New York DMV Written Test: How the Permit Test Works

The New York DMV permit test is a knowledge test on the rules of the road, safe driving, road signs, and laws on alcohol and drug use while driving. The NY Driver Manual says you pass the in-office test with at least 14 correct out of 20 questions, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. DMV's online version uses a higher standard: 80% overall and 50% of the road-sign questions.

Those two rules do not match. 80% of 20 is 16 questions, not 14. The handbook's 14-of-20 standard is the one written for the in-office test. If you take the test online, plan for at least 16 correct with at least 2 of the 4 road signs, and confirm the exact standard with DMV before test day.

What topics are on the New York DMV written test?

The test covers four areas: rules of the road, safe driving techniques, road signs, and laws on alcohol and drug use while driving. The chapters you must know for the Class D, DJ, or E learner permit test are chapters 4 through 11 of the NY Driver Manual. The manual site also has interactive chapter quizzes and a road-sign quiz.

Before the written test, you need a vision check of 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses.

To drill questions after reading the manual, try the New York practice test on GetMyPermit.

Where can I take the permit test?

You have three options, depending on your age and situation.

• At a DMV office: Take the in-office test at a DMV office. The handbook says to bring your completed application to any motor vehicle office. The Manhattan License Express office is listed as 'No permit testing', so do not go there for the test.
• Online from home: If you complete DMV's interactive pre-screening and qualify, you can take the permit test at home on a PC or tablet.
• At a high school (OKTA): Students at least 15 years and 11 months old can take the test at participating high schools. It is offered in English and Spanish.

For the online test, a webcam must be enabled, the test takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and you must begin within 5 minutes of starting. You upload ID documents before the test. Multiple webcam images are taken, and DMV may require an in-office retest or additional testing before issuing the permit.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must supervise the online test, permit photos, and sign the MV-263 at a DMV office. If you are 18 or older, you sign the MV-264 attestation at a DMV office.

After you pass online, book a DMV office visit to show original documents, have a photo taken, pay the permit fee, and get a temporary permit. The permanent permit arrives by mail within 2 weeks.

If you take the test at school, a student who passes gets a receipt and forms. Students at least 16 can take them to any state or county motor vehicle office to apply for the permit.

The minimum age to apply for a learner permit is 16, and applicants do not need lawful status. Passing the written test is required before a learner permit is issued.

How much does the New York permit test cost?

The official fee table lists a total for a first Class D or DJ license or permit, based on age. The figure in parentheses includes the MCTD fee where it applies.

• Ages 16 to 16½: $80.00 ($90.00)
• Ages 16½ to 17: $76.75 ($85.75)
• Ages 17 to 17½: $92.50 ($102.50)
• Ages 17½ to 18: $89.25 ($98.25)
• Ages 18 to 18½: $80.00 ($90.00)
• Ages 18½ to 21: about $76.75 to $80.00 ($85.75 to $90.00)
• Age 21 and older: $64.25 to $67.50 ($73.25 to $77.50)

The fee table does not list a separate written-test fee. Confirm with DMV whether the test has its own charge.

The MCTD fee is $1.00 for every 6 months the permit or license is in effect. The MCTD counties are Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Other fees on the official fee page include $17.50 to replace a lost or damaged learner permit, $12.50 to amend information on a permit, and $30.00 for an enhanced permit, added to the standard fee. Payment methods are not confirmed on an official page, so check with DMV.

Can I retake the New York permit test if I fail?

For the in-office test, no official wait period or attempt limit was found, and the handbook does not cover it. Some third-party sites give different waits, but those are not confirmed, so ask DMV when you go.

After a failed online attempt, you can resubmit and try again after at least 6 hours.

At school, students who fail can take the OKTA test again online as many times as the school allows.

What comes after the permit?

If you are under 18, you must wait at least 6 months from the date you received the learner permit before scheduling a road test. Road tests are usually 3 to 5 weeks out, and up to 10 weeks at peak times.

To schedule, you need a valid learner permit, an original MV-278 or MV-285 certificate, a ZIP code, and at least one unused road test. You can call 1-518-402-2100 to schedule by phone.

Supervised practice requires at least 50 hours, including 15 after sunset. The supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license for the vehicle.

If you fail a road test, you must wait at least 14 days before retaking it. If you failed your first two road tests, you must pay additional fees, but the official page gives no dollar amount. Your learner permit stays valid until its expiration date. The permit's total validity period is not confirmed on an official page, so check the expiration date printed on your permit.

Sources

• NY Driver Manual (MV-21)
• NY Driver Manual and practice tests
• Take the online learner permit test
• Driver licenses and the Green Light law
• Fees and refunds
• Schedule and take a road test