New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course FAQs

Who has to take a pre-licensing course in New York?

Anyone who has not yet been issued a drivers license (in any state) will need to take the pre-licensing course before the road test, even if they are older than 18 years old. If you are a minor you’ll have to wait six months after receiving a learners permit before you can attempt the road test. 

Can the New York pre-licensing course be taken 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 is the New York pre-licensing course for adults?

The state standardized course is five hours long. With I Drive Safely you have the freedom to complete the course in a single day or over the course of weeks. 

Is the I Drive Safely Course Approved by the New York State DMV? 

Yes! Our course meets all of the requirements set by the NY State DMV and covers what you need to know to get a license in New York. You can find a list of approved providers on the New York State DMV website. 

Is the Pre-Licensing Course the same as a New York Defensive Driving Course?

Nope. The Pre-licensing Course is a requirement to go from a learners permit to a drivers license. It contains standardized information that will apply during the road test. The New York Defensive Driving Course is a safety course that can be taken by licensed drivers to keep points off their license if they receive a moving violation. Defensive driving can also be taken to receive a discount on auto insurance. However, you can’t substitute a defensive driving course for your drivers pre-license.

What is taught in the New York Pre-Licensing Course?

The course is standardized by the New York DMV. The curriculum is designed to teach new drivers all of the essentials for following the rules of the road safely. You’ll learn about highway driving, good driver habits, basic road maneuvers, road signs, the risks involved with driving and New York traffic laws.

It’s the information and skills you need to avoid accidents down the road.

Do adults have to take behind-the-wheel training?

Not if you are over 18 years old. Adults are only required to get a learners permit, take the pre-licensing course and pass the road test. But it’s highly advisable to get in some practice time behind the wheel before the road test.

Does the 5-hour pre-licensing course include a final test?

No, there is no final exam for NY DMV approved pre-licensing course.

What is a Pre-Licensing Course Completion Information?

After completing the pre-licensing course, I Drive Safely will report your course completion to the state of NY DMV. You will get an email confirmation from I Drive Safely for your course completion. 

Is the Pre-Licensing Course required to switch to a different type of New York drivers license?

No. You can switch from a standard operator license to another type of license as long as you have a valid drivers license.

Do I have to complete the pre-licensing drivers course within a certain amount of time?

The New York State DMV gives you 30 days to complete the course once you register. 

Getting Your Drivers License in New York

It’s easier to get a New York drivers license if you’re over 18, but there are still a few things you’ve got to do before you can legally drive on your own. You won’t have to do the 50 hours of supervised driving, however, you do need to complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course. That’s the first step after getting your learners permit!

Steps to get your Adult Drivers License in New York

Step 1: get your Class D or M photo permit – more information here

Step 2: take your 5 hour pre-license course with I Drive Safely

Step 3: schedule for your road test – more information here

Step 1. Complete an Approved Pre-licensing Course

If you’ve never had a drivers license you’ll need to learn a thing or two first no matter how old you are. New York requires that everyone get a learners permit and take a short educational course before taking the road test.

You can take the required pre-licensing course online or offline so long as it’s approved by the New York State DMV. Our five hour course covers all of the standardized material. Because it’s all online, you’ll be able to do as little or as much coursework as your schedule permits. You’ll automatically return to the place where you left off each time you log in.

Step 2. Get the Pre-Licensing Course Completion Reported to NY DMV

After you pass the pre-licensing course we’ll report your course completion to the state of NY for free! This is valid for one year – make sure to get your road test scheduled!

Step 3. Pass the Road Test

You are ready to take the road test. The examiner also needs to see a valid learners permit, and a licensed driver who is 21 or older must accompany you. The $10 driver license application fee covers the cost of two road tests (in case you don’t pass the first time). Once you pass the road test you’ll receive a temporary interim license. Use that along with your learners permit until your new drivers license arrives in about two weeks.  

Who has to take a pre-licensing course in New York?

Anyone who has not yet been issued a drivers license (in any state) will need to take the pre-licensing course before the road test, even if they are older than 18 years old. If you are a minor you’ll have to wait six months after receiving a learners permit before you can attempt the road test. 

Can the New York pre-licensing course be taken 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 is the New York pre-licensing course for adults?

The state standardized course is five hours long. With I Drive Safely you have the freedom to complete the course in a single day or over the course of weeks. 

Is the I Drive Safely Course Approved by the New York State DMV? 

Yes! Our course meets all of the requirements set by the NY State DMV and covers what you need to know to get a license in New York. You can find a list of approved providers on the New York State DMV website. 

Is the Pre-Licensing Course the same as a New York Defensive Driving Course?

Nope. The Pre-licensing Course is a requirement to go from a learners permit to a drivers license. It contains standardized information that will apply during the road test. The New York Defensive Driving Course is a safety course that can be taken by licensed drivers to keep points off their license if they receive a moving violation. Defensive driving can also be taken to receive a discount on auto insurance. However, you can’t substitute a defensive driving course for your drivers pre-license.

What is taught in the New York Pre-Licensing Course?

The course is standardized by the New York DMV. The curriculum is designed to teach new drivers all of the essentials for following the rules of the road safely. You’ll learn about highway driving, good driver habits, basic road maneuvers, road signs, the risks involved with driving and New York traffic laws.

It’s the information and skills you need to avoid accidents down the road.

Do adults have to take behind-the-wheel training?

Not if you are over 18 years old. Adults are only required to get a learners permit, take the pre-licensing course and pass the road test. But it’s highly advisable to get in some practice time behind the wheel before the road test.

Does the 5-hour pre-licensing course include a final test?

No, there is no final exam for NY DMV approved pre-licensing course.

What is a Pre-Licensing Course Completion Information?

After completing the pre-licensing course, I Drive Safely will report your course completion to the state of NY DMV. You will get an email confirmation from I Drive Safely for your course completion. 

Is the Pre-Licensing Course required to switch to a different type of New York drivers license?

No. You can switch from a standard operator license to another type of license as long as you have a valid drivers license.

Do I have to complete the pre-licensing drivers course within a certain amount of time?

The New York State DMV gives you 30 days to complete the course once you register.