New York permit test facts
The format of the DMV knowledge test and where each fact comes from.
| Fact | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official test | Class D written test | dmv.ny.gov Official handbook · MV-21 (5/23), Chapter 1, The Written Test · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Number of questions | 20 questions | Same source as above |
| Passing score | 14 of 20 correct (70%) | Same source as above |
| Graded sections | Road signs: at least 2 of 4 | Same source as above |
| Minimum age for a permit | New York residents can apply for a learner permit at age 16. | dmv.ny.gov Agency website · Get Your Learner Permit and Driver License – page introduction · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Permit fee | New York charges one total fee for a first permit and license, based on your age and county. For Class D it ranges from $64.25 (21 and older) to $102.50 (age 17 to 17½ in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District), and covers the application, license and document fees. | dmv.ny.gov Agency website · Driver License and Learner Permit Fees and Refunds – Fees For Learner Permit and Driver License (fee table, Class D or DJ column) · checked November 1, 2026 |
| What to bring | Bring a completed permit application (form MV-44), proofs of identity, age and residence, and the permit fee. If a parent or guardian's identity statement (MV-45) is used, that parent or guardian must come to the office with you. | dmv.ny.gov Agency website · Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test – Step 2: Find What You Need to Apply; Step 3: Bring Your Documents to a DMV Office · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Test languages | New York gives the Class D permit test in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic and Yiddish. | dmv.ny.gov Agency website · Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test – Step 1: Prepare for the Permit Test · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Taking the test online | Applicants under 18 can take the New York permit test online. After passing, allow three business days for DMV review before your office visit, or you'll have to retake the test there. | dmv.ny.gov Agency website · Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test – Step 2: Find What You Need to Apply (Find the Documents You Need / Important) · checked November 1, 2026 |
| Handbook to study | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), downloaded November 1, 2026 | dmv.ny.gov Official handbook · checked November 1, 2026 |
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
The New York class d written test has 20 questions. You need 14 of 20 correct (70%) to pass.
What score do you need to pass the New York permit test?
14 of 20 correct (70%). Each graded section must also be passed on its own: road signs 2 of 4.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New York?
New York residents can apply for a learner permit at age 16.
How much does a New York learner's permit cost?
New York charges one total fee for a first permit and license, based on your age and county. For Class D it ranges from $64.25 (21 and older) to $102.50 (age 17 to 17½ in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District), and covers the application, license and document fees.
What do you need to bring for the New York permit test?
Bring a completed permit application (form MV-44), proofs of identity, age and residence, and the permit fee. If a parent or guardian's identity statement (MV-45) is used, that parent or guardian must come to the office with you.
What languages can you take the New York permit test in?
New York gives the Class D permit test in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic and Yiddish.
Can you take the New York permit test online?
Applicants under 18 can take the New York permit test online. After passing, allow three business days for DMV review before your office visit, or you'll have to retake the test there.
Which handbook should you study for the New York permit test?
The New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) (downloaded November 1, 2026), published by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Fees and document rules change more often than the test itself. Check the DMV website before you go.
Back to the New York practice tests
Facts checked November 1, 2026. See how we check.