DMV New York · Fees, age, and practice test
New York Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for New York DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the New York permit test cost?
No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license
- Learner permit / application fee: Depends on age and where you live; Class D or DJ ranges from $64.25 to $102.50 (e.g. age 16 to 16 and a half: $80.00, or $90.00 including MCTD)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license
- Initial driver license fee: Class D or DJ, 21 and older: $64.25 to $67.50, or $73.25 to $77.50 including MCTD; younger ages range up to $102.50 (fee depends on age and county)
Source: New York State DMV · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question New York practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 years old
Knowledge test fee
No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license
Permit fee
Depends on age and where you live; Class D or DJ ranges from $64.25 to $102.50 (e.g. age 16 to 16 and a half: $80.00, or $90.00 including MCTD)
Initial license fee
Class D or DJ, 21 and older: $64.25 to $67.50, or $73.25 to $77.50 including MCTD; younger ages range up to $102.50 (fee depends on age and county)
Questions on the knowledge test
20 questions on the written test
Passing score
You must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked, including two of the four questions about road signs
Retake wait after failing
No mandatory wait specified for the written/permit knowledge test itself; a separate 14-day wait applies only to road test retakes
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours minimum, including at least 15 hours after sunset, certified on form MV-262
Documents to bring
Gather your identity and eligibility documents before your DMV office visit; the DMV site lists exactly what you need for your application type
Find an office / appointment
Use DMV office locator at dmv.ny.gov to find offices and check in-person services; online reservation available for many but not all offices.
REAL ID status
REAL ID and Enhanced ID available at NY DMV offices; optional star-marked credential but required for domestic flights and certain federal buildings.
Motorcycle license
Permit holders under 18 must wait 6 months from permit issuance before taking the road test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Drivers 18-20 with a NY license can obtain a Class A CDL through the Young Adult Training Program.
Official source: New York State DMV
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the New York permit test?
New York knowledge test fee: No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license (official source). Permit fee: Depends on age and where you live; Class D or DJ ranges from $64.25 to $102.50 (e.g. age 16 to 16 and a half: $80.00, or $90.00 including MCTD) (official source).
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
The official New York knowledge test: 20 questions on the written test (official source). Passing score: You must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked, including two of the four questions about road signs (official source).
New York DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license | source |
| Permit fee | Depends on age and where you live; Class D or DJ ranges from $64.25 to $102.50 (e.g. age 16 to 16 and a half: $80.00, or $90.00 including MCTD) | source |
| Initial license fee | Class D or DJ, 21 and older: $64.25 to $67.50, or $73.25 to $77.50 including MCTD; younger ages range up to $102.50 (fee depends on age and county) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free New York DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a New York driver license covers
Initial license fee: Class D or DJ, 21 and older: $64.25 to $67.50, or $73.25 to $77.50 including MCTD; younger ages range up to $102.50 (fee depends on age and county) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID and Enhanced ID available at NY DMV offices; optional star-marked credential but required for domestic flights and certain federal buildings. (official source)
See a real New York license sample on the official DMV site (New York State DMV) →
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official New York DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in New York
Getting your first permit
In New York, the minimum permit age is 16 years old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: gather your identity and eligibility documents before your DMV office visit; the DMV site lists exactly what you need for your application type. Use DMV office locator at dmv.ny.gov to find offices and check in-person services; online reservation available for many but not all offices.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate test fee; a combined driver license application fee (about $76.75 to $120, varies by age, class, and MCTD residency) covers both the permit test and license. If you fail the knowledge test: no mandatory wait specified for the written/permit knowledge test itself; a separate 14-day wait applies only to road test retakes. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours minimum, including at least 15 hours after sunset, certified on form MV-262.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID and Enhanced ID available at NY DMV offices; optional star-marked credential but required for domestic flights and certain federal buildings. For a motorcycle license: permit holders under 18 must wait 6 months from permit issuance before taking the road test. For a commercial license (CDL): drivers 18-20 with a NY license can obtain a Class A CDL through the Young Adult Training Program.
The New York bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
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