DMV says the pre-licensing course will not give you hands-on driving instruction and will not prepare you for the road test. You still need supervised practice. Junior permit holders have extra practice rules, described below.
Enroll in the 5-hour pre-licensing course
Who must take it
DMV says new drivers must complete the pre-licensing course before a road test and a license, unless they complete the state’s 48-hour driver education program through a high school or college. Whatever format you choose, you need a valid New York learner permit before you start.
The course covers driving in the highway system, habits and skills, attitudes and risk, and alcohol and other drugs. DMV says it is approximately 5 hours. Classroom and live distance-learning classes are for students at least 16. The online course is a separate pilot program.
Enroll in the 5-hour pre-licensing course
Who can take it online
DMV’s rule for the online pre-licensing course is that you are at least 18, you have a valid New York State photo learner permit, and you have a device that connects to the internet.
DMV’s provider list includes American Safety Inc, 9009 Mahan Drive, Suite 501, Tallahassee, FL 32309, 1-800-800-7121, and notes that the course is available in English and Spanish. The identity checks listed are keystroke analysis and personal questions. American Safety Institute says its own online course is for students 18 or older with a valid Class D photo learner permit, and that it does not apply to junior license applicants.
ASI’s course page
lists the fee as $49.95. Confirm the total on the checkout page. ASI also says the course is a minimum of 5 hours because of timers, that each topic’s content questions require 70% or higher, that there is no final exam, and that you must finish within 30 days of registration or start over.
Enroll in the 5-hour pre-licensing course
No paper certificate for the online course
Online students do not receive an MV-278. The provider reports completion to DMV electronically, usually within 48 hours. When the completion is on your permit record, schedule the road test online or call 1-518-402-2100. The scheduling system will not ask for a certificate, and you do not hand one to the examiner.
If you take the classroom course or the live virtual classroom instead, you do get an MV-278. DMV says that certificate is valid for one year and must be valid on the day you make the road test appointment. Bring the original to the road test. A student certificate of driver education is valid for two years. You do not need either certificate if you already have a valid New York license and you are only changing license class.
Enroll in the 5-hour pre-licensing course
If you are under 18
You cannot use this online course. Classroom and live distance learning start at 16. For a Class DJ or MJ permit, DMV also requires at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 15 hours after sunset, a signed MV-262, and a wait of at least six months after the permit is issued before you schedule the road test.
Questions about a driving school can go to DMV Driver Training Programs at 518-473-7174, or by mail to 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 327, Albany, NY 12228.
Enroll in the 5-hour course
Read the 5-hour guide
