New York road test checklist
For your behind-the-wheel drive test. Print it, or keep it open on your phone.
Before you book
- Finish an approved safe driving course: the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course, or a high school or college driver education course.
- The Point and Insurance Reduction Program (defensive driving course) doesn't count.
- The in-person course certificate (MV-278) is valid for one year.
- Book with the DMV's Road Test Scheduling System, online or by phone, with your learner permit and course certificate at hand.
Manual Chapter 1, pages 13 and 14.
Bring
- Your photo learner permit.
- Your MV-278 course certificate, or a driver education certificate (MV-285) on file.
- Under 18: the Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262), signed by a parent or guardian.
- A car that is registered, inspected, insured and in good working order, doors and seat belts included, with a clean passenger seat belt for the examiner.
- If you drive to the test site, a supervising driver at least 21, licensed for the car.
Manual Chapter 1, page 14.
On the test
- Parallel parking is part of every road test, and you may be asked for a three-point turn.
- Warning systems and cameras are allowed, but adaptive cruise control and automatic parallel parking aren't.
- The examiner checks that you drive safely without relying on driver-assist features.
- The DMV can cancel road tests for bad weather: check its website.
Manual Chapter 5 page 37, Chapter 7 page 42, Chapter 13 page 79.
Under 18, also
- You've held your junior permit at least 6 months, not counting any time it was suspended.
- You've practiced at least 50 hours, 15 of them after sunset, with a proper supervising driver.
- You can't practice in a DMV road test area.
Manual Chapter 1 page 14, Chapter 2 page 19.
From the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21): Chapter 1, Driver licenses, Chapter 2, How to keep your license, Chapter 7, Parallel parking and Chapter 13, Driver assistance systems.
Checked against these sources on October 24, 2026.