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Get Your Learner Permit and First Driver License

Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test

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

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

 

You can 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.

Find your local DMV office

Next Steps

Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements

 

Schedule and Take a Road Test

Related Documents

  • MV-500C: Explanation of Driver License Classes, Endorsements, and Restrictions (PDF)

    English

    Explanation of Driver License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions
    Download

  • MV-44: Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF)

    English

    Use to apply for a learner permit, driver license or non-driver ID. Also use to renew your license or non-driver ID.
    Download

  • ID-44: How to Apply for A New York: Learner Permit, Driver License, Non-Driver ID Card (PDF)

    English

    Provides information and instructions for how to apply for a New York learner permit, driver license, or non-driver ID card and lists the proof documents that are required.
    Download

  • MV-45: Statement of Identity by Parent/Guardian (PDF)

    English

    Completed by parent of child under age 21 to provide 4 points of proof of ID for child applying for permit/license, registration/title.  The form MV-45 can also be used to provide 1 proof of residence for a child who applies for an enhanced document.  This form MUST be signed in the presence of a DMV representative.

    DO NOT sign this form before bringing it to a DMV Office.  Applicant must also provide birth certificate or other acceptable proof of date of birth. See Identification Requirements.
    Download

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