Conditional License

The DMV can issue a conditional license to a qualified driver whose NY State license has been suspended or revoked because of an alcohol or drug-related violation. The driver must attend an Impaired Driver Program (IDP) (previously known as Drinking Driving Program or DDP) approved by the DMV.

A conditional license is not valid for driving a vehicle that requires the operator to hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Note: The limitations for using a conditional license, and the reasons for its revocation, also apply to conditional driving privileges issued to participants licensed in other states.

Once you enroll in the program and accept a conditional license, you must complete the course and any required clinical assessment or treatment. If you are not able to complete the course and any required clinical assessment or treatment, you must turn in your conditional license and serve your original suspension or revocation period. If you fail to complete ALL program requirements, you will be dropped from the program, your conditional license will be revoked and your original suspension or revocation will be re-imposed. This also applies to individuals who have already become relicensed due to “time served” but who have not completed all program requirements. 

Restricted Use License

The DMV can issue a restricted use license to a driver who qualifies and whose license is suspended or revoked because of violations or incidents that are not alcohol or drug-related violations.

If you receive a conditional license or conditional driving privilege, you may drive ONLY under the following circumstances:

• to and from your place of employment
• during the hours of employment if your job requires you to drive a motor vehicle
• to and from a Motor Vehicle office to transact business regarding the conditional license or Impaired Driver Program (IDP)
• to and from a class or activity that is an authorized part of the IDP
• to and from a class or course at an accredited school, college, or university, or at a state-approved institution of vocational or technical training in which you are enrolled - a conditional license/driving privilege cannot be used to drive to and from a high school
• to and from probation activities ordered by the court
• during an assigned period of three consecutive hours between 5 am and 9 pm once a week - the assigned period will not be changed unless this privilege is amended
• to and from a medical appointment that is part of necessary treatment for you or a member of your household - you must carry a written statement from your licensed medical practitioner as evidence, and show it to any police officer who asks to see it
• to and from a child’s school/daycare if the child’s attendance at the school/daycare is necessary for you to maintain employment or enrollment in an accredited school, college, or university, or at a state-approved institution of vocational or technical training

Upon enrollment, a Conditional License/Driving Privilege Attachment (MV-2020) will be issued to you with the conditional license/privilege. This attachment specifically lists the permissible uses of your conditional license/privilege. If you change your scheduled course or transfer to another program, the IDP will generate a Notice of Transfer or a Notice of Reschedule for you to carry with your MV-2020 Conditional License/Driving Privilege showing your new class information. You must bring all other changes to the attention of DMV. To do this, complete a new Conditional License/Driving Privilege Attachment (MV-2020) at a state or county motor vehicle office.

Your conditional license will be revoked if you are convicted of violating any conditions listed above or of any moving violation, including those concerning cell phones, seat belts, or child safety seats or systems.

After the conditional license is revoked, you may continue to attend the IDP, but you must not drive under any circumstances. If you are over 21 years old and complete the program without additional convictions, your full license will be restored at the end of the program if you meet all other requirements. If you are under 21 and your conditional license is revoked, you must serve a one-year revocation even if you complete the IDP.

Your conditional license will also be revoked if you are convicted or found guilty of any additional alcohol or drug-related violation, or any other violation that usually results in license revocation. If your conditional license is revoked, you may continue to participate in the IDP without driving, but you will not be re-licensed immediately after you complete the program. The DMV will consider your re-licensing only after you have completed the IDP and have served any required revocation period.

If you are dropped from the IDP, your conditional license will be revoked. If this occurs, your original license suspension or revocation will be reinstated for its full length. To re-enter the IDP, you must obtain the consent of the IDP director (see Drops, Re-sentencing, and Re-entry).

If you have a driver license issued in another state, and you meet the other requirements, you can receive a conditional driving privilege or a restricted driving privilege to drive in New York State. The conditions or the restrictions are the same as the conditions or restrictions for a driver with a New York State driver license.