expired.
However, if you have an existing license or permit and are applying for a permit for a different class of license, the new permit will be valid for one year only. In this case, when you submit your permit application, be sure to ask about special procedures you must follow.
Preparing for the Road Test
Safe drivers, confident in today's traffic situations, often find their amount of practice driving before the road test had made a positive difference when they took the road test. Before you take the test, it is very important that you have had at least 30 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours in moderately heavy traffic. Road tests are given on city streets, but you also should practice driving on expressways and other types of highways. We suggest you take a high school or college driver education course, or lessons from a DMV-licensed Westchester driving school 914-631-0268. If you cannot take a course or lessons, have the person who teaches you "brush up" by reading Parts Two and Three of this manual.
You may not practice driving in a DMV road test area or on any restricted roads. In New York City, these include any street within a park and all bridges and tunnels under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. In Westchester County, the streets and roadways you are prohibited from practice driving on include these parkways: Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, and Taconic State.
Safe Driving Course Requirement
Before you can make a road test appointment, you must first complete an approved pre-licensing safe driving course at Adrians Driving School 914-631-0268. This requirement is automatically fulfilled as part of every high school or college driver education course. All other drivers must complete this requirement by taking a special five-hour course available at Adrians Driving School 914-631-0268. To locate where this course is offered, look on Google under keyword "5 hour course". After you take the course, you will receive a certificate to present when you make your road test appointment. The certificate is valid for one year.
Note: A defensive driving course taught through the DMV-certified Point/Insurance Reduction Program does NOT qualify as the required 5-hour classroom pre-licensing course.
The Road Test
In most areas of the state, you must make your road test appointment by telephone at: 1-(518)-402-2100. You must have your Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate (MV-278) or driver education course Student Certificate Of Completion (MV-285) before you schedule your appointment. During your call, you will be informed whether or not your local motor vehicle office participates in the road test telephone-appointment program. A non-participating office may schedule your appointment in person or by postal mail. In that case, bring or mail your permit and course completion certificate to your local motor vehicle office. You also may schedule your road test through the DMV Internet Office at: www.nysdmv.com.
If you cannot be at the road test site at the appointed time for a non-commercial driver license, you may request to reschedule your road test appointment. You MUST make this request at least 24 hours before the scheduled test date - call the road test appointment telephone number, 1-(518)-402-2100, visit the DMV Internet Office or contact the local non-participating office, wherever you made the original appointment. A road test for a commercial driver license (CDL) will be rescheduled at your request only if you notify the office at least three business days before the test date.
The DMV may cancel road tests due to bad weather. You may call the road test appointment telephone number or contact your local motor vehicle office where you made your original appointment, for announcements of road test cancellations.
For Junior Drivers With Permits Issued On or After 9/01/03
A DMV motor vehicle license examiner will conduct the road test. You must give the license examiner your photo learner permit, your five-hour pre-licensing course completion certificate (MV-278) or your Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285), and a completed Certification of 20 Hours of Supervised Driving (MV-262).
The Certification of 20 Hours of Supervised Driving (MV-262) is available from the DMV Internet Office or at Westchester Driving School 914-631-0268, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at any motor vehicle office. With this statement, your parent or guardian certifies that you have completed at least 20 hours of practice driving with an appropriate supervising driver (See chart "Regional Restrictions For a Junior Permit"). This certification is not required if you are age 17 and present a valid Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) issued to you for passing a certified driver education course.
You must bring a vehicle to drive during the road test. The vehicle must be properly registered, inspected, insured and equipped, and in good working order, including doors and seatbelts. The passenger side seat belt must be readily available and clean for the examiner's use. You must also bring an accompanying driver who is at least 21 years old and holds a license valid for operating the vehicle you will drive during the road test. Motorcycle applicants must bring a car or truck and an accompanying licensed driver to transport the license examiner during the test.
If you pass your road test during your first six months of valid permit status, you will be issued a limited junior license (Limited Class DJ or MJ). This limited license is subject to the regional restrictions shown in the chart "Regional Restrictions For a Limited Junior License." When your learner permit and limited license, combined, are valid for six months, the DMV will automatically send you a full junior license (Class DJ or MJ) by mail.
If you pass your road test after six months of valid permit status, you will be issued a full junior license. (See the chart "Regional Restrictions For a Junior License")
For Drivers With Permits Issued Before 9/01/03
When you take your road test, you must give the license examiner your photo learner permit, your five-hour pre-licensing course completion certificate (MV-278) or your Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285). As described for "Junior Drivers With Permits Issued On or After 9/01/03," you must also provide a vehicle to drive during the road test and an appropriately licensed driver.
