How to Get a Junior Driver’s License in New York

Written by Mary Salatino | Edited by Michael Purser

How to Get a Junior Driver’s License in New York

Getting a driver’s license is a big milestone. In the state of New York, the rules aren’t always simple. For teens and their families, the junior driver’s license sits in a confusing middle ground: more freedom than a learner’s permit, but far more restrictions than a full license.

When can you drive alone? Who can ride with you? And what happens if you make a mistake? New York’s junior licensing system is designed to ease new drivers onto the road safely, but the requirements, curfews and regional rules can be easy to miss.

This guide breaks down how to get a junior driver’s license in New York, what rules come with it and how to avoid common pitfalls on the road so new drivers can earn their independence fast without losing it just as quickly.

Requirements for a Junior Driver’s License

So, who qualifies for a junior license in New York? And when can you stop riding shotgun?

First things first: age matters. You must be at least 16 years old to apply. No shortcuts there.

Next question: Have you held your learner’s permit long enough?

New York requires you to hold your permit for at least six months before you can even think about scheduling a road test. That waiting period is mandatory, even if you feel ready sooner.

Then there’s the classroom side of things. Before taking the road test, you’ll need to complete a state-approved 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course (or a driver education course). Once you finish, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which you should keep handy for later.

If any one of these pieces is missing, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) will send you right back to square one.

Driving Practice Requirements

Now for the big question: How much driving experience do I need before the road test?

The answer is: At least 50 hours of supervised driving.

Out of those 50 hours:

  • 15 hours must be after sunset, so you’re not learning night driving for the first time during your test.
  • It’s strongly recommended that 10 hours be completed in moderate to heavy traffic, especially in New York City!

Who’s allowed to sit in the passenger seat while you practice? Your supervising driver must:

All this practice must be documented on the Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262). This form is mandatory. And you must present it at the road test. Without it, you won’t be taking the test that day.

The Application Process

You’ve put in the hours. You’ve had the permit long enough. Now what?

Applying for a junior license means one thing: a trip to the DMV. There’s no online shortcut for this part.

The big hurdle is the road test. Once you pass, you don’t immediately get a full senior license. Instead, you’ll be issued a junior driver’s license. This is officially known as a Class DJ (or MJ for motorcycles) license.

Before test day, make sure you have everything the DMV expects. Missing one document can end the whole appointment.

You’ll need:

  • A valid learner’s permit
  • Proof you completed a 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