How to Get a Driver's License in New York [2025]

How Does It Work?

If you are a New York State driver or want to become one, follow this guide, which will save you a considerable amount of time and effort.

Get an instructional permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a provisional license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: Navigating New York's bustling streets and tranquil upstate roads requires adept driving. Explore our guides on stick shift operation and parallel parking to sharpen your skills. Enhance your aptitude for reverse parking and three-point turns. Correct mirror placement is crucial. Our Online Driving Simulator offers an excellent practice platform, and international drivers should study New York's international driver's license requirements.

Types of Driver's Licenses in New York

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class D

Operator or DJ ( Junior Operator) is the usual kind of driver license. It allows you to operate a vehicle for personal use with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less that tows another vehicle that has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more, but the GCWR of the two vehicles together must be 26,000 lbs. or less. Read the NY DMV Driver’s Manual or take a free NY DMV practice test.

Class E

It allows you to drive taxis, limousines or other livery vehicles for hire that carry no more than 14 passengers. Read the NY DMV Driver’s Manual or take a free NY DMV practice test.

A/B/C (Commercial)

Class A allows you to operate most single unit vehicles and vehicle combinations up to legal weight limits depending on your endorsement. Classes B and C allow you to operate most single unit vehicles that a Class E driver can drive plus buses and trucks that have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more depending on endorsements and restrictions ( Class B) or 26,000 pounds and less depending on endorsements and restrictions ( Class C). Read the NY CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.

Class M

It allows you to operate a motorcycle. Class MJ driver license allows to operate a motorcycle with some restrictions if you are older than 16 and younger than 18 years of age. Take a free NY DMV motorcycle practice test.

How to Apply for Your Non-Commercial Driver’s License

To apply for a class D driver license you must first get a learner permit, take a driver education course and a road test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age:

I'm over 16 and under 18 (First Timer)

Apply for a Class 'D - Operator' junior permit

I’m over 16 and under 18 (Junior Permit holder)

Apply for a junior driver license

I'm 18+ (First timer)

Apply for a senior (adult) driver license