ALL APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT PROVES:

• Date of birth 

• Residency

• Identity - (6 points worth of documents)

THINGS TO KNOW

• New York DMV has a helpful online tool to help you determine which documents you can use.

• If you have never been issued a Social Security Number, you must sign an affidavit stating that and bring it with you when you apply. 

• Unless explicitly noted, DMV does not accept expired documents. 

The Green Light Law

The Green Light Law has been in place since December 16, 2019. It allows all New Yorkers who are 16 or older to apply for a standard driver license or learner permit, no matter their citizenship or immigration status.

• This law does not apply to Non-Driver ID cards.

• You do not need a Social Security card to apply.

• If you have never had a Social Security Number, you must sign a sworn statement (Form NSS-1A) saying that when you apply. You can find the Form NSS-1A  here.

• All standard New York State driver licenses look the same, no matter what documents you use when applying. Every standard license is marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.”

Privacy Protections

The law includes strong privacy rules. The DMV cannot share your personal information with immigration enforcement agencies, unless required by law. If such agencies request information, the DMV must let the license holder know.

REAL ID and Federal Rules

A standard driver’s license is not REAL ID compliant. To apply for a REAL ID license, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Provide a valid Social Security Number, or

• Show an official letter stating you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, or

• Provide proof of lawful status in the United States.

Need Help?

The New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) offers free help and services for immigrants and their families.

• Hotline: 1-800-566-7636

• Languages: Live help is available in over 200 languages.

• Support: Anyone can call—no matter your citizenship or immigration status.

• Confidential: Calls are anonymous and private.

Prepare for the permit test by studying the  New York State Driver's Manual and taking the  Practice Written Test.

There are multiple methods that can be used to apply for a New York Lerner's Permit: 

• Use the state's Pre-Screening tool to determine if you are eligible to take the permit test online. 

• If you are required to take the permit test in person, you should bring the following items to your local DMV office:

1. Application NY Driver's Permit

2. Proof of identity, age, and residence. 

3. Permit test fee

Before you can take your road test, you must first complete a Pre-Licensing Course to obtain the Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (MV-278) that will be required at the road test site.  (If you have taken the State’s 48-hour Driver Education Program at a local high school or college, you are exempted from course.) 

At Exit Here Express, we offer a high-quality Pre-Licensing Course that prepares you for safe driving. Our course covers many important topics, including: 

• Highway driving

• Defensive driving

• Safe driving habits and skills

• How your feelings and attitudes affect driving

• The dangers of alcohol, drugs, and driving

• Work zone safety
  
  

👉🏼  REGISTER FOR CLASS HERE

• After you get your learner’s permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult and follow the restrictions in place for learner permit holders.

• You can only drive when a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old is with you. That driver must have a valid license for the type of vehicle you are using.

• If you have a Class DJ (Junior Driver) learner permit, you need at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 15 hours after sunset, before you can take your road test.  The hours should be tracked and the  Certification of Supervised Driving (50 Hours) MV-262 will need to be presented at the road test.

Exit Here Express offers a variety of packages designed to give you driving practice with professional instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

👉🏼  FIND THE PACKAGE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HERE!

BEFORE SCHEDULING THE ROAD TEST, ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE:

• Pass the written permit test and get your New York State Learner Permit.

• Complete a 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course or a high school/college Driver Education Course.

• Review the Driver License Manual (MV-21) to study the rules of the road.

• Watch the DMV’s “Preparing for a Class D Road Test” video for helpful tips.

• Practice driving with supervision while following all learner permit rules about when and where you can drive.

• Review the DMV guidelines on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to ensure that you know which vehicle technologies are allowed during testing.

SCHEDULE THE ROAD TEST 

At Exit Here Express, our packages include road test scheduling that works with both your availability and the DMV’s schedule.

👉🏼  REGISTER FOR SERVICES HERE

• If you’d rather book it yourself, you can use the DMV Road Test Scheduling System to set up your own appointment.