Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test
About
Follow the steps below to get a Class D - Operator (Car) permit. A Class D - Operator permit is the most common class of permit that people apply for. The steps on this page outline how to get a Class D Operator permit.
For information about other types of permits and licenses see
- Class M - Motorcycle permit/license
- Class 'E' ('taxi/livery') license
- Commercial learner permit (CLP) and commercial license (CDL)
Learn more about New York State driver license types and classes
Step 1: Prepare for the Permit Test
Study all of the available materials and take the permit test practice quizzes.
New York State Driver Manual and practice tests
Class D permit tests are given in 20 languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and Yiddish.
Step 2: Find What You Need to Apply
When you apply, you will need to provide proof of age, identification, and residence. Your permit will be Standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID, depending on the proofs you bring and the fee.
What is the Difference Between a Standard, Enhanced, or Real ID?
See a side-by-side comparison to learn more and determine which type of permit is right for you.
Find the Documents You Need
Use the Get a Permit Interactive Pre-Screening to determine the forms and documents you will need to bring with you to apply for your permit at a DMV office (if you do not already have an NY.gov ID, you will need to create one as part of the pre-screening process). The selections you make during the prescreening will determine your eligibility to take your permit test online.
You can also use the DMV Document Guide or review a complete list of documents needed to get your permit in How to Apply for a New York License/ Permit/ Driver License/ Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44) (PDF).
If you are required to use the form "Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (MV-45) (PDF)", your parent or guardian must go with you to your office visit.
Step 3: Bring Your Documents to a DMV Office
Bring the items listed below to your local DMV office.
- Application for a Permit (MV-44) (PDF)
- Proofs of identity, age, and residence
- See How to Apply for a New York License/ Permit/ Driver License/ Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44) (PDF) for a complete list of proofs.
- Permit test fee
- Use the fee chart to estimate the cost