Unit 1: Driver Licenses & the Learner Permit
New York State recognizes six types of non-commercial driver licenses, each with its own minimum age.
To pass the written test for a Class D, M, DJ, MJ or E license, you must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked — but you must also correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 questions about road signs specifically. To pass the vision test, you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Students who are at least 15 years and 11 months old can take the written test early through the DMV Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA) program, offered at participating high schools. Students who pass online receive a receipt and can apply for a learner permit once they turn 16.
Once you pass the vision and written tests and pay your fees, your learner permit is issued and you can start to practice. Whenever you practice, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, holds a license valid for the vehicle you are driving, and sits in the front seat with you.
If you hold a Junior (DJ) permit, the ONLY passenger allowed in the front seat is your supervising driver. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under age 21 unless they are members of your immediate family, or your supervising driver is your parent, guardian, person "in loco parentis," driver education teacher, or driving school instructor.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws restrict when and where a Junior (DJ) Permit holder may drive, and who may supervise, based on region.
Before taking the road test, it is recommended you have at least 50 hours of practice, including at least 15 hours after sunset, with at least 10 hours in moderate-to-heavy traffic. A Junior Permit must be held for a minimum of six months (excluding suspension/revocation time) before a road test can be scheduled.
You must complete an approved Safe Driving Course (fulfilled automatically by a high school/college driver education course, or via a special Pre-Licensing course). At the road test, you must bring your photo learner permit, your Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (or have one on file), and a correctly registered, inspected, insured vehicle in good working order — including a clean, available passenger-side seat belt for the examiner. You must also bring a supervising driver (21+, properly licensed) if you drove yourself to the test.
These restrictions continue after you pass the road test and receive a Junior (DJ) License, until you turn 18 or upgrade to a senior license.
You are responsible for knowing when your license expires and renewing it on time, even if you never receive a reminder notice. If DMV has your current address, you should receive a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. You can renew up to one year before the printed expiration date.