Prepare for your road test

What do I need to do before I take my road test?

Once you have a learner permit, you must

obey the learner permit restrictions [1] on where and when you may drive
[1]
complete a 5-hour Pre-licensing Course or a high school or college Driver Education Course
get an appropriate amount of supervised driving practice 1

Locate a driving school to practice supervised driving [2]

If you are under age 18, you must wait at least six months from the date you received your learner permit to schedule your road test

What is the Pre-Licensing Course and how do I find one?

It is a DMV-approved, standardized course that provides the knowledge you will need as a new driver. The course covers many important topics, including

driving within the highway transportation system
driver habits and skills
feelings, attitudes, and risk-taking
alcohol, other drugs, and driving

You can find the course curriculum and other information in the Pre-Licensing Course Instructor’s Manual (PDF) [3] (MV-277). There is also a Pre-licensing Course Student's Manual (PDF) [4] (MV-277.1) to help you reinforce the important information contained in the Pre-Licensing Course.

The Classroom Pre-Licensing Course is available through high schools, colleges, and many driving schools and is taught in person or via distance learning. An Online Pre-Licensing Course is also available to license applicants at least 18 years of age. To find Classroom Pre-Licensing Course providers in your area, search online for “Driving Instruction” or use our driving school locator [5].

When you complete the Classroom Pre-Licensing Course, you will be given a Pre-licensing Course Certificate (MV-278). If you complete a high school or college Driver Education course, you will receive a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285), and you do not need a Pre-licensing Course Certificate (MV-278). Unless you have taken the Online Pre-Licensing Course, you must have one of these certificates to schedule your road test. You must bring the original certificate to your road test to turn in to the license examiner. 2

* The Pre-licensing Course will not give you hands-on driving instruction. For supervised driving instruction, please see our driving school locator [2].

Can I take the Pre-Licensing Course online?

Applicants who are at least 18 years of age have the option to take an Online Pre-Licensing Course offered by DMV approved providers [6] through the Pre-Licensing Course Internet Pilot Program. Both the online and classroom versions of the Pre-Licensing Course cover the same content and provide the knowledge you will need as a new driver.

You can take the Online Pre-Licensing Course as long as you:

are at least 18 years of age, and
possess a valid New York State Learner Permit, and
have access to a device capable of connecting to the internet.

For how long will my Pre-licensing Course Certificate be valid?

Your Pre-licensing Course Certificate is valid for one year from the date it is issued. A Student Certificate of Completion of Driver Education is valid for two years. If your Pre-licensing Course Certificate expires, you must complete the course again to receive the certificate required to schedule a road test.

Your certificate must be valid on the date that you make your Road Test appointment but can be expired on the date you take your road test.

Do I need a Pre-Licensing Course Certificate to change my license from one class to another?

No, you do not need a Pre-licensing Course Certificate or a Student Certificate of Completion if you have a valid NY State driver license and you apply to amend to another license Class.

How much supervised practice driving must I get before I take my road test?

If you are under age 18, before you take your road test you must

have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving with

at least 15 hours at night (after sunset)
at least 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic

bring to the road test a Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262) [7] completed by your parent or guardian to certify that you have had the required hours of supervised practice driving (you must give the MV-262 to the license examiner each time you take a road test)

We recommend that all drivers of all ages have this amount and type of practice. We also recommend that you take a driver education course or professional driving lessons.

There are additional requirements for motorcycle permits. See Get a motorcycle license [8].

Find a driving school for supervised driving instruction

Use our driving school locator
[2]

What should I practice for my road test?

Steering: Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning, or backing up.
Acceleration: Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.
Braking: Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid abrupt stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.
Clutch/Gears: Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.
Speed: Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility, and traffic conditions.
Following distance: Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two-second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.
Traffic signs, signals, and markings: Know the meanings of signs, signals, and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.
Stopping position: If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can see your way, then stop again if necessary.
Lane selection and position: Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.
Communication: Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.
Observation: Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you - not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.
Anticipate and react: Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.

1. If you have a Class DJ or MJ learner permit, you must have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving that includes at least 15 hours of driving after sunset before you take a road test. You must bring to the road test a completed Certification of Supervised Driving [7] (MV-262) signed by your parent or guardian.
2. If you lose your certificate, contact the school that issued it to obtain a replacement.
Applicants who complete the online version of the course will NOT receive a Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (MV-278). The course provider will report course completions to DMV automatically and applicants will NOT have to show a completion certificate when appearing for the road test.