New York Driver License

In the state of New York, like any other state, it is illegal to drive without a valid driver license. The license could be issued by New York, or any other state, but it must be valid. In some cases, people with foreign driver licenses may also be legally allowed to drive on the state’s roads and highways.

New York State’s driver licenses are issued to those who display a certain degree of knowledge of road rules and traffic laws, pass the vision test and who come up to a specific standard of driving during the behind-the-wheel test.

There are different classes of driver licenses. Class D license, which allows a driver to drive a car or truck is the most applied for. Motorcycle licenses, commercial licenses and taxi licenses fall in different categories. If an applicant is under 18 years of age and applies for a Class D license, he/she must comply with the Graduated Driver’s License Program. In addition, the applicant must also take a driver’s ed or pre-licensing courses.

The Graduated Driver’s License Program requires that the applicant goes through the following steps:

• Obtain a learner’s permit
• Hold the permit for at least 6 months
• Obtain a certificate of 50 Hours of driving experience
• Enroll in a driver’s ed class
• Apply for a junior driver’s license

If the applicant has not completed a driver’s ed class then the applicant must enroll in a pre-licensing safe driving course. A 17 years old applicant who has successfully completed a driver’s ed course can apply for a standard Class D license.
The applicant must bring the following to the DMV office for the test:

• Application for Driver License
• Social Security Card
• Proof of identity and birth date
• The required fees

Once the applicant has familiarized him/herself with the New York State’s Driver’s Manual, it is recommended that he/she takes practice tests. However, applicants with an MV-285 certificate (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion) are exempted from taking the written test. Once the applicant passes the written and vision tests, he/she can make an appointment for a behind-the-wheel test.