When looking to get your driver's license in New York, you'll typically need to take the five-hour pre-licensing course. Luckily, the process can be super easy and convenient if you're over the age of 18. There's no need to go to a stuffy classroom, as it's available online. But what is the New York five-hour online pre-licensing course exactly and who needs to take it? Here's all you need to know.
What Is the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course?
First, the New York five-hour pre licensing course is a standardized course that's been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in New York. It includes all you need to know as a new driver, including the following primary topics:
Risk-taking
Feelings and attitudes
Driving habits and skills
Driving on the highway
Alcohol, drugs, and driving
Overall, it aims to help New Yorkers become safe, courteous, and defensive drivers who don't drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The New York five-hour online pre-licensing course is a version of the course that's available online for new drivers who are 18 and older.
Who Needs to Take the New York 5-Hour Pre licensing Course?
While some states only require new drivers under 18 to take a pre licensing course, New York requires all drivers to get a learner's permit and complete the highway safety instruction found in the course. Once complete, they can take the road test to get their license.
Where Can You Take the New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course?
There are a number of places you can take the New York five-hour pre-licensing course, including through a high school, college, or driving school. However, if you are over 18, you qualify to take it online from a DMV-approved course provider like I Drive Safely. In addition to being 18, you'll also need internet, a device that can connect to the internet, and a valid Class D or M photo permit to take the course online.
How Do Adults Over 18 Get a New York Driver's License?
Getting a driver's license in New York as an adult is a bit more involved than in other states. You will have to first get your learner's permit by taking and passing a written test. Next, you'll need to complete the five-hour pre-licensing course.
Once you've completed your course, the course provider will report your completion electronically to the DMV. At that point, you can call the DMV to schedule a road test. The course certificate will be valid for one year from the date it's issued, so you need to take your road test during that time.
After you pass the road test, you will get your license. Unlike drivers under the age of 18, you won't have to wait six months between getting your permit and getting your license.
What if You Have a License From Out-Of-State?
If you're moving to New York and have a license from another state, the process will be a bit easier. You'll need to exchange your out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of arrival. However, to qualify, your current license must have been issued six months before your application date. It also can't have been expired for more than two years and needs to have your photograph.
If your license has been suspended, revoked, lost, stolen, or marked non-renewable or non-transferable, you won't be able to exchange it. If you qualify for the exchange program, you'll need to visit a DMV office with proof of your identity and will need to pass a vision test.
Take the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course!
Are you 18 or older and looking to get your driver's license in New York? Once you get your Class D or M learner's permit, I Drive Safely has you covered. As a NY DMV-approved provider of the five-hour online pre-licensing course, I Drive Safely lets you enroll and tick this item off your list in as little as one day. Skip the classroom and learn all you need to know when and where it works best for you.
Register up for the New York five-hour online pre-licensing course!
