7/29/2023
Driving in New York or any city offers you greater autonomy when you own your own car. Although New York does not require you to get a state license if you have a valid license from another country, residents must take the corresponding exams to obtain one.
In this article we tell you what you must do to get a driver's license in New York and the driving test you must pass.
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Steps to get a driver's license in New York.
When you are over 18 years old, the process to get your license in New York follows a few simple steps:
Determine what class and type of license you need.
In the first list, we find the following:
- Class M. Motorcycles.
- Class E. Cabs and chauffeur-driven rental cars.
- Classes A, B and C. It is indicated for those who are going to drive commercial and large vehicles, such as buses or trucks.
- Class D. Operator/driver (DJ for -18). This is the most common driver's license for private drivers.
Choose the type of license identification
In this section there are 3 options:
- Real ID. It has a white star inside a black circle on the front and can be used to board a domestic flight.
- Standard. It does not show any federal markings on the front face and as of 2025 cannot be used to fly or enter some federal agencies.
- Advanced. Costs $30 more. This ID has a flag on the front, can be used to board a domestic flight and is good for entry (by land) into Canada, Mexico and other Caribbean nations.
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Obtain a learner's permit
Before getting the license in New York, you must apply for the learner's permit at the DMV that is most convenient for you. There you will take the written test and you can prepare yourself by consulting the New York State Driver's Manual.
Practice your driving and take a course
Once you have your learner's permit, you must drive under supervision and take driver's education training before taking the driving test. The former you can do with the help of family or friends, and for the latter you will have to be guided by recommendations.
Pass your driving test on the road
After the driving test, the person in charge of the evaluation will give you instructions on how to receive the result. If you passed the test, you can get an interim license online to go wherever you want.
Carry this document with you along with your learner permit until your official license arrives, which takes 2 weeks.
Fees related to the New York driver's license
The cost of the driver's license will depend on your age, where you live and the document you request. In this link you can calculate the final price of the process, which can vary between $60 and $100.
Payment of additional tests
This application for non-commercial vehicles costs $10 and includes up to 2 road tests. If you fail these tests, you will have to pay an additional fee to retake the driving test. Also, if you do not pass, you do not get your money back.
New York driver's license for minors
If you want to take the New York driving test under the age of 18, you and your legal representative should be clear about a GDL (Graduated Driver License). This corresponds to the restrictions for minors established by state regulations.
At age 17, you are given the option to get a senior class D or M license if you already have a junior driver's license and have completed the state-mandated driver's education course. To upgrade you need to bring your student certificate of completion to the DMV along with the above license.
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According to the regulations, you must return both the certificate and the junior license to receive the new one. If you do not carry out this change, you have to submit to the restrictions established for minors until you turn 18. This delivery can also be done through the instructor of the road test.
What happens if you have a license from another country?
Being a cosmopolitan city used to immigration, New York has the particularity of allowing the use of foreign licenses. You only need a driver's license if you have already become a resident.
If you decide to apply as described above, you will have to give the foreign license to the examiner when you pass the road test.
How long does the New York license last?
When it's your first license, the expiration date is 5 years for classes D, DJ and E. This means it expires at the same time as your learner's permit. When you apply for these documents, you are paying a fee that determines the expiration date.
For example, a learner permit you took out in 2020 will be valid until your birthday in 2025. Assuming you pass the driving test in 2021, your license would expire in 4 years.
Español: Examen de manejo en New York para la licencia de conducir