When you qualify for a non-commercial license Class C, D, DJ, E, M, or MJ, the examiner will issue you a printed receipt - this receipt plus your photo learner permit together will serve as a temporary license valid for 90 days. Your new photo-license will arrive in the postal mail within three to five weeks.
NOTE TO MOTORCYCLISTS: If you already have another class of driver license and a motorcycle operator's learner permit, the DMV will waive your motorcycle road test if you complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle RiderCourse®: Riding and Street Skills. To qualify for the waiver, the course must be given by a provider who is certified by the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. (MANYS). For information about the nearest course, call MANYS at 1-888-4NY-RIDE. If you are adding an M or MJ endorsement to an existing license previously issued by New York State, you must go, in person, to any state or county motor vehicle office and amend your previous license. Wait until at least five business days after passing the road test before you make the amendment. If you did not have a previous NYS driver license, your new Class M or MJ license will arrive in the postal mail within three to five weeks.
Your Class D or DJ permit, or other permit for a non-commercial license, is valid for up to two road tests. If you do not pass your second road test, you may continue to practice driving until the date the permit expires. Be sure your accompanying driver is at least 21 years old. Before you schedule another road test, you must return to a motor vehicle office and pay a fee for two additional road tests.
Until September 1, 2006, when you qualify for a Commercial Driver License (CDL Class A, B, or C) or a Non-CDL C, the examiner will validate your Road Test Evaluation Form (CDL-200) - this validated evaluation form will be a temporary license valid for 10 days. To activate your permanent license, you must amend your original license, in person, at any state or county motor vehicle office. Wait until at least five business days after passing the road test before you make the amendment. If you did not pass your CDL road test, you may continue to practice driving until the date the permit expires. There is a fee for scheduling each additional road test.
On or after September 1, 2006, the NYSDMV cannot issue a 10-day temporary CDL when you pass a CDL skills (road) test.
Federal regulations require the NYSDMV to check both the National Driver Register and the Commercial Driver License Information System before the NYSDMV can issue a CDL.
If you pass your CDL skills test on or after September 1, 2006, you must wait at least seven days after the skills test, then go to a DMV office to amend your driver license to a CDL. Until your CDL is issued, you continue to hold only a CDL permit, and must comply with all restrictions and limitations of the permit.
After you qualify for a license, remember that you are still learning to drive. You must continue to show caution, concentration and obedience to the rules of the road to become a truly experienced, capable driver. For additional training, many motorists enroll in a DMV-certified Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). The PIRP is available through private companies or corporations throughout New York State. This program reviews time-tested safe driving tips and provides an overview of today's vehicle and traffic laws. If you are eligible for point reduction, as many as four (4) points may be reduced from your driving record. You may complete this course every 18 months for the purpose of point reduction. All participants who complete the program will receive a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of their automobile and motorcycle liability and collision insurance premiums each year for three years. For more information, see our publication Point & Insurance Reduction Program (C-32A), available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, or at any motor vehicle office.
Non-Resident and New Resident Drivers
If you are a resident of another state or country and hold a valid driver license there, you may legally drive in New York State. You should not apply for a New York license. Apply for a New York license only after you become a resident of this state. Then, to remain legally licensed, you must apply for a New York State driver license within 30 days after establishing residency.
If you are a new resident with a valid license issued by a U.S. state, territory or possession, or a Canadian province or territory, you must turn in your out-of-state license to get a New York license. You must show additional proof of name worth four points (see ID proofs), and provide your social security card and birth certificate. You also must pass the vision test. If your out-of-state license has been valid for less than six months or had expired more than one year ago, you must also 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. When you pass the road test, you must give your foreign license to the DMV motor vehicle license examiner who conducted the test. If you are from Canada, you must only surrender your license at time of application for the New York State license. Your foreign driver license will be destroyed unless you provide the examiner a written request to hold your foreign license on file at a New York State office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The license examiner will tell you which DMV District Office will hold your foreign license. Your foreign license will be returned at your request, but only after you surrender your New York State license.
License Renewal
You are responsible for knowing when your driver license expires and for making sure you renew it on time. In most cases, if the DMV has your current address, you should receive a renewal notice and instructions in the mail about 45 days before your license is due to expire. If you do not receive the notice, you may apply for renewal at any motor vehicle office. You also may renew your license up to one year before its printed expiration date.
