You must be at least 16 years old to get your learner’s permit. If you are under 18, you will need to bring a parent or guardian to the DMV with you to sign some forms. If your 21st birthday is more than 40 days away, you will receive a vertical physical card with the words UNDER 21 as a measure to prevent you from buying alcohol or tobacco while underage. If your 21st birthday is either within 40 days or has passed, you will receive a horizontal physical card that can be used to purchase alcohol or tobacco. If you are turning 21, the DMV will mail your license around your 21st birthday. Study the New York Learner’s Permit Manual and take practice tests through the New York DMV website to get a better score on your written test. Schedule your appointment online so you don’t have to wait at the DMV.
If you’re under 18, then you’re required to log 50 hours of driving time and have a form signed by a parent or guardian. You don’t have to drive exactly 50 hours if you’re over 18, but it will give you more practice so you feel more confident behind the wheel. Make sure to drive at least 15 hours at night and 10 hours in heavier traffic so you know what to expect when you’re driving later on.
Make sure you’re in the correct gear if you’re driving a manual vehicle. Check that you stop before the front of your car passes the end of an intersection or a crosswalk since you could lose points on your road test if you go too far.
Be sure to always check to your left, right, and left again before making a turn. That way, you’ll be able to see if any traffic is coming your way.
If your turn signal is rapidly flashing or clicking when you turn it on, then one of the lights is burnt out and you need to replace it before your test.
You will be asked to make a 3-point turn at some point during your road test. Be careful not to hit the curb while you’re making your turn since you could lose points otherwise.
The evaluator will ask you to parallel park during your road test. Practice using safety cones at first so you don’t damage any vehicles while you’re driving. Be careful not to hit the curb or any other vehicles while you’re parallel parking. Remember that the space where you want to parallel park needs to be 1½ times longer than your vehicle for you to easily fit.
Some of the major road signs you need to know are: Stop, Yield, Speed Limit, and Do Not Enter. Make sure you also know how to read a traffic light since you’ll usually need to drive through an intersection with lights.
If you’re under 18, you must wait until 6 months after you get your permit to schedule your test. You can always cancel your test as long as it’s 1 full day before the scheduled time. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your road test. Eat a good breakfast the morning of and bring all of the necessary documentation, like your permit and driver’s certificate, to your appointment.
Evaluators won’t allow you to complete your road test if there is anything wrong with the vehicle. If you don’t have your own vehicle, ask a friend or family member to see if you can borrow theirs. Otherwise, you may be able to rent a car from a driver training school. [11] X Research source Familiarize yourself with the vehicle before the test. Learn how to adjust the seat and operate the lights, windshield wipers, and so on.
Don’t drive to your road test by yourself since it is illegal to drive unsupervised with only a permit. DMV offices may handle road tests and checking in differently, so follow whatever instructions they give you when you arrive. It’s very important that you are not late to your appointment.
Even if you drove the vehicle last and the mirrors are in place, readjust them so the evaluator knows that you’ve done it. That way, you won’t lose any points for them.
The road test will only last about 15 minutes. The evaluator won’t try to trick you during your road test. Be courteous to the evaluator. Also, ask them what typically causes other drivers to fail the test and see if they have any tips for you.
Turn your head to look at your mirrors even if you can see them with a quick glance. That way, the evaluator can see that you’re paying attention to your surroundings.
You may automatically fail if you break any traffic laws or get in an accident during the test. You can set up 2 different times when you first schedule a road test, but each time afterward will have an additional charge.
If you fail your road test, then you won’t get your license but you can schedule additional test dates.
