New York learner-permit appointments, document guide and official practice quizzes

You must be at least 16 to obtain a New York learner permit. Use the DMV permit guide to choose your test route, prepare documents and complete the office transaction.

Start with pre-screening and documents

The permit guide links DMV’s Get Pre-Screened tool. It identifies your required documents and produces an application you can print for the visit. Choose Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced, then use ID-44 to meet proof-of-name, birth-date, residence and Social Security requirements. Name evidence must total six points; Standard needs one residence proof, REAL ID and Enhanced two. Enhanced is only for U.S. citizens.

Bring original documents or issuing-agency-certified copies and print electronic bills. The document checklist covers SSN options, parental consent and the special instructions for MV-45.

Choose the office test or eligible online option

Office: Arrange a permit-test visit using the selected office’s reservation instructions. Prepare for the knowledge test, document verification, vision screening and fees. Acceptable provider vision results may be used under the vision rules.

Under 18 online option: DMV’s pre-screening process offers applicants under 18 the option to take the permit test online. Follow that process’s instructions and complete the required office visit afterward. After passing online, allow three business days for DMV to review results and identity documents. Visiting within the first three business days means you must retake and pass the test at the office before completing the transaction.

Participating high schools: The manual’s OKTA program provides monitored school tests in English and Spanish for students at least 15 years and 11 months old. After passing, students may apply for their permit at 16, with the receipt and required documents.

Find the office and reservation

Search the official office directory by city or ZIP code. Open View Details for the address, services and reservation option. Not every location offers appointments; follow that office’s instructions. DMV strongly encourages reservations and may admit only reservation holders during long waits. A permit office reservation and a later road-test booking are separate appointments.

Study and check both passing requirements

Use the official manual and quizzes, especially Chapters 4–11 and road signs, alongside NY Driver. The written-test rule is 14 correct answers out of 20, including at least two of the four road-sign questions.

DMV lists 20 languages for Class D permit tests, including Chinese and Spanish. See the language guide. After your permit is issued, move on to the pre-licensing course and practice timeline.