ALBANY — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding online services, allowing the DMV to serve more customers in person who cannot complete their transactions online, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The DMV has initiated a pilot program to offer the written learner permit tests for passenger cars (Class D) and motorcycles (Class M) online. It is also piloting a process to allow customers who reside in counties served by the state DMV to register their vehicles online.
“As the last six months have demonstrated, we need to continue reimagining how to provide essential government services safely, securely and efficiently in the midst of this pandemic,” Cuomo said. “These online options will make it more convenient for New Yorkers to access the services they need, while reducing congestion in the DMV offices and helping continue our shared progress in stopping the spread of this virus.”
Select customers who currently have a reservation for an in-office permit test will be invited to take the exam online, and following the successful launch of this pilot, the online option will become available to all permit applicants later this fall.
The most time-consuming aspect of getting a learner permit is taking the exam. By offering the test online, New Yorkers will save significant time when they come to the DMV to finish the application process and will be able to take the test at their convenience in a familiar and safe environment. It also frees up office space, allowing the DMV to accommodate more customers in-person who cannot complete their transactions online or by mail or drop box.
The online learner permit tests contain 50 questions and take approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete. Those who pass the test will receive an email with further instructions about making a reservation at a DMV office to complete the process of getting their learner permit. An appointment to complete the process takes only 5 minutes, on average.
Applicants should use this guide to make sure they have the documents and proofs of identification needed, before going to the DMV. Applicants have two years from the time they pass the test to schedule a reservation at the DMV and complete the application process.
A parent or guardian must supervise the test for anyone 16 and 17 years old, and then must accompany the applicant to the DMV to complete the application process and certify that they performed these duties.
Reservations for road tests are available across the state to all drivers who have a permit. Drivers under age 18 must wait at least six months from the date they received their learner permit to schedule a road test.
There are also more than 60 other online transactions available. Customers can renew or replace their registration, renew their driver license, obtain a driving record (abstract), change their address, and plead or pay New York City traffic tickets and associated fees online.
In-office reservations are available for a limited number of in-person services that cannot be done online, by mail or drop box. Reservations are required for all in-person transactions.
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