Who has to take a pre-licensing course in New York?
Anyone who has not scheduled a road test but has received a Photo Learner’s Permit from the NYS DMV will need to take the pre-licensing course. If you are under 18, you’ll have to wait six months after receiving a learner’s permit before you can schedule your road test. You will also have to take a driver’s ed course or a pre-licensing course taught by one of the certified driving schools.
Can you take the pre-licensing course online?
New York just launched the Pre-Licensing Course Internet Pilot Program, which makes online courses available to new drivers over the age of 18.
How long does the pre-licensing course take?
The pre-licensing course is 5 hours long. If you choose to take our company’s online course, you will have up to 30 days from the registration date to complete it.
What does the pre-licensing course cover?
It covers New York State vehicle and traffic law, basic rules of the road, safe driving principles, defensive driving techniques and information about the effects of alcohol and drugs, and other current highway safety concerns.
Does the 5-hour pre-licensing course include a final test?
No, there is no final exam for the pre-licensing course.
How long is the course completion good for?
Your course completion is good for one year. After one year you will have to take the course again.
What is the difference between an interim learner permit and a photo learner permit?
An interim learner permit has no photo. A photo learner permit does. The New York DMV issues a temporary learner permit (i.e. "interim learner permit") immediately after you pass the written examination at a DMV office. You will get a photo learner permit in the mail about two weeks later.
Examples of photo learner permits:
Before you can start your online 5-hour course, the NY DMV requires you to prove you have a valid New York learner permit that includes your photograph. If you have a temporary learner permit with no photo, you must wait until you have a photo permit before you start your training.