If you live in New York and are above 16 years of age, you can apply for a driver’s license. The following is the process of obtaining an NYS drivers license:

 Get Your Learner's Permit

You are required to pass an eye test and a written exam on fundamental traffic laws before being issued with a learner’s permit. The test is offered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can prepare for the test by acquainting yourself with the contents of the New York State Driver's Manual.

 Take a Driving Class

After you have acquired the permit, you are required to practice supervised driving in a New York driving school. You should enroll in a defensive driving course to learn essential driving skills and to help you obtain reduced insurance costs. You are required to have attained at least 50 hours of supervised driving in moderate traffic, with 15 hours of night-time driving before being allowed to sit for a road test.

 Sit for the New York Driver's License Road Test

After taking a driving class, you will schedule an appointment for a road test with the DMV. You will require the following to sit for the test:
  • Birth certificate
  • Your learner's permit DMV ID number
  • MV-285 driver's education certificate
  • The ZIP code of the location from where the test will be taken.

Get Your Driver License

After you have passed the road test, you will receive an interim driving license. The interim license together with the permit is proof that you are a licensed driver for two weeks before your official license is mailed to you. You will be on a six-month probation period after obtaining your license. The DMV can suspend your driver’s license during the period if found in contravention of specific traffic rules. Defensive driving courses are vital for new drivers to avoid license suspension.