Summary of New York (NY) DMV Handbook 2026

A New York driver's license allows you to drive on public roads. Most people need a noncommercial Class D driver's license to operate standard vehicles. Driving in New York is a privilege, not a right.

Card Designations

• REAL ID: Beginning May 2025, your license must be REAL ID compliant (marked with a star) to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and access most federal facilities.
• Veteran Designation: Available for eligible veterans — see dmv.ny.gov/more-info/veteran-status-designation-photo-document.
• Organ Donor: You may opt in to the organ and tissue donor registry.

If you do not have a license from New York or another state, you must apply for an instruction permit before taking the road test.

What You Need to Apply

• Proof of identity (proving who you are).
• Two proofs of New York residency.
• Legal full name document (if name differs from identity document).
• Social security number (exceptions may apply).
• Non-refundable application fee.

If You Are Under 18

• Must be at least 15½ years old.
• Must complete a driver education program.
• Parent or guardian must sign the application and accept financial responsibility.
• Wait to use your permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor.

Applying for a Driver's License (After Getting Your Permit)

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. This person must sit close enough to take control if needed.
• Pass a road test (You must complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course before scheduling).

Additional Requirements for Minors

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must hold the permit for at least 6 months (or turn 18).
• Must complete both driver education and driver training.
• Must practice driving for at least 50 hours with a licensed driver age 21+, including 15 hours after sunset.

1. Vision Test

DMV tests all applicants. If you wear corrective lenses, your license will have a restriction. If you fail the vision test, your eye doctor must complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).

2. Knowledge Test

• You get 3 attempts to pass. If you fail all 3, you must reapply.
• Minors must wait 7 days to retake a failed test.
• No testing aids (no handbook, no cell phone) are allowed.

3. Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test

You must bring a safe vehicle with valid registration and insurance. The DMV examiner will verify safety equipment before the test:

• If you move, you must notify DMV of your new address within 10 days.
• It is illegal to drive with an expired license.
• If you are out-of-state and cannot renew, you may request a one-year extension before your license expires.
• Limited-term licenses are not eligible for extension.

Health and Driving

• Vision: You must notice hazards in different lighting, judge distances, and read road signs.
• Hearing: You must hear horns, sirens, and screeching tires. It is illegal to wear headsets/earplugs in both ears.
• Fatigue: Can affect vision and increase reaction time.
• Medications: Prescription and OTC drugs can impair driving. Know their effects before driving.

Steering Methods

• Hand-to-Hand (Push/Pull): Hands at 9 and 3 o'clock (or 8 and 4). Do not cross hands over the middle of the wheel.
• Hand-Over-Hand: Use for low-speed turns, parking, and skid recovery. Hands at 8 and 4 o'clock.
• One-Hand Steering: Only when backing up to see behind you (hand at 12 o'clock) or when operating vehicle controls.

Signaling

• Signal at least 100 feet before a turn.
• Signal at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.
• Signal before pulling next to or away from the curb.
• Signal even when you do not see other vehicles.

Using Your Headlights

• Required when it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away.
• From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
• In adverse weather — if you use windshield wipers, you must use low-beam headlights.
• Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
• On mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days).
• It is illegal to drive using only parking lights.

Using Your Horn

• Use to avoid collisions.
• Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.

Emergency Flashers

• Turn on when you see a collision or hazard ahead.
• If your vehicle breaks down, activate flashers and pull off the road. Do not stop just over a hill or around a curve.

Lane Markings

Choosing and Changing Lanes

• Use the left lane to pass or turn left. Use the right lane to enter or exit traffic.
• Before changing lanes: signal, check mirrors, check blind spots by looking over your shoulder, and ensure enough space.
• Stay in one lane as much as possible — do not weave in and out of traffic. Last-minute changes increase collision risk.

Types of Lanes

• HOV (Carpool) Lane: Reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or qualifying low-emission vehicles with decals. Do not cross double solid lines to enter/exit — use designated entrances.
• Center Left Turn Lane: Used only to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. You may only drive in it for 200 feet. It is not a passing lane.
• Turnout Areas: On two-lane roads, merge into these to let vehicles behind you pass. You must use one when 5 or more vehicles are following you.
• Bicycle Lanes: For bicyclists only. You may enter a bike lane only within 200 feet of a turn, when parking (where permitted), or when entering/leaving the road. Maintain at least 3 feet of distance from cyclists.

