Follow the steps below to get a Class D - Operator (Car) permit. A Class D - Operator permit is the most common class of permit that people apply for. The steps on this page outline how to get a Class D Operator permit. 

For information about other types of permits and licenses see

• Class M - Motorcycle permit/license
• Class 'E' ('taxi/livery') license
• Commercial learner permit (CLP) and commercial license (CDL) 

Learn more about New York State driver license types and classes

Study all of the available materials and take the permit test practice quizzes. 

New York State Driver Manual and practice tests

Class D permit tests are given in 19 languages: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu and Yiddish.

When you apply, you will need to provide proof of age, identification, and residence.  Your permit will be Standard, Enhanced, or REAL ID, depending on the proofs you bring and the fee. 

What is the Difference Between a Standard, Enhanced, or Real ID?

See a side-by-side comparison to learn more and determine which type of permit is right for you. 

Once you have chosen your permit type, you can find what documents you will need to get your permit by using the DMV Document Guide.

DMV Document Guide

A complete list of documents needed to get your permit is also listed in the, "How to Apply for a New York Learner Permit/Driver License/Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44) (PDF)".

If you use the form "Statement of Identity and/or Residence by Parent/Guardian (MV-45) (PDF)", your parent or guardian must go with you.

Online

You can take the test online from home (using a PC or tablet) and come to the DMV office to pay the test fee, submit your documents, and have your picture taken.

See the instructions and take the Online Permit Test

At a DMV Office

Bring the items listed below to your local DMV office.

• Application for a Permit (MV-44) (PDF)
• Proofs of identity, age, and residence
• Permit test fee
  • Use the fee chart to estimate the cost

Find your local DMV office

Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements

Schedule and Take a Road Test