New York’s Driver’s License Law

Every state in the country has licensing requirements.

In New York, these requirements are outlined in Title 5 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. As a general rule, any person operating an automobile must be “duly licensed” if they:

• Operate a motor vehicle upon a public roadway; and
• Operate a motor vehicle while driving to or from any lot adjacent to a parking garage, supermarket, or other establishment.

Any violation of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 509 is punishable by a fine of up to $300, imprisonment of up to 15 days, or both. Certain offenses, such as driving a commercial vehicle without a commercial driver’s license, may be subject to additional penalties.

New York Requirements for Licensed Drivers

New York has different licensing requirements for various categories of drivers.

For most adults, the prerequisites to obtain a first-time operator’s license include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. You must be a resident of New York;
2. You must present documents verifying your identity and residency;
3. If you are a first-time driver, you may be required to submit an MV-44 application, pass a vision test, and pass a written test on state traffic laws;
4. After obtaining a learner’s permit, motorists are expected to practice driving under the supervision of an experienced and fully licensed driver over the age of 21;
5. Once you have obtained sufficient driving experience, you must take a road test to be eligible for a standard driver’s license.

Adults may be required to take a 5-hour pre-licensing course unless they have completed a New York 48-hour Driver Education Program.

Special Requirements for Teenage Drivers

New York has a Graduated Driver License Law for all young people under the age of 18.

To obtain a graduated driver’s license, most teenagers must:

1. Be age 16 or older;
2. Apply for a learner’s permit; and
3. Complete at least 50 hours of driving practice with an experienced driver.

Teenagers who complete 50 or more hours of supervised driving practice with an adult are eligible to take a road test. If they pass, they may obtain an intermediate license, which permits them to drive independently, subject to specific restrictions.

New York has additional, region-specific requirements for teen and intermediate drivers. In Upstate New York, holders of intermediate licenses, sometimes termed “junior licenses,” may:

1. Drive without supervision to school, work, and other activities between the hours of 5 am and 9 pm;
2. Drive without supervision directly to and from home and an authorized activity, such as education or employment, between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am; and
3. If unsupervised, drive with no more than one other passenger under the age of 21.

Other regions have different rules. In New York City, for instance, teenagers with a learner’s permit may only drive with supervision during the daytime and cannot drive independently until obtaining a standard driver’s license.

Other Rules

New York has a variety of laws, rules, and restrictions governing driving, some of which are established at the local level. Aside from these city- and county-specific regulations, drivers may need to meet other licensing requirements if they intend to:

1. Operate a motorcycle;
2. Operate any large or heavy commercial vehicle, such as a dump truck, tractor-trailer, school bus, or limousine; or
3. Operate a taxi or other livery vehicle.

Drivers who violate New York’s driver’s license laws are subject to penalties and may be held liable for the costs of any motor vehicle accidents they cause.