How do I schedule my road test?

You can schedule a road test online or by phone at 1-518-402-2100 using the Road Test Scheduling System. You are not required to take your road test in the area of the state where you live. To get the earliest appointment possible, be sure to check multiple locations. 

 
What do I need to schedule a road test?

To schedule a road test, you must

• have a valid New York State Learner Permit
• have an original Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) or a Driver Education Certificate  (MV-285) that has not expired 1
• provide your DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit (Client ID Number) and date of birth 2
• have at least one unused test available 3
• Your ZIP Code - find test locations, directions and ZIP Codes

About the Road Test Scheduling System

• The system offers several of the earliest available dates and times at several sites near your chosen ZIP Code 4
• if you need to reschedule your test, you must cancel your appointment before you can search for a new date (you cannot have more than one appointment at a time)
• tests are almost always on weekdays (only rarely do we schedule road tests on Saturday)
• if you already have an appointment, you can confirm it by entering your 9-digit DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit (Client ID Number)

What do I need on the day of my road test?

The day of your road test, you must be on time.

• arrive up to 30 minutes before the time of your test
• if you are late, the license examiner may need to reschedule your road test

You must have all of the following

your photo learner permit 5

glasses or contacts, if your permit indicates you need corrective lenses

your original Pre-licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) or Driver Education Certificate (MV-285), copies are not acceptable

if you are under 18, a Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262) completed by your parent or guardian - this must be given to the license examiner each time you take a road test

a driver age 21 or older who has a license valid to operate the test vehicle

a vehicle to drive during the test that has a valid registration and inspection, operates properly and is in clean condition 6

If you are taking a motorcycle road test you will also need

a properly operating, registered and inspected motorcycle 7

a properly operating, registered and inspected motor vehicle and a driver with a valid driver license to transport the license examiner during your road test

Print this checklist 

To check for road test cancellations or relocations due to adverse weather or road construction, see cancellations, closings and delays, or call 1-518-402-2100.

What is the road test fee and how do I pay it?

The fee for up to two road tests for a non-commercial license is included in your $10.00 driver license application fee.

If you do not pass your first two road tests, you must pay another $10.00 fee for up to two more road tests.  There is no refund if you do not take both tests.

For a road test for a commercial driver license (CDL) the fee for a single test is $40.00.  See Get a (CDL).

How do I pay additional road test fees?

You can pay additional road test fees online. You can also pay by phone at 1-518-402-2100. To pay additional road test fees, you must

• have a valid learner permit or driver license
• provide your DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit (Client ID Number) and your date of birth
• have no other road tests currently available
• pay the fee with a credit or debit card 8

 
What happens if I pass my road test?

• our license examiner will give you an interim license that allows you to drive; keep it license with your photo learner permit
• allow 2 weeks to receive your photo driver license in the mail
• If you are under age 18 and have a Class DJ, MJ or DJMJ driver license, you must obey the restrictions for junior drivers (see Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law and restrictions on drivers under age 18)

What happens if I fail my road test?

If you fail a non-commercial license road test, your learner permit remains valid until the expiration date. If your learner permit expires before your next road test, you must get a new learner permit. See Get a learner permit.

You can schedule another road test, but you must

• pay additional fees if you failed your first two road tests (online or call 1-518-402-2100)
• wait at least until the day after your failed road test to schedule another test

How do I check on or cancel a road test appointment?

You can check on or cancel your road test online or by phone at 1-518-402-2100.  You must provide the DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit (Client ID Number).

• 1. For information about how to get a Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278), see Prepare for your road test.
• 2. Not sure where to find your DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit? See a sample learner permit. 
• 3.

  The fee for up to two road tests for a non-commercial license is included in your $10.00 driver license application fee.

  If you do not pass your first two road tests, you must pay another $10.00 fee for up to two more road tests
• 4. Usually, the earliest date is within three to five weeks, but at peak testing periods during summer and school breaks it may be up to 10 weeks away. There are no waiting lists.
• 5. If you have an interim or temporary learner permit without a photo, you must also show a NYS photo driver license or a NYS non-driver ID Card. Photo documents from other states are not acceptable.
• 6. The vehicle must have functional seat belts, headlights, windshield wipers and other equipment, a front passenger area and seatbelt free of trash, clutter or debris that might stain or damage the license examiner’s uniform, and a front passenger door that is able to be opened from the inside of the vehicle
• 7. The motorcycle must not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground
• 8.

  The DMV accepts:

  • American Express® Card
  • Discover Card®/Novus®
  • MasterCard®
  • MasterCard® Debit card without personal identification number (PIN)
  • VISA® Card
  • Visa Debit Card without personal identification number (PIN)