What new drivers and parents should know.

Apply for a learners permit

1. Study for the written test by going to the Department of Motor Vehicles and picking up the driver’s manual.

2. Pay all necessary fees.

3. Pass the eye test.

4. Pass the written test.

Practice, Practice, Practice

1. You are now allowed to practice driving only while someone over the age of 21 (with a valid driver’s license) sits in the passenger seat and supervises your driving.*

2. Wait six months. You can not take the road test until six months has passed from the time you received your permit.

3. Accumulate and document 50 hours of supervised driving (with 15 of those hours being at night).  

4. Take the 5 hour pre-licensing course.

5. Schedule your road test and successfully pass.

Junior License

1. If you are under the age of 18, you now have a Junior license.

2. You are permitted to drive unsupervised between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

- School activities exempt IF course is for credit.*

- Work exempt with proper paperwork.*

- Must go directly home.  No detours.*

3. You are allowed only 1 passenger under the age of 21, unless they are a family member.*

4. Wait until you turn 18 for a full class “D” license,

OR

5. Take a Driver’s Education Class. Successful completion will result in a full license once you turn 17 years old.

Please be advised that this is meant to be a quick reference for parents, teens and new drivers.  Finger Lakes Driving School strongly encourages individuals to refer to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more detailed information.