Pre-License Courses in New York: A Guide for New Drivers
Updated guide: For the latest, complete details on New York's 5-hour pre-licensing course, see our free 5-hour pre-licensing course guide.
If you're searching for a pre-license course in New York because you want a driver's license, the course you need is the New York State 5-hour pre-licensing course. This guide covers what it is, who needs it, how to take it, and what comes next. Pre-license courses for other careers, such as real estate or insurance, are a different thing and aren't covered here.
What Is the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course?
The 5-hour pre-licensing course is a New York DMV-approved class that teaches new drivers traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, the dangers of alcohol and drug use while driving, and how to share the road safely with pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. You complete it before your road test. See our 5-hour course page for class dates.
Who Needs It?
New York requires new drivers, and drivers whose license is expired or revoked, to complete a pre-licensing course before they can book a road test. The main exception is a student who holds an MV-285 driver education certificate. You need a valid New York learner permit to take the course.
How Can You Take It?
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Live Zoom class at Drive Rite Academy: open to permit holders aged 16 and up, in one five-hour session booked in advance. There's no final exam or quiz; you attend and take part in the full five-hour session.
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Self-paced online, through our affiliate partner: for permit holders aged 18 and up with a plastic photo permit. Start any time and take up to 30 days to finish; your completion is reported to the DMV electronically, and there's no paper certificate.
The live Zoom five-hour course is $50, as listed on our 5-hour course page. Mailing the MV-278 certificate has a separate shipping fee, or you can pick it up at our Brooklyn office.
Your Certificate
After our live Zoom class, Drive Rite Academy issues your paper MV-278 certificate, which you can have mailed to you (expedited shipping available) or pick up at our Brooklyn office. If you take the self-paced course through our affiliate partner, your completion is reported to the DMV electronically and there is no paper certificate. The MV-278 is valid for one year from the issue date.
What Comes Next?
You schedule your road test with the New York DMV, online or by phone. You'll need your learner permit and an original, unexpired MV-278 (or MV-285). If you took the self-paced online course, the DMV already has your completion on record.
Many students take driving lessons before the test to build confidence, and our road test services include a car for your road test.
Once you're licensed, our 6-hour defensive driving course, taught live on Zoom in one day, can take up to 4 points off your point total for violations from the 18 months before you finish it, and can qualify you for a 3-year reduction of at least 10% on the base rate of your liability and collision insurance premiums (if you're the principal operator), per the NY DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5-hour course the same as driver education (MV-285)?
No. Driver education programs that issue the MV-285 certificate are longer programs, usually taken through a high school or college. If you already hold an MV-285, you don't need the 5-hour course.
Is there a test at the end?
Our live Zoom class has no final exam or quiz; you attend and take part in the full five-hour session. The self-paced course has a short quiz at the end of each section, and no final exam.
How do I sign up?
Visit our 5-hour course page or call our team at 718-928-7048.
Read our full guide: free 5-hour pre-licensing course guide.