Learner permit and driver license restrictions
Learner Permit Restrictions
No matter what age you are, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive unless accompanied by a supervising driver age 21 or older who has a valid license to operate the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a person learning to drive a motorcycle. 1
You may not drive with a learner permit
- on any street within a park in New York City
- on any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
- on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
- in a DMV road test area
Probationary period for new drivers
Once you pass your road test or restore a revoked driver license, you will have a 6-month probationary period. During this time, your license will be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of any of the following
- speeding
- participating in a speed contest
- reckless driving
- following too closely
- use of a mobile telephone
- use of a portable electronic device (for example a smartphone, tablet, GPS, or MP3 player)
- any 2 other moving violations
After the suspension ends, you will have a second 6 month probation period.
If you are convicted of one of the violations above (or 2 other moving violations) during the second probation period, your license will be revoked for at least 6 months. When the revocation ends, you must serve another 6-month probationary period.
Under age 18?
If you are under age 18 or are the parent of a driver under age 18, it is very important that you understand the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law and the restrictions on drivers under age 18.
How long do I have to wait after I get my learner permit to take my road test?
If you are under age 18, you must wait at least 6 months from the date you received your learner permit to schedule your road test.
- 1.
If you have a motorcycle learner permit (Class M, MJ or Limited MJ), your supervising driver must:
- exercise “general supervision” of you while you operate the motorcycle, and
- remain within one-quarter mile of you, keeping you in sight at all times
The only passenger who can ride with you on the motorcycle is your supervising driver. If you operate a moped with any valid class of learner permit, the same passenger rules apply.