Right Turns

• Drive close to the right edge of the road. Enter a designated right turn lane at the opening.
• Signal about 100 feet before the turn. Look over your right shoulder and reduce speed.
• Stop behind the limit line, then look left-right-left and turn when safe.
• Complete the turn in the right lane — do not swing wide.
• Right Turn on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign is posted.
• Right Turn Against Red Arrow: You may not turn. Wait for the green.

Left Turns

• Drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane.
• Signal 100 feet before the turn. Look over your left shoulder, reduce speed.
• Stop behind the limit line. Keep wheels pointed straight until you begin turning (if hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic).
• Complete the turn in the left lane closest to the center divider.
• Left Turn Against Red: Only from a one-way street onto a one-way street. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles with the green.

U-Turns

You may make a U-turn across double yellow lines, in a residential district (if no vehicles within 200 feet), and at intersections on a green light (unless a NO U-TURN sign is posted).

Never make a U-turn:

• Where a NO U-TURN sign is posted.
• At or on a railroad crossing.
• On a one-way street.
• In front of a fire station.
• In business districts (except at an intersection or divider opening).
• When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

Merging and Exiting

• Merging: Be at or near the speed of traffic. Use mirrors and turn signals. Check blind spots. Do not stop unless absolutely necessary. Maintain 3 seconds of following distance.
• Exiting: Know your exit in advance. Signal 5 seconds (approx. 400 feet) before exiting. Do not cross solid lines.

Passing

• Only pass when you can see clearly — hills or curves should be at least ⅓ mile ahead.
• Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing.
• You may pass on the right only on open highways with two or more lanes in your direction, or on one-way streets.
• If being passed, maintain your lane position and speed.

Parking on a Hill

• Headed downhill: Turn front wheels into the curb (right).
• Headed uphill: Turn front wheels away from the curb (left) and let the car roll back until the wheel touches the curb.
• No curb (uphill or downhill): Turn wheels to the right so the car would roll off the road.
• Always set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in park (or in gear for manual).

Colored Curbs

Law Enforcement Stops

• Acknowledge the officer by turning on your right turn signal. Pull over to the right shoulder.
• Turn off your radio. Roll down your window. Keep hands in clear view.
• Remain inside unless directed to exit.
• A driver must produce a license, insurance, and registration when stopped.
• Remain inside your vehicle and await instructions.
• You generally have the right to record police interactions in public, as long as you do not interfere with officers.

Traffic Signals

Signs

• STOP Sign: Full stop before the crosswalk or limit line. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.
• Red YIELD Sign: Slow down and be ready to stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
• DO NOT ENTER / WRONG WAY: Do not enter. If you see road reflectors shining red at night, you are going the wrong way.
• 5-Sided Sign: School zone — drive slowly and stop for children in crosswalks.
• Diamond-Shaped Sign: Warns of specific road conditions and dangers ahead.
• Yellow/Black Circular or X-Shaped Sign: Railroad crossing — look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop.

Right-of-Way Rules

• No Signs: The vehicle that arrives first has right-of-way. If simultaneous, yield to the vehicle on your right.
• T-Intersections: Vehicles on the through road have right-of-way.
• Turning Left: Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Enter to the right (counter-clockwise). Signal when exiting.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

Pedestrians Who Are Blind

• Pedestrians with guide dogs or white canes have the right-of-way at all times.
• Do not stop in the middle of a crosswalk (forces them into traffic).
• Do not honk at a blind person.
• When a blind person pulls in their cane and steps away, you may proceed.

Sharing the Road with Large Vehicles

• Blind Spots (No Zone): If you cannot see the truck's side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• Braking Distance: A large vehicle at 55 mph can take up to 400 feet to stop (vs. 300 ft for a car). Do not cut in front and slow down.
• Turning: Rear wheels follow a shorter path than front wheels. A truck may swing wide — do not try to pass on the inside of a turning truck.
• Always pass on the left side. Do not drive alongside longer than necessary.

Motorcycles

• Check for motorcycles when changing lanes — they are harder to see.
• Allow a 3-second following distance.
• Give motorcycles a full lane width. Lane splitting (sharing a lane) is illegal in New York.
• Check for motorcyclists before opening your door.

Emergency Vehicles

School Buses

• Flashing yellow lights: The bus is preparing to stop — slow down and prepare to stop.
• Flashing red lights: You must stop from both directions until children are safe and lights stop. Fine up to $1,000 and 1-year suspension for violations.
• You do not need to stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway (2+ lanes each direction).

Speed Limits

Work Zones & Fines

• Slow down, allow extra space, and watch for lane closures in construction zones.
• Fines for violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more.
• Fines are doubled in Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones and in construction zones when workers are present.

Points on Your Record

• Your license may be suspended if you accumulate: 11 points in 18 months.
• Traffic convictions stay on your record for standard periods (usually 3-4 years).
• Courts may offer traffic violator school (once per 18 months) to keep a 1-point violation off your insurance.

Scanning & Following Distance

• Scan the road at least 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle.
• Use the 3-second rule for following distance. Increase to 4+ seconds in bad conditions.
• If a tailgater is behind you, maintain speed and merge right when safe to let them pass.

Blind Spots

• Blind spots are at the sides, slightly behind the driver.
• Check by looking over your shoulder (turn head only, not the whole body or steering wheel).
• Check blind spots before: changing lanes, turning, merging, backing up, leaving a parking space, opening your door.

Driving in Adverse Conditions

Skid Recovery

• Slippery surface skid: Slowly remove foot from accelerator. Do NOT brake. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
• Locked wheel skid: With ABS — apply firm brake pressure. Without ABS — quickly pump the brakes.

Seat Belts & Child Safety

• All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts. Wear the shoulder harness across your chest, not under your arm.
• Under 2 years old (and under 40 lbs, under 3\'4"): Rear-facing child seat. May not ride in front with an airbag.
• Under 8 years old (or under 4\'9"): Secured in a child restraint system in the rear seat.
• 8+ years old (or at least 4\'9"): May use a standard seat belt.
• Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel (air bag distance).

Emergencies

• Tire Blowout: Do not panic. Hold wheel firmly, maintain speed briefly, gradually release accelerator, steer straight, pull off when safe.
• Wheels Drift Off Pavement: Grip wheel firmly, release accelerator, brake gently, check traffic, carefully steer back.
• Disabled on Freeway: Pull to right shoulder. Exit from the right side. Dial 511 or find a call box. Stay inside with seatbelt on until help arrives.

Distracted Driving & Cell Phones

• Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal.
• Adults may use a phone only in hands-free mode — mount it on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. Use single-swipe only.
• Minors may NOT use a cell phone at all while driving, except for emergency calls.
• Do not text, email, or read messages while driving.

Carbon Monoxide

Never start your vehicle inside a closed garage. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include tiredness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, and headache.

New York DWI/DWAI laws apply to both alcohol and drugs — including prescription and over-the-counter medications. The law does not differentiate between illegal drugs and legal medications. Even one drink can impair your ability to drive safely.

Implied Consent

• By driving in New York, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if arrested for DWI.
• Refusal to test results in at least a 1-year license revocation.

Open Container Law

• Illegal to drink alcohol or smoke/eat cannabis while driving or riding as a passenger.
• All alcohol/cannabis containers must be sealed and unopened. Open containers must be stored in the trunk.
• Illegal to keep an open container of alcohol in your glove box.

DUI Penalties

• 1-year license suspension or revocation.
• Must complete a DUI program and file an SR 22/SR 1P insurance certificate.
• Up to 6 months in jail and fines.
• Vehicle may be impounded.
• All DUI convictions remain on your record for 10 years.

Drivers Under 21

• May not carry alcohol in a vehicle unless a person 21+ is present and the container is sealed.
• If alcohol is found in your vehicle, it may be impounded for 30 days + fine + 1-year license suspension.
• A DUI conviction at 0.01% BAC or higher results in 1-year revocation.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

• You must carry proof of insurance whenever you drive.
• Driving without insurance: your license may be suspended for up to 4 years if you are in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Parents / guardians are financially responsible for drivers under 18.

What to Do if You Are in a Collision

• You must stop. Failing to stop is a hit-and-run — a serious crime.
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Move vehicles out of traffic if no one is injured.
• Exchange license, registration, insurance, and address with the other driver.
• Report to law enforcement within 24 hours if anyone is injured or killed.
• Report to DMV within 10 days (using SR 1 form) if the collision caused $1,000+ in damage, or anyone was injured or killed — regardless of who was at fault.
• If you hit a parked car and cannot find the owner, leave a note and report to law enforcement.