New York driving test requirements

Who takes the written test

New York State residents age 16 or older applying for a first learner permit, Class D, or Class DJ under 18. Applying takes proof of age, identity, and residence, and a vision test: 20/40 or better in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. An applicant under 18 needs a parent or guardian's consent on the application (form MV-44), unless they are 17 with a completed driver education course. New residents surrendering a valid licence from another U.S. state are generally licensed by exchange, without the written test.

How the test works

Twenty multiple-choice questions, four of them about road signs. The DMV tests the material in chapters 4 through 11 of its driver's manual, the road rules part of the book. The test runs at a DMV office, or online through the DMV's online application. For an applicant under 18, a parent or guardian supervises and certifies the online test (form MV-263). At 18 or older, the applicant signs an attestation (form MV-264). Passing online does not issue the permit on the spot; the transaction finishes at a DMV office. The DMV publishes no time limit for the test.

To pass

At least 14 of the 20 questions correct, and at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions correct. The second rule is separate and it bites: 14 or more overall with only one sign question right is not a pass.

Retakes

If you don't pass, you can take the written test again, and the DMV charges no additional fee for a retake of the written test. No limit on the number of retakes and no waiting period is published on the DMV pages checked.

What it costs

One combined fee at application covers the permit and the licence that follows, and the total depends on your age at application and whether you live in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District. Across all ages the range is $64.25 to $102.50. By age, without the district fee: 16 to 16 and a half, $80.00; 16 and a half to 17, $76.75; 17 to 17 and a half, $92.50; 17 and a half to 18, $89.25; 18 to 18 and a half, $80.00; 18 and a half to 21, $76.75 to $80.00; 21 and older, $64.25 to $67.50. The district fee adds $1.00 for every 6 months the document will be in effect. An Enhanced document adds $30.

Languages

At DMV offices the Class D permit test is given in 20 languages, Spanish among them. The online knowledge test is offered in English and Spanish only, so an applicant who needs another language takes the test at an office.

Official information and booking: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (official site).