How to Get a New York Drivers License

The state of New York makes getting your drivers license pretty simple. Just follow these steps and you'll be behind the wheel in no time.

Step One: Get Your Learner's Permit

The first stop on the road to getting your New York drivers license is earning your learner's permit. You can apply for your permit when you turn 16. The state offers an online guide to help you determine which ID documents you'll need to bring along to the DMV.

At the DMV, you'll be required to take a written exam that covers New York's traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 14 of the 20 multiple-choice questions correctly in order to pass. Luckily, the state provides an online study resource to help you prepare.

After you pass the written exam, you'll receive your permit in the mail.

Step Two: Get in the Driver's Seat

Once you have your permit, it's time to start practicing behind the wheel. You're allowed to drive anywhere in New York as long as you're accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older, with a few exceptions. Permit holders can't driver on:

Any streets in New York City parks
Any infrastructure operated by the Tri-borough Bridge & Tunnel Authority
Westchester County's Cross County, Hutchinson River, Taconic State or Saw Mill River parkways

Before you can get your New York drivers license, you'll need to meet a few requirements. You must:

Have your permit for at least six months
Complete a state-approved driver's education or pre-licensing program
Log at least 50 hours of practice behind the wheel including at least 15 hours at night

Step Three: Take Your Road Driving Test

Once you've met the aforementioned requirements, it's time to take your road test. You'll need to make an appointment online and on the day of your test, you'll need to bring:

Your learner's permit
Proof that you completed a pre-licensing course and tracked your supervised driving hours
A safe vehicle with a valid registration and a licensed driver who is 21 or older

On the test, you'll be expected to demonstrate that you can:

Steer, accelerate, and brake smoothly
Drive at a safe speed and following distance
Abide by all traffic laws and road signs
Use your turn signals, observe road conditions, and react to other drivers and pedestrians as needed

After you pass the test, your New York drivers license will be mailed to you.

Step Four: Follow All License Restrictions

To help keep young drivers safe, New York has implemented a graduated license law. Until you turn 18 or you've upgraded your initial license (which you can do when you're 17 and you've completed a high school or college driver's ed program), there will be certain restrictions on your license.

These restrictions will vary depending where you live, but there are a few rules you'll need to follow regardless of if you're upstate or in the city:

You can't drive with more than one passenger who is under 21, unless they're immediate family members
You can't drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless you're with a parent or guardian, or you're going to or from work or school

Be sure to follow these restrictions so that you don't lose the newfound freedom that comes along with your New York drivers license.