NY · Drivers education
New York drivers ed guide
New York requires every new driver to complete either the DMV's Pre-Licensing Course, about 5 hours, or a state-approved 48 hour high school or college driver education program before taking a road test. Drivers under 18 pass through junior permit and junior license stages whose rules differ in New York City, on Long Island and upstate. No course erases a ticket, but the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) reduces the points counted toward a suspension and takes 10 percent off insurance premiums for three years.
Checked against New York State Department of Motor Vehicles on 2026-10-23.
Taking a New York Teen From Learner Permit to Junior License
This page is for New York parents of a 15 or 16 year old, and for the teen who wants the keys. The big decision you face early is which course to take, because some course is mandatory before any road test. The cheap, sh...
- Learner permit age16
- Written test20 questions; 14 right, with 2 of the 4 sign questions
- Course before the road testPre-Licensing (MV-278) or driver ed (MV-285)
New York for Adult First-Time Drivers
This page is for adults in New York who have never held a license, and for new residents working out what transfers. The question most people ask first is whether adults have to take a class. In New York they do. Every n...
- Adult course requirementYes, the 5 hour Pre-Licensing Course
- Online courseFrom 18, with a NY photo learner permit
- CertificateMV-278, good 1 year (online reports electronically)
New York Defensive Driving (PIRP) After a Ticket
This page is for New York drivers who just got a ticket, or are creeping toward a suspension, and wonder whether a defensive driving course will help. Know this first: no New York course dismisses a ticket. The DMV's Poi...
- Dismisses a ticket?No
- Points offsetUp to 4, for suspension purposes only
- FrequencyOnce per 18 months for points