New York graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three GDL stages and the license class for each.
• You can explain the six-month permit holding rule for under-18s.
• You can describe how junior rules differ in New York City, Long Island and upstate.
• You can explain the two routes to a full license: age 18, or age 17 with driver education.
• You can explain the six-month probation that applies to every new driver.

What you need to know and understand

• You can apply for a learner permit at 16.
• Under-18s must hold the permit for at least six months before scheduling a road test.
• A junior license is Class DJ; the minimum age is 16.
• A full Class D license needs age 18, or age 17 with a driver education Certificate of Completion (MV-285).
• Junior license holders cannot drive in the five boroughs of New York City at all.
• Every newly licensed driver, of any age, serves a six-month probation period.

Stage by stage

Stage one is the learner permit. You pass a vision test and a 20-question knowledge test, and you must always drive with a supervising driver who is at least 21 and licensed for the vehicle. If you are under 18, you hold a junior permit with extra time, place and passenger limits.

Stage two is the junior license (Class DJ). After at least six months on the permit, 50 hours of supervised practice, the 5-hour pre-licensing course (or driver education) and a passed road test, an under-18 driver gets a junior license. You may drive alone in some places and at some times, but not everywhere.

Stage three is the senior license (Class D). It arrives automatically at 18. At 17 you can upgrade early if you finished a state-approved high school or college driver education course and the MV-285 certificate is on file.

Why your region matters

The junior license rules change with geography. Upstate, a junior driver may drive unsupervised from 5 AM to 9 PM. On Long Island, unsupervised driving is limited to trips such as home to work or approved school programs. In New York City, a junior license does not allow driving at all, even with a parent.

Because of this, DMV suggests that teens who expect to drive a lot in the city delay their road test until 18 and keep practicing with approved supervisors in a dual-control car.

• Upstate: drive alone 5 AM to 9 PM; at night only to work or a school course unless supervised.
• Long Island: mostly supervised, with set exceptions for work and approved programs.
• New York City: no driving with a junior license.

Probation for everyone

Passing the road test does not end the learning period. All new drivers, including adults, are on probation for six months. A conviction for speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, a speed contest, or any two other moving violations leads to a 60-day suspension. A first conviction for using a hand-held phone or texting is treated more harshly: a 120-day suspension for junior and probationary drivers.

There are deeper guides on our site to the junior license rules for New York City and the permit test if you want more detail.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a junior license works in New York City. It does not, under any circumstances.
• Booking a road test before the six-month permit period is over. Count from the date your permit was issued.
• Thinking the driver education certificate upgrades you on its own. At 17 you must exchange your junior license for a senior license.
• Forgetting that adults are on probation too. A single speeding ticket in the first six months can mean a suspension.

Test yourself: New York graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• New York Disabled Parking Permit
• NY Permit Test
• NY Junior License Restrictions