ORIGINAL ENHANCED DRIVER LICENSE - How to Obtain a Learner Permit and Schedule a Road Test

Sep 29, 2026

Guide to obtaining an original Enhanced Driver License in New York State, including when a written test is required and when a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) can waive the written test. Explains steps after passing the test to receive a learner permit, required forms, age-based consent rules, identity and citizenship proof, residence requirements, and eye test options. Provides road test scheduling methods and the documents needed for the road test, including junior permit conditions and vehicle/supervision requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

How to Obtain a Learner Permit

Written test and learner permit

Forms, age consent rules, and required documents

Fees and endorsements

Road Test Scheduling and Requirements

How to schedule the road test

What to bring to the road test

Junior learner permit and motorcycle-only notes

ORIGINAL ENHANCED DRIVER LICENSE [dmv.ny.gov](dmv.ny.gov) l The first step to obtain an enhanced driver license in New York State is to take a written test. You will need to study the Driver’s Manual (MV-21) or the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC) before you take the test. Both manuals answer many questions about driver licenses and about Motor Vehicles regulations. Please keep the manual(s) . l When you pass the written test, you will receive your New York State learner permit. l If you have a Student Certificate of Completion (form MV-285) from an approved driver education course, you do not have to take the written test. To obtain your permit, see instructions below. l You can get any of the forms mentioned on this information sheet by calling DMV at one of the phone numbers listed on page 2 of this form, or you can print a copy of any of the forms that are underlined below by visiting our web site at [dmv.ny.gov](dmv.ny.gov) When you take your written test to get a New York State learner permit, please bring all of the following with you to the test: l Application for Enhanced Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44EDL)—completed and signed. PLEASE NOTE-this form offers you the opportunity to register to vote. Complete the voter registration part of the form only if you want to register to vote. NOTE: AGE 16 - Parent or guardian consent IS required, even if you have a driver education form MV-285 (Student Certificate of Completion) . Please make sure your parent or guardian signs the“Consent Section” on the back of form MV-44EDL. AGE 17 - If you have a driver education form MV-285 (Student Certificate of Completion), NO parent or guardian consent is necessary. Otherwise, parent or guardian consent is required. AGE 18 & older - NO parent or guardian consent is necessary. l Proof of Name—DMV assigns point values to documents that are used as proof of identification. The documents you provide to obtain your license must total 6 or more points. See How to Apply For a Learner Permit, Enhanced Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (form MV-44.1EDL) and Proofs of Identity, U.S. Citizenship, and NYS Residence (form ID-44EDL) for documents you may use as proof of identification. l Social Security Card—You must bring your Social Security card with you. l Proof of Citizenship—A US birth certificate, an unexpired US passport or another approved document is required. See Proofs of Identity, U.S. Citizenship, and NYS Residence (ID-44EDL) . l Proof of New York State Residence – Two forms of proof ofresidence are required. Documents must be original and show name and address of your principle residence. See Proofs of Identity, U.S. Citizenship, and NYS Residence (ID-44EDL) for documents you may use as proof of residence. l Proof of date of birth—See form MV-44 . 1EDL and form ID-44EDL for proof you may use. l Eye Test—You can take an eye test at any Motor Vehicles office. OR l Visual Acuity Report (form MV-619)—You may use this form if you have your eyes tested by any of the medical professionals who are listed on the form. Please bring this signed and completed form with you to any Motor Vehicles office. l FEES: Original New York enhanced driver licenses are issued for a maximum of five years. For fee information, please visit our website [at dmv.ny.gov/licefee.htm](at dmv.ny.gov/licefee.htm); this can be found from our main page by going to the “Driver License, Learner Permits, and Non-driver Photo ID cards” section and selecting “New Drivers: How to get a Driver License”. You may also get fee information by calling the DMV Call Center telephone numbers listed at the bottom of page 2. Note: There is a $30 fee added on to the driver license fee. Applicants seeking Farm (F) (G), and/or Tow Truck (W) endorsements will receive a Non-CDL C license. You must hold a valid Class D, E, or Non-CDL C license before you can apply for a Class A, B or C commercial driver license (CDL) .

FAQs

When is the written test required for an Enhanced Driver License in New York State?

You take a written test as the first step to obtain an Enhanced Driver License. Studying the Driver’s Manual (MV-21) or the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual (MV-21MC) is required. If you have a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) from an approved course, you do not have to take the written test.

What consent is required based on age for form MV-44EDL?

For age 16, parent or guardian consent is required, even if you have MV-285. For age 17, if you have MV-285, no parent or guardian consent is necessary; otherwise, consent is required. For age 18 and older, no parent or guardian consent is necessary.

How do you schedule a road test and what must you bring?

You can schedule online at dmv.ny.gov/roadtest or by calling 518-402-2100, and you should refer to the phone scheduling instructions (RT-3). Bring a valid NYS learner permit, your prelicensing course completion certificate (MV-278) or MV-285, the road test vehicle with valid registration/inspection and current insurance card, and—if applicable—a supervising driver at least 21 with the proper valid license.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by iuabcfuw