How the New York permit test works

New York has two learner permits for driving an ordinary passenger car. A Class DJ (junior operator) permit has a minimum age of 16. A Class D (operator) permit has a minimum age of 18, or 17 if you have a driver education Certificate of Completion. The written test described on this page is the test for a Class D or DJ learner permit, the first step toward a New York driver license.

The written test checks your knowledge of the rules of the road, safe driving, road signs, and the laws on alcohol and drug use while driving. The material you must know is in Chapters 4 to 11 of the New York State Driver's Manual and its road sign chart. Chapters 1 to 3 are not covered on the permit test.

Besides the overall passing score shown below, you must answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions correctly.

The test can be taken on a touch screen test station or on paper. When you apply you also take a vision test.

Once you pass the vision and written tests and pay the fees, your learner permit is issued and you can start learning to drive with a supervising licensed driver.

After that, you practice driving, take a registered pre-licensing course, and then schedule and take the road test.

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