New York Driver's Handbook, Section 1: Driver Licenses
License classes, the vision and written tests, the learner permit, junior operator restrictions, address changes and new residents.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, MV-21 (9/25). Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21)
Key rules
- The written test has 20 questions: 14 correct to pass, including two of the four road sign questions. You need 20/40 vision in at least one eye. p. 10
- With a learner permit, a licensed driver 21 or older must sit beside you; in NYC and Long Island it must be a parent, guardian or instructor. p. 11
- Junior drivers certify 50 hours of practice (15 after sunset), complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course and hold the permit six months. p. 13
- Junior license: no more than one passenger under 21 who is not family, plus regional time limits (NYC: junior drivers may not drive alone at all). p. 15
- Report an address change within 10 days; new residents get a New York license within 30 days. p. 17