If you want to obtain your New York learner permit, driver’s license, or non-driver I.D. card, you must meet certain criteria and bring the necessary documentation. This article will help guide you through what you need to do.
You must bring a completed driver permit application form, proof of identity and age, and take the written knowledge test – 20 multiple choice questions, four of which are about road signs.
How to Apply for a Driver Permit
If you are ready to get your permit, it’s important to understand all the requirements before you head to your local DMV. Having the right paperwork in order can prevent delays and unnecessary trips. The good news is that the DMV makes most forms available online to download and fill out before you even step inside a branch office.
Once you’re at the DMV, it’s best to come prepared with a completed MV-44 Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID Card and the necessary supporting documentation. If you are under 18 and still need to attain a driver’s license from another state or country, a parent or legal guardian must sign your MV-44 form in the consent section. You’ll also need to take a vision test and the written learner’s permit exam, which consists of 20 multiple-choice questions — you must answer 14 correctly to pass.
Remember that the MV-44 application will give you a choice of whether to apply for an Enhanced, REAL, or Standard driver’s license, so make sure you know which one you want before proceeding with your appointment. Enhanced and REAL licenses allow you to cross the Mexican and Canadian border without having a passport.
Age Requirements
In many states, a new driver can get their first permit at 14 or 15, but New York requires drivers to be at least 16. Additionally, the teen must take a pre-licensing course and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while driving.
After the teen completes their state requirements, they must pass a written and visual test to receive their permit. Typically, this test is based on the state’s driver manual, which they can study beforehand.
Once the teen gets their permit, they must spend at least six months with it before they are eligible for a full license through their graduation process. However, some states allow teens who have been able to prove hardship and need a full driver’s license to bypass this process altogether.
Those applying for their permits must bring their I.D., residency proof, and Social Security number. Sometimes, the agency can verify these documents online, but it’s best to bring them just in case.
Fees
The fees associated with a driver’s permit depend on what type of permit you are applying for, your age, and where you live. For example, if you are trying to get your commercial learner permit (CLP), you will need to pay a $10 non-commercial N.Y. license application fee, and you will have to take two additional road tests.
Depending on your location, you may also have to pass a vision test or bring a completed Eye Test Report MV-619. Gathering the required documents before heading to the DMV can help you save time and avoid delays.
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign your paperwork. However, you can skip this step if you are 17 and took a New York State-certified driver education course. You must also provide proof of identity, lawful U.S. presence, and your Social Security number. You will need additional documentation if you are trying to get an Enhanced or Real ID.
Vision Test
Getting your driver’s permit requires passing a vision test. The test is usually administered by an eye care professional with a valid N.Y. State license. It involves looking at a chart with letters and symbols of different sizes arranged in rows and columns. The letters should be seen from 14 to 20 feet away. The chart may also contain color cards that show how well a person sees shades of red, green, and blue.
Applicants who need to use telescopic lenses for this test will have a restriction placed on their driver’s license or learner permit reading indicating they can only drive during daylight hours. If you can pass the vision test without needing telescopic lenses, submit Form MV-80L to remove this restriction when it expires.
Children are routinely screened for vision problems through school-based programs, by their pediatrician or primary care physician, and often during local health fairs by hospitals or fraternal organizations like the Lions or Elks clubs. Screenings are important because they can catch problems that can be corrected early on and prevent them from worsening.
Written Test
The test is computerized and consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The test-taker must answer 14 of these correctly to pass the exam. The questions are based on the New York State Driver’s Manual information. The test is offered in 14 languages, so you can take it in the language that best suits your ability to understand.
The written test is available in the DMV’s offices and select NYS public schools. The test-taker must provide a valid form of identification, birth certificate, social security number, and proof of residency in the United States. If the applicant is under 18, they must also have a parent or legal guardian sign the application with written consent.
First-time applicants seventeen (17) years or older do not need their parents to permit them to get a permit if they have taken a certified NYS driver education course. When applying for their permit, they must still complete the MV-285 Driver Education Certificate and bring it to the DMV office.