As a society, we equate driving to independence and freedom. So if you want to feel the wind in your flowing tresses or make a lasting impression with that new car of yours, you’re going to need the license to do so, your driver’s license that is.
Brand New Drivers
For beginners, the first thing you must do is apply for a permit. Keep in mind, all applicants must be sixteen years old or older to drive in the state of New York. A statement of identity form must be completed by your parent or guardian if you are under the age of 21, however, he/she does not need to be present. Four points of ID must also be provided such as a birth certificate or any other document confirming your date of birth.
Getting Your Permit
In order to obtain your permit you are required to pay an application fee. In addition to that, you must pass the vision test as well as the written test. The questions to the written test are quite basic so passing it shouldn’t be too difficult; as long as you review the New York State driver’s manual beforehand. The test will be graded in front of you and if you’re successful, you should receive your permit in the mail a few weeks later.
Verification of Identification
Let’s talk about specifics. Mainly the documents you must present to obtain your NYS driver’s license. You must have proof of identity, NYS residency and U.S citizenship. If you’re not quite sure what that means, you may bring documents ranging from a learner’s permit, passport, birth certificate, and permanent resident card to a non-driver photo ID card. So come prepared or else be ready to make another detour home to retrieve your missing items. No one likes to waste time and the DMV can get very crowded.
Preparing for the Road Test
It all boils down to the age old adage, practice, practice, practice and yes it really does make perfect. Enlist the help of a sibling or a friend, make sure they possess a valid NYS driver’s license and are 21 years old or older. If all fails, ask your parents, they’ll be more than happy to help you achieve this new endeavor.
Scheduling
The next step of the process is to take the 5 hour pre-licensing course in order to obtain what is called a "pre licensing course certificate" (MV 278), which is available at most commercial driving schools. You may also get hold of the "driver education certificate (MV 285), but it is only available when a high school or college driver education course is successfully completed.
A Few Reminders
Remember if you’re under the age of eighteen, you need to have at least 50 hours of supervised driving under your belt, with a minimum of 15 nightly hours before attempting to take your road test. Of course you must bring proof, a certificate of supervised driving form filed by your parent or guardian. The certificate can be obtained from your local DMV office or printed from their main website.
As of February 22, 2010, changes that mainly concerned young drivers were made to New York’s licensing laws. The amount of non-relatives under the age of 21 driven in a vehicle by a junior license holder when unaccompanied by a licensed parent or guardian has been reduced from two passengers to only one. The limited junior driver’s license is now void, meaning a junior permit must be in use for approximately six months before a senior or junior license is administered. There’s another little tidbit you need to remember, make sure your permit is valid on the day of your road test.
Ready, Set, Drive!
When you’re certain that you’ve dotted all of your I’s and crossed all of your T’s, you’re ready to pick up that phone and schedule an appointment for your road test. Remember, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast to really get your engine going. Since you’ve practiced, you’re practically a pro now. Congratulations on earning your very first NYS driver’s license. So, be responsible and drive safely.
stapha charleme - Stapha Charleme has a BA in English Literature. She has been writing professionally for two years and lives with her family in Queens, ...
