Information for international students who wish to receive a license to drive a motor vehicle in the U.S.

1. How to drive in A step-by-step
New York State (NYS) guide

2. Introduction
1. Driving with your home country’s
driver’s license
2. Obtaining a NYS Driver’s License
– Written exam & Learner’s Permit
– Practice driving
– Five Hour Pre-licensing Course
– Road Test

3. How to get a
NYS Driver’s License

4. Written Test & Learner’s Permit
• Apply for a New York State (NYS) Learner’s Permit
– Pay application fee and license fee
• www.nydmv.state.ny.us/licefee.htm
• Pass the vision test
• Pass the written test
– You must study for the written test by reading the NYS
Driver’s Manual & Study Guide
• www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmanual/default.html
• www.nydmv.state.ny.us/youngerdriver/default.html

5. Practice Driving
• Must be accompanied by a licensed NYS
Driver age 21 or older
• Driver’s with NYS Learner’s Permits cannot:
– Drive in New York City (NYC)
– In Westchester County
– On bridges or tunnels in or around NYC
• The DMV recommends that all learners
have a minimum of 50 hours of supervised
practice driving with an additional 15 hours
at night (after sunset) and another 10 hours
in heavy traffic.

6. Five Hour Pre-licensing Course
• Five Hour Pre-licensing
– an adult education course offered through most commercial
driving schools
– offered by licensed DMV providers
– Look in the telephone directory under "Driving Instruction."
• All Learner Permit holders must take either the Five Hour
Pre-licensing Course or a Driver Education Course
• After passing either course:
– Five Hour Pre-licensing Course = MV-278
– Driver Education Course = MV-285

7. Road Test
• Make appointment with Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must bring your own car or a friend’s car
• Have three chances to pass