Green Light law

The Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, commonly called the 'Green Light law', was enacted on June 17, 2019, and takes effect on December 16, 2019. It allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not for federal purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States. Learn More

Apply and Take your Permit Test Online

Getting a learner driver permit is the first step to getting a driver license. Permits are valid for approximately 5 years (the exact expiration date depends on your date of birth and the date that you apply). You must be 16 years or older to apply.

You can submit your application and take your test online, at home, and come to the DMV to complete your application. Learn More

License Applicants Under the Age 18 (Class DJ or MJ)

If you are under age 18, you must have a valid permit issued at least 6 months prior to the date of your road test. This is not required if you are age 17, you have completed driver education, and you have a form MV-285 driver education certificate. You must also have the required number of hours of supervised driving practice.

Students under the age of 18 must have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving before your road test with at least 15 hours at night (after sunset). The DMV recommends that all learners have a minimum of 10 hours of supervised practice driving in moderate to heavy traffic. In addition, you must bring an MV-262 certification to the road test.