Obtaining a Driver’s License in NY

Automobile License

Everyone who has reached 16 years of age can qualify for a driver’s license in New York. The first thing to do is to earn a learner's permit. You must meet the following requirements:

fill out and submit your application form and get it approved by your parent (however, if you are 17 and have already earned a Driver Education Certificate, you don’t need a parent’s approval);

bring in your social security number and a birth certificate;

pass an NY written permit test.

A learner’s permit is active for five years. Along with it, you’re issued an interim license enabling you to drive immediately. You’ll then be required to undergo a probationary period for half a year. Remember that for drivers younger than 18 holding a Class DJMJ, DJ or MJ license, it is mandatory to follow the GDL law and restrictions.

If you’re 17, you can qualify for a senior Class D or M license provided you have passed a certified driver education course.

Motorcycle License

To navigate a motorcycle, you are going to need either a Class M or MJ license or a learner’s permit. In any case, obtaining a learner’s permit first is mandatory.

You will be required to meet the next requirements to qualify for a motorcycle learner’s permit:

fill out an application form;

submit documents confirming your age and identity;

bring your existing learner’s permit or driver’s license, if you’ve got any;

pay a $10 fee;

complete a written driver knowledge test.

Upon successful passing of a written test, you’ll earn a Class M or MJ learner’s permit. NY DMV’s official website strongly advises that you take a Basic Rider Course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ensure you get a quality education prior to passing the written and driving tests.

Commercial Driver’s License

To operate a commercial vehicle throughout the state, you will need to earn a Class E, D or Non-CDL C driver’s license. Driver’s licenses from other states are considered valid too.

To obtain your CDL in New York, go through the following steps:

qualify for a learner’s permit. You will be required to undergo a written test;

bring proofs of age and identity, US residency (or permanent residence permit), and New York residence;

pass a medical check to comply with the state’s medical requirements;

pass written and driving road tests.

If you satisfy the above requirements, you’ll be given a commercial driver’s license which will be available to you within one day. The amount of licensing fee to pay varied depending on your commercial driver's license class and the day it expires.

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