Yes, if you are under 18: the New York State DMV says applicants under 18 have the option to take the NY permit test online, while adults 18 and older take it at a DMV office. Passing online does not give you a permit by itself. You still visit a DMV office to finish, and you must wait three business days after your online test before that visit.
Can you take the New York permit test online?
- Under 18: yes. The DMV's "Prepare for and take your permit test" page on dmv.ny.gov offers the online test to applicants under 18.
- 18 and older: no. Adults take the permit test at a DMV office.
- High school students: some participating high schools give the test through the DMV's Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA) to students who are at least 15 years and 11 months old. School staff monitor it, and it is offered in English and Spanish.
- Residency: the learner permit is for New York State residents. You can apply at 16.
The test is the same either way: 20 questions, and you must get at least 14 right, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions. Miss three sign questions and you fail, even with 14 correct overall.
How the online test works
- Start with the DMV's interactive pre-screening tool on dmv.ny.gov. It tells you which forms and documents you need and fills in a permit application (MV-44) you can print.
- Follow the on-screen steps to take the online permit test. The DMV shows the test instructions and system requirements during sign-up.
- Pass the test. The DMV then needs three business days to review your result and identity documents.
- Make an appointment at a DMV office for after those three business days.
- At the office, bring your MV-44, your proofs of identity, age and residence, and the fee, and finish the vision test and photo.
The DMV's public pages do not list the device, webcam rules or time limit for the online test, so read the instructions carefully when you sign up. If a rule is unclear, ask the DMV through its contact page before you start rather than guessing mid-test.
What it costs
The DMV charges one fee that covers your first permit and license. On the DMV fee chart it ranges from about $64 to about $103, depending on your age and whether you live in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD), which includes New York City, Long Island and several nearby counties. You pay it at your office visit.
Rules that get people failed
Online permit tests in every state watch for the same things, and New York's sign-up instructions are the rules that count. Expect these to apply:
- No phone, notes or manual within reach. Put them in another room.
- No help from anyone. A parent can help you sign up, but not answer questions.
- Stay on the test screen. Switching windows or leaving the test usually ends it.
- Do not visit the office too early. If you go within three business days of your online test, the DMV says you must retake and pass the test in the office first.
- Know your signs. The 2-of-4 sign rule fails people who are strong on everything else.
Online vs in person
| Online | At a DMV office | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can take it | Applicants under 18 | Anyone 16 and older |
| Test | 20 questions, 14 correct, 2 of 4 signs | Same |
| Languages | See sign-up instructions | 20 languages, on touch screen or paper |
| Permit issued | After an office visit at least 3 business days later | At the same visit, after you pass |
| Fee | Paid at the office visit | Paid at the visit |
What to do after you pass
- Wait at least three business days, then book a DMV office appointment.
- Bring the MV-44 application, your proofs of identity, age and residence from the DMV's ID-44 guide, and the fee.
- If your parent needs to sign form MV-45 as proof of your ID, they must come with you and sign it in front of a DMV representative. Do not sign it at home.
- Pass the vision test and get your photo taken. Then the DMV issues your learner permit.
- Remember the next steps: a supervising driver 21 or older, 50 hours of practice with 15 after sunset, the 5-hour pre-licensing course, and six months with the permit before your road test.
FAQ
Can I take my permit test online at home in NY?
Yes, if you are under 18. Start with the DMV's pre-screening tool on dmv.ny.gov. Adults 18 and older test at a DMV office.
Do I get my permit right after I pass online?
No. The DMV needs three business days to review your result and documents. Then you visit an office to finish and get the permit.
What happens if I go to the DMV office too soon?
If you visit within three business days of your online test, the DMV says you must retake and pass the permit test in the office first.
How many questions are on the NY permit test?
20 questions. You need 14 correct, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions.