Most driver licenses can be renewed through the mail or through the DMV Internet Office. For either renewal process, you must prove you have passed a visual acuity (eye) test within six months, or within one year as determined by a licensed vision health care professional, before the date you renew your license. To renew by mail, you must return to the DMV your renewal application and a completed Visual Acuity Report (MV-619), from a licensed eye-care provider, which documents that you passed the vision test. If you renew on-line through the DMV Internet Office, you will also need information from a Visual Acuity Report that has been completed by your licensed eye-care provider. A Visual Acuity Report form is available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, or at any motor vehicle office. You also may bring the license renewal form and the Visual Acuity Report to any motor vehicle office and renew in person. If you apply for a renewal in person, you will be allowed to take the vision test at the motor vehicle office.
When renewing in person, you must present your current license or six points of identification and, if needed, your social security card (see "Proof of Name," page 11). You may renew your license up to one year before your current license expires. Be sure to renew early if your license will expire while you are out of state. If you cannot renew early or a serious illness prevents you from renewing, contact a DMV Call Center.
If you enter military service, your license can be automatically extended throughout your active service and for six months after discharge. You must notify the department within 60 days of the entry date into service. You must submit the form, Notification of Military Service (MV-75), available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, or at any motor vehicle office.
Change of Address
If you change your address you must notify DMV within ten days by letter or on a Change-of-Address Form (MV-232). You also must write the new address in the space provided on the back of your photo license.
Learner Permit and Junior Operator Restrictions
Learner permits, limited junior driver licenses (Limited Class DJ or MJ), and full junior driver licenses (Class DJ or MJ) allow limited driving privileges for people learning to drive. The laws and regulations described in this publication became effective on September 1, 2003, for all drivers, even if you obtained your permit or junior license before that date. They restrict where, and under which circumstances, you may drive. If you are under age 18, these restrictions depend on where you drive in New York State and the time of day. These restrictions also apply to drivers under 18 years old who are licensed outside New York State.
The restrictions on drivers holding junior learner permits and licenses are also presented in the publication Learner Permits & Junior Licenses (C-41), available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and from any motor vehicle office. The definitions and restrictions for junior drivers are summarized below.
Definitions
"PROPERLY LICENSED" means the supervising driver has a license valid for driving the type of vehicle being driver by the learner or junior driver.
"GUARDIAN" means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of a parent and is discharging parental duties as the result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.
"IN LOCO PARENTIS" means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of a parent and is discharging parental duties as the result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.
"SCHOOL COURSE" means instruction, education or training that is licensed or approved by a state agency or department, or training conducted by the U.S. armed forces. The term "school course" does not include extra-curricular activities, sports or social events for which no scholastic credits are given.
"EMPLOYMENT" means a place of business at which you are paid to work regularly scheduled basis. You may NOT drive during work or as part of your work duties, such as for deliveries.
"WORK STUDY PROGRAM" means a state-approved cooperative work-study program. For example, a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) course for which academic credit is granted for work experience.
"MEDICAL APPOINTMENT" means medical treatment that is necessary for you or a member of your household.
"DAYCARE" applies to travel to and from a child's daycare if the child's attendance is necessary for a family member to maintain employment and/or attend a school course.
General Rules for All Drivers with Learner Permits
No matter what age you are, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive:
* Unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver at least age 21 who has a license valid for operating the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner.
* In a DMV road test area.
* On any street within a park in New York City, or any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
* On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County.
Drivers from Outside New York State
If you are under age 18 and hold a learner permit, junior permit or junior driver license from outside New York State, you must obey the restrictions described in this publication, in addition to those from your home state. Make sure your permit or license is valid for driving outside your home state before driving in New York.
If you are under age 16, you may not drive in New York State even if you are licensed outside the state.
NYS Drivers Visiting Other States
You may drive outside New York State with your learner permit, junior learner permit or junior license if it is allowed by the laws of the other state. You also must obey that state's permit, junior permit and license restrictions that may apply. Check with the police or motor vehicle authorities in the state you are visiting.
Motorcyclists and Moped Operators
The restrictions in this publication also apply to operating a motorcycle or moped. Your learner permit or limited junior license (Class M or MJ, or Limited Class MJ) does not allow you to carry any passenger except your accompanying supervising driver. In addition, your accompanying driver must have a driver license valid for operating the same class motorcycle or moped you are driving, and must exercise general supervision and control of your driving by remaining within one-quarter mile. It is strongly recommended that your accompanying driver keep you in sight at all times.
Driving with a Junior Learner Permit or Junior License
* You may not drive with more than two passengers under age 21 unless they are members of your immediate family, or if your accompanying driver is your licensed parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor.
* You and each passenger must wear a seat belt: one per person. Every passenger under age four must be in a properly installed child restraint seat.
* If you hold a junior permit or a limited junior license, the only passenger allowed in the front seat is your accompanying driver.
* Also see "Special Rules for Drivers with Junior Permits and Licenses," Chapter 2.
Driving Alone with a Junior License or Limited Junior License
Important information if you hold a Junior License in the counties of Nassau or Suffolk, or a Limited Junior License in the upstate counties (except Westchester, Rockland and Putnam):
You may drive alone between home and your employment, including farm work, if you carry the appropriate proof of employment. Your employer should complete a Certificate of Employment (MV-58A), available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at local motor vehicle offices. In the upstate counties only, instead of an employment certificate, you may carry a letter from your employer. The letter must be dated and signed by your employer, and must show the business name, address, and telephone number where you work. It also must list your name, date of birth, license identification number, job description, and days, hours and location of employment. The address and telephone number at which the employer may be contacted must be included for verification by a magistrate or police officer.
REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS FOR A JUNIOR PERMIT
New York City (5 Boroughs) Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) Upstate (All Other Counties)
5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM
You must drive only under the immediate supervision of your:
1. Parent
2. Guardian
3. Person "in loco parentis"
4. Driver Education Teacher
5. Driving School Instructor
The person above must be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
Vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes).
You must drive only under the immediate supervision of:
1. Your Parent
2. Your Guardian
3. Your Person "in loco parentis"
4. Your Driver Education Teacher
5. Your Driving School Instructor
6. Anyone who has been designated in writing by the parent, guardian or person "in loco parentis"
The person above must be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
You must drive only under the immediate supervision of:
A person who is at least age 21 or older and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM
You must NOT drive alone. You must NOT drive. You must drive only under the immediate supervision of your:
1. Parent
2. Guardian
3. Person "in loco parentis"
4. Driver Education Teacher
5. Driving School Instructor
The person above must be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
When driving alone between your home and a qualifying school course or approved work-study program, you must carry proof of enrollment. This must be a letter, dated and signed by an appropriate school or program official, on the school or program letterhead, and show the address and telephone number of the official for verification by a magistrate or police officer. The letter also must include the date(s), hour(s) and location(s) of the school course or program activity, your name, date of birth, and license identification number.
In the upstate counties only (except Westchester, Rockland and Putnam), if you have a Limited Junior License (Limited Class DJ or MJ), you may drive alone between your home and a medical examination or treatment for yourself or a member of your immediate family or household, if you carry a written statement to that effect from a licensed medical practitioner. You may also drive without adult supervision to transport your child, or a child of an immediate family member, to and from regularly-scheduled daycare.
REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS FOR A LIMITED JUNIOR LICENSE *
New York City (5 Boroughs) Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) & Westchester, Rockland & Putnam Upstate (All Other Counties)**
5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM
NO Driving Alone
You may drive under the immediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
Vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes).
NO Driving Alone
You may drive under the immediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
You may drive alone for:
1. School course or activity
2. Employment
3. Medical appointment
4. Regularly-scheduled daycare for your child or a child of immediate family member
All other driving must be under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM
You must NOT drive alone.
You may drive only under the immediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
Vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes).
You must NOT drive alone.
You may drive only under the immediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
You may drive alone for:
1. School course
2. Employment
3. Medical appointment
All other driving must be under the immediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," who is at least age 21 and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.
* For junior drivers who receive a permit on or after 09/01/03 and who pass a road test within the FIRST six months of valid permit status.
** See "Driving Alone with a Junior License or Limited Junior License".
Driver Education
If you are age 17, you are eligible for a senior driver license (Class D or M) if you have a junior driver license or limited junior driver license and have completed a state-approved high school or college driver education course. To convert your junior license to a senior license, bring your junior license and the Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) that you received from your instructor to any motor vehicle office. You must surrender your certificate and junior license to receive the senior license. If you do not convert your junior license to a senior license, you are subject to the restrictions for junior drivers until you are age 18, even if you carry the completion certificate with you. You may also give your certificate with your junior permit to the license examiner at your road test. You will automatically receive a senior license when you are eligible.
REGIONAL RESTRICTIONS FOR A JUNIOR LICENSE *
New York City (5 Boroughs) Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) Upstate (All Other Counties)
5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM 5 AM - 9 PM
You must NOT drive alone.
You may drive alone only directly between your home and employment, a work-study program, a course at a college, university, or registered evening high school, a driver education course, or while engaged in farm employment.
You may drive when accompanied by your licensed parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor.
You may drive without being accompanied.
9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM 9 PM - 5 AM
You must NOT drive. You may drive alone only directly between your home a work-study program, a course at a college, university, or registered evening high school, a driver education course, or while engaged in farm employment.
You may drive alone only directly between your home and employment or a school course.
All other driving must be accompanied by your licensed parent, guardian, or person "in loco parentis."
* See "Driving Alone with a Junior License or Limited Junior License".
