The NY permit test cost is part of one fee that covers your learner permit and the license that follows, and it depends on your age and where you live. On the New York State DMV fee chart, a Class D permit costs $80.00 at age 16 to 16 and a half outside the metro area, and $64.25 to $67.50 at 21 and older. In New York City and nearby counties, the fee is a few dollars higher because it adds the MCTD fee.
NY permit test cost by age
These are the Class D or DJ amounts from the Driver License and Learner Permit Fees page at dmv.ny.gov. The second column is for the 12 MCTD counties listed below.
| Age when you apply | Most of New York | MCTD counties |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 16 and a half | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| 16 and a half to 17 | $76.75 | $85.75 |
| 17 to 17 and a half | $92.50 | $102.50 |
| 17 and a half to 18 | $89.25 | $98.25 |
| 18 to 18 and a half | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| 18 and a half to 21 | $76.75 to $80.00 | $85.75 to $90.00 |
| 21 and older | $64.25 to $67.50 | $73.25 to $77.50 |
The MCTD counties are Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester. The DMV says the MCTD fee is $1.00 for every six months the permit or license is in effect.
Why do the numbers move around by age? The DMV's Driver's Manual says the fee for a learner permit and license is based on your age and date of birth. The chart shows ranges for some age bands without explaining the exact figure, so use the DMV's own fee chart for your birthday.
If you live in an MCTD county, budget for the higher column. The difference is small, but it can make you short at the counter if you bring exact cash.
What the NY permit test price includes
- The permit test: there is no separate charge for the written test on the fee chart. The DMV's permit test page just tells you to bring the permit test fee and use the fee chart to estimate it.
- The license that follows: the manual describes one fee for a learner permit and license.
- Road tests: the DMV says you must pay additional fees if you failed your first two road tests. That means your first two road tests do not cost extra.
- An Enhanced permit costs $30.00 more.
Other fees on the same page: a replacement permit is $17.50 and an amendment, such as a name change, is $12.50.
Costs the DMV fee does not cover
Plan for a few costs outside the DMV fee chart:
- The 5-hour pre-licensing course, which you need before you book a road test. Approved providers set their own prices.
- Driving lessons, if you take them. These are optional for the permit and priced by the school.
- A ride to the DMV office and back if you test in person.
The test you are paying for
The New York permit test has 20 questions. The DMV's Driver's Manual says you must answer at least 14 correctly, and you must get two of the four road sign questions right. You can miss up to six questions overall, but missing three of the four sign questions is a fail even with a high score elsewhere.
Applicants under 18 can take the permit test online. The DMV then needs three business days to review your results and identity documents. If you go to an office within those first three business days, the DMV says you will have to retake and pass the permit test there. Adults take the test at a DMV office.
How to pay less, or at least not twice
- Check your age band before you apply. Your fee changes at half birthdays, so look at the chart for the day you will visit.
- Use the DMV's online pre-screening tool so you bring the right proofs and do not need a second trip.
- Study until you pass practice tests easily, including every sign question.
- Decide on Enhanced before you go. It adds $30.00 and needs extra proofs.
- Pass your road test in your first two tries to avoid the additional road test fees.
FAQ
What is the NY permit test cost?
It is part of the learner permit fee, which depends on your age. For example, $80.00 at 16 to 16 and a half and $64.25 to $67.50 at 21 and older, with higher amounts in MCTD counties.
What is the NY permit test price in New York City?
New York City is in the MCTD area, so the fee is higher: $90.00 at 16 to 16 and a half and $73.25 to $77.50 at 21 and older.
What is the New York permit test price if I fail?
The DMV fee chart does not list a separate written test fee. Ask the DMV office about retake timing and whether another payment is needed before you go back.
Does the NY permit fee include the road test?
The DMV says you pay additional fees only if you failed your first two road tests, so the first two are covered.
How much more is an Enhanced permit in New York?
$30.00 on top of the standard fee for your age.
