New York Driver's License

Commercial Driver Licenses

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) are required for individuals who operate commercial vehicles. There are three classes of CDLs in New York:

Class A

The holder of this license is authorized to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds where the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds. It's typically required for drivers operating large freight trucks that pull substantial loads.

Class B

This license is designated for drivers who operate single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,001 pounds or for driving a vehicle towing another vehicle where the towed vehicle does not exceed 10,000 pounds. It is suitable for driving large buses, dump trucks, and straight trucks.

Class C

Under this category, licensed drivers can operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or those carrying hazardous materials.

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses

In New York, non-commercial driver licenses are categorized primarily into Class D, Class DJ, Class E, Class M, and Class MJ.

Class D (Operator)

Those who obtained this type of license allow the holder to drive passenger cars and trucks with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. It also covers the operation of vehicles towing another vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds.

Class DJ (Junior Operator)

This license is issued to younger drivers for operating a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. It typically has more restrictions than the standard Class D license, designed to safeguard the safety of inexperienced drivers.

Class E (Taxi and Livery)

Class E license is designed for those driving vehicles that can transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or used to transport hazardous materials. This license is essential for drivers of taxis, liveries, and other for-hire vehicles.

Class M

Class M licenses permit the operation of motorcycles. Holders of this license can legally ride motorcycles on public roads without age restrictions.

Class MJ

Class MJ, or Junior Motorcycle License, is specifically for operators under 18. This license includes specific restrictions designed to ensure the safety of younger riders. These restrictions often include limitations on riding during certain hours, carrying passengers, and sometimes mandatory completion of a motorcycle safety course.

Vision Screening

Vision screening is a mandatory procedure to confirm that an applicant's eyesight meets the state's standards for driving. If the results indicate any limitations, appropriate driving restrictions may be applied to ensure the safety of the driver and others on the road.

This screening is usually conducted at the beginning of the license application process to identify potential vision-related issues immediately. The form required for this is the Vision Test Report (MV-619).

If an applicant requires corrective lenses to meet the visual acuity standard, their license will be restricted, and they will have to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is a fundamental requirement for all prospective drivers. This exam tests the driver's understanding of road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics pertinent to everyday driving in New York. A passing score of 70% or 14 out of 20 items is required to proceed in the licensing process.

Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait at least one day before retaking it. There is no limit to the number of times the test can be taken, but it can only be attempted once daily.

Prospective drivers can prepare for the knowledge test by studying relevant manuals or resources and taking practice tests.

Interim and Full License

After obtaining a learner permit, an individual must engage in supervised driving practice and complete a mandatory 5-hour pre-licensing course or an equivalent driver education course before they become eligible to take the road test.

Drivers under 18 must adhere to the Graduated License Law, which imposes specific restrictions based on whether they hold a junior learner permit or junior driver license. The rules vary by region within New York State—Upstate New York, New York City, and Long Island.

Once they meet the educational and practical requirements, the next step is to schedule and pass a road test, which assesses their ability to operate a vehicle safely. This test is critical as it determines whether an individual is ready to drive independently without supervision.

Upon successfully passing the road test, they will receive an interim license that allows them to drive immediately. Meanwhile, the permanent driver's license will follow, typically mailed within two weeks, which marks their full entry into the driving community as a licensed driver.

New York BMV Road Test

Applicants must schedule their road test after passing the written test and completing a mandatory pre-licensing or driver education course. Scheduling can be done online or by phone using the NY DMV's scheduling system, and there is no fee for the initial test.

On the test day, applicants must bring a registered and insured vehicle and a licensed driver. The car used for the test must be in good working order, with all equipment functioning correctly, to ensure safety and compliance with testing standards.

During the road test in New York, examiners will assess the applicant's ability to execute tasks such as:

• Starting and stopping the vehicle
• Backing up
• Parallel parking
• Making safe left and right turns
• Using turn signals appropriately
• Driving in traffic
• Maintaining a safe following distance

Other tested skills include:

• Yielding
• Stopping at appropriate signs
• Following traffic signs and signals
• Speed control
• Use of mirrors and proper observation
• Smooth steering

New York Driver's License Fees

In New York, the fees for a regular driver's license vary by age and license type. For the standard driver's license, the fees are as follows:

• Ages 16 to 16½: $80 to $90
• Ages 16½ to 17: $76.75 to $85.75
• Ages 17 to 17½: $92.50 to $102.50
• Ages 17½ to 18: $89.25 to $98.25
• Ages 18 to 18½: $80 to $90
• Ages 18½ to 21: $76.75 to $90
• Ages 21 and older: $64.25 to $77.50

Residents in counties within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) must pay an additional fee when renewing permits or driver licenses. These counties include the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester.

The MCTD fee is $1 for every six months that the permit or license is valid.

Payments can be made via check, cash, money order, or credit/debit card. Online payment options are also available for some transactions, simplifying the process of renewing or replacing their license.

Once all requirements are fulfilled, including the successful payment of all applicable fees, the new driver's license will be processed and mailed to the applicant. Generally, it takes about two weeks from the payment date for the license to be delivered, although this timeframe can vary. The detailed breakdown of the fees is available on the NY DMV.

For more information on obtaining a regular Class D license, read the New York State Driver's Manual.

License Renewal

In New York, drivers must renew their licenses every five years. Renewal can be initiated up to one year before the expiration date, allowing ample time for processing and avoiding any lapse in legality.

Online

This method is suitable for individuals who have an Enhanced or Real ID, or if they want to keep their Standard ID. Moreover, they must pass an eye test through a DMV-approved provider or obtain a completed MV-619 or the Vision Test Report from a medical professional which will be used in online transactions through the Renew License or ID system.

By Mail

When renewing through this method, one must complete the renewal notice received by mail. An individual must also attach a completed Vision Test Report or a certification from a DMV-approved vision registry provider and send these documents along with the payment in the form of a check or money order.

For the different types of licenses, the standard renewal fees are as follows:

• A, B, or C (Commercial Driver License (CDL): $164.50 to $180.50
• D or DJ (Motorist / Operator - most common): $64.50 to $80.50
• E (Taxi / Livery): $112.50 to $128.50
• M or MJ (Motorcycle): $72.50 to $88.50

In the absence of a renewal notice, individuals may proceed to the renewal process by utilizing the Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).

In-person

Upon completing either the renewal notice (Form MV-2) or the Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44), individuals must provide their existing license, the completed renewal notice or application, and payment at the DMV office to initiate the process.

License Replacement

Individuals must replace the driver's license if it has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Other reasons for replacement include a change of address or updating the license to remove the "UNDER 21" designation after turning 21. Similar to the renewal, the replacement of a driver's license can be processed online, by mail, and in person.

Online

Individuals holding an Enhanced or REAL ID or those opting to retain their Standard ID have the option to replace it online. License replacement is facilitated via the Replace License, Permit, or ID system.

By Mail

In replacing their license by mail, they must submit the completed Form MV-44, photocopies of valid proof of identity, and pay the associated fees. These documents, along with the payment, must be mailed to NY-DMV, 207 Genesee Street, Suite 6, Utica, NY 13501-2874.

In-person

To process the replacement of their license at a DMV office, individuals must provide their current Standard New York State license, a duly completed Form MV-44, and the applicable fee.

Each method requires specific documentation, and the replacement fee is $17.50. Additionally, fees can vary slightly based on the method chosen.