Schedule and Take a Road Test (2024)

Please Note:

Effective February 7, 2022:If you are applying for a CDL for the first time or adding a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsem*nt for the first time, you must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) before taking a CDL road test. Hazmat ELDT is required before taking the Hazardous Materials knowledge test. The training provider must be registered on theFMCSA Training Provider Registry. Go to theEntry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQfor more information about the ELDT requirement.

Watch our YouTube video tofind out how to prepare for and take your road test!

Step 1: Prepare for Your Test

Before you take your road test, you will need to prepare by

Step 2: Schedule a Test

If you are under the age of 18, you must wait at least6 monthsfrom the date you received your learner permit to schedule your road test.

The road test scheduling system offers the earliest available dates and times at sites near the ZIP code you provide.Usually, the earliest date is within 3 to 5 weeks, but at peak testing periods during summer and school breaks it may be up to 10 weeks away. There are no waiting lists.Tests are almost always on weekdays (only rarely do we offer them on a Saturday).

You do not need to schedule your road test in the county or area of the state where you live.Find road test locations.

What you need to schedule

a valid New York State Learner Permit (see a samplelearner permit)
an original, unexpired Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) or a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) (see more information about the Pre-Licensing Course)

If you completed theonline pre-licensing coursethrough anapproved providerthe course provider will report course completions to DMV automatically and you will not have to show a completion certificate when appearing for the road test. If you completed the pre-licensing course through a driving school's distance learning class you must provide the Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) to the examiner when appearing for the test.

theZIP Code of the location where you would like to take the test
at least 1 unused road test

Schedule a Test

You can also schedule, reschedule or cancel your test over the phone: 1-518-402-2100

Step 3: Take the Road Test

Tests can be canceled/rescheduled or relocated due to bad weather or road construction. Before you leave for your test, check the DMVcancellations, closings, and delayswebpageor call1-518-402-2100.

Arrive up to 15 minutes before the time of your test. If you are late, the license examiner may not be able to conduct your test and you will have to reschedule.

Please note: Not all road test locations have a shelter. Please be prepared for inclement weather conditions.

Possession of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun in or upon any New York State DMV road test site is prohibited by law unless otherwise authorized (Penal Law §§265.01-D, 265.01-E).

For a Class D (Passenger) Road Test

Bring

a licensed and registered vehicle to perform the road test
your photo learner permit1
your glasses or contacts, if your permit indicates you need corrective lenses
your original Pre-licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) orStudent Certificate of Completion (MV-285), copies are not acceptable 2
aCertification of Supervised Driving (PDF)(MV-262), if you are under 18,completed by your parent or guardian - must be given to the license examiner each time you take aroad test
a driver age 21 or older who has a license valid to operate the test vehicle
a vehicle to drive during the test that has a valid registration and inspection operates properly, and is in clean condition3
only the accompanying driver of the vehicle (no other passengers are allowed)

For a Class CDL (Commercial Driver License) Road Test

For details, see Get a CDL.

Note: Fully electric school buses cannot be used for skills testing.

For a Class M (Motorcycle) Road Test

In addition to the above driving test items, you should also bring

a properly operating, registered, and inspected motorcycle4
a properly operating, registered, and inspected motor vehicle and a driver with a valid driver license to transport the license examiner during your road test

If the accompanying driver does not possess a valid license with a motorcycle endorsem*nt, the motorcycle must either be brought by trailer or pickup truck to the road test post.

Print this checklistto help make sure you have everything you need for your road test.

Step 4: Get Your Results

After the road test, the examiner will give you instructions on how to receive your test results by visiting roadtestresults.nyrtsscheduler.com. Your results will be posted to the website after 6 p.m. on the day of your test.

If You Pass

An interim license that allows you to drive will be available to you online - keep the interim license with your photo learner permit. You will receive your photo driver license in the mail, in about 2 weeks. Drivers of all ages are subject to aprobationary period for new drivers. If you are under age 18 and have a Class DJ, MJ, or DJ/MJ driver license, you must obey the restrictions for junior drivers (seeGraduated Driver License (GDL) Law and restrictions on drivers under age 18).

If You Fail

If you fail a non-commercial license road test, your learner permit remains valid until the expiration date.

You can schedule another road test, but you must pay additional fees if you failed your first two road tests.

You must wait at least 7 days to take the test again.

To pay for additional tests, you must

have a valid learner permit or driver license
provide your DMV ID Number from your Learner Permit (Client ID Number) and your date of birth
have no other road tests currently available
pay the fee with a credit or debit card

Pay additional road test fees online

Pay for additional road tests by phone: 1-518-402-2100

1. If you have an interim or temporary learner permit without a photo, you must also show a New York State photo driver license or a New York State non-driver ID Card. Photo documents from other states are not acceptable.
2. If you completed theonline pre-licensing coursethrough anapproved providerthe course provider will report course completions to DMV automatically and you will not have to show a completion certificate when appearing for the road test. If you completed the pre-licensing course through a driving school's distance learning class you must provide the Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) to the examiner when appearing for the test.
3. The vehicle must havefunctional seat belts, headlights, windshield wipers, and other equipment,a front passenger area, and seatbelt free of trash, clutter or debris that might stain or damage the license examiner’s uniform, anda front passenger door that is able to be opened from the inside of the vehicle
4. The motorcycle must not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground