A driving school is a commercial business authorized by DMV’s Bureau of Driver Training Programs to provide driving instruction for hire, which could include behind-the-wheel driving lessons. DMV issues driving school licenses to those qualified to conduct a driving school business. The license must be clearly displayed at the place of business.
Upon meeting certain additional requirements, driving schools may also
A driving school instructor is someone who works for a licensed driving school, teaching customers of the school how to drive motor vehicles safely. DMV issues an Instructor Certificate (MV-524) to driving schools for instructors once they are certified to teach for the school. The instructor must carry this certificate at all times while driving instructions are given or when accompanying a driver license applicant to the road test site.
Upon meeting certain additional requirements, an instructor may be certified to teach the DMV approved 5-Hour Pre-licensing Course [1] to individuals who want to obtain a driver license.
A driving school must meet several requirements, which are identified in Commissioner’s Regulations Part 76 (PDF) [2] and Section 394 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (PDF) [3], including
If your business is approved as a driving school, DMV may conduct periodical inspections and audits to make sure you are following these requirements. You must also follow all of the rules and regulations of the municipality in which you are operating the driving school business.
A driving school instructor can only be certified when employed by a licensed driving school. A driving school instructor must meet several requirements, which are identified in Section 76.15 of the Commissioner’s Regulations (PDF) [2], including
Driving school instructors must also complete “a course in driver training and traffic safety, approved by the commissioner, consisting of at least 30 hours” (known as the Methods and Content Course for In-Car Instruction [MCCII]) before the first renewal of their instructor certificate. This 30-hour course is taught by various community colleges and driving schools that have been approved by DMV to provide this course.
A driving school instructor who wants to teach the Pre-licensing Course must also successfully complete a 30-hour Teaching Techniques and Methodology course (a college-level course) and have at least one year experience as a behind-the-wheel certified driving school instructor.
For additional information, contact DTP at
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Driver Training Programs
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 327
Albany, NY 12228
(518) 473-7174