New York DMV permit test (2026): how many questions, languages, online testing, the 5-hour course and road test

In New York State you get a license in three steps: pass the written permit test to get a learner permit, complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course, then pass the road test. Here is what the NY DMV and the Driver’s Manual (MV-21) say about the test, the languages, online testing and what newcomers with a foreign license must do.

1. How many questions, and how you pass

Chapter 1 of the New York State Driver’s Manual says the Class D written test covers rules of the road, safe driving, road signs, and alcohol and drug laws. You must answer at least 14 of 20 questions correctly, and at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. Study signs separately: a good total score will not save you if you miss three sign questions.

The test may be on a touch screen or on paper. Vision standard: at least 20/40 in one eye, with or without glasses.

2. Languages

The NY DMV gives Class D permit tests in 20 languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu and Yiddish. The DMV website has the manual and chapter quizzes; chapters 4–11 and the road-sign pages are what the test covers.

Free DMV practice test (328 questions) Our own original questions written from the California Driver Handbook. Signs, right-of-way and following-distance rules carry over to most states; check your state handbook for state-specific numbers.

3. Can I take it online?

Adults generally cannot. The DMV pre-screening tool offers online testing only to applicants under 18. After an online pass the DMV needs three business days to review results and documents; go to an office sooner and you must retake the test there.

4. Taking the test at a DMV office

1. Use the DMV’s online pre-screening tool to see which documents you need, and print the permit application (MV-44).
2. Bring proofs of identity, age and residence (full list in form ID-44) and the permit test fee; use the DMV fee chart for the current amount.
3. Pass the vision and written tests to receive your learner permit, then practice only with a qualified supervising driver and follow permit restrictions.

5. The 5-hour course and the road test

To schedule a road test you need a valid NY learner permit plus an original, unexpired pre-licensing course certificate (MV-278) or a high school/college driver education certificate (MV-285). The DMV says the first available road test is usually 3–5 weeks out, up to 10 weeks in peak summer; there is no waiting list and tests are almost always on weekdays. You do not have to test in your home county. Applicants under 18 must hold a permit six months before booking.

Every new driver, at any age, is on a six-month probation; certain violations during that time can suspend or revoke the license.

6. Newcomers with a foreign license

• Visitors may drive on a valid license from any country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required but helps, because it translates your license; get it from your home country’s authority.
• Residents must get a NY license within 30 days. Keeping a home in New York for 90 days is “presumptive evidence” of residency. Out-of-state and international students are usually not considered residents.
• A license issued outside the US and Canada cannot be exchanged: you take the written test, the 5-hour course and the road test, and you hand your foreign license to the examiner when you pass.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the New York permit test?

20 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 14 correct, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.

What languages is the NY permit test offered in?

Twenty: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu and Yiddish.

Can adults take the New York permit test online?

No. Online testing through the DMV pre-screening tool is offered only to applicants under 18. Adults take the test at a DMV office.

Can I exchange my foreign license in New York?

Only licenses from Canada or another US state or territory can be exchanged. With any other foreign license you take the written test, the 5-hour pre-licensing course and the road test, and surrender the foreign license when you pass.