How to Get a Driver's License in New York

Getting a driver’s license can be crucial for those who want to travel around New York. However, obtaining a driver’s license can be challenging for individuals who have never held one before. Learn what it takes to get your New York state driver’s license before you head out to your local DMV.

Types of Licenses

Before applying for your driver’s license, you’ll want to understand the various types of permits New York has to offer. For those looking to drive for work, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license, which comes in various classes depending on the type of vehicle you are looking to drive. Anyone else not driving commercially can expect to either get an operator’s or motorcycle license. Ensure that you fully understand the type of license to apply for before heading to your local DMV.

Take a NY Practice Permit Test

Learner’s Permit

Being able to drive at 16 can be a great way to give you the freedom you desire, but you’ll also need to understand the responsibilities that come with it. To make sure teens fully understand driving, they must obtain a learner’s permit before getting their driver’s license. With the permit, teens can drive during certain times of the day as long as they have an adult supervising them in the car. This creates a system where teens have someone watching over them and giving advice about their driving before taking their driver’s license test, at least 6 months after obtaining their permit. Ensure that you fully understand what a learner’s permit is and how to get one if you are interested in driving under the age of 18.

Tests

No matter what age you are, you’ll likely have to take multiple tests at the DMV. The first test you take will be a written test, in which you’ll have to answer questions about road signs and what you should be doing in specific situations. Once you’re done with your written test, you’ll either get your learner’s permit if that’s what you’re applying for or move on to the road test. The road test takes you out driving with a DMV tester who will approve or reject your license based on how you handle essential driving maneuvers, such as backing up, making a U-turn, parking, and more. Whether you’re new to driving or think you’re an expert, make sure that you understand what will be on your tests and practice beforehand.

Probational Period

If you’ve passed the road test for the first time, you’ll move on to get your probationary driver’s license. During the six months after obtaining this license, you’ll be subject to higher penalties for various driving violations, including speeding, reckless driving, and using a phone. The higher punishment for the first offense includes a 60-day suspension period, during which you’re not allowed to drive. From there, you’ll have to restart your entire probation period again until you’ve gone six months without any violations. Make sure to review the violations included in this probationary period thoroughly, so you not only avoid losing your license but also prevent any accidents.

Renewal

Every couple of years, you must renew your license to continue driving. To initiate the renewal process, you can start up to 1 year before your license expires by visiting the New York DMV website or one of its offices. Drivers with expired licenses have up to 2 years after expiration to renew their license before they are required to go through the entire driver’s license process again, including the written and road test. Ensure that you keep the date of your license expiration in mind, as you could be fined or even have your license taken away if you’re pulled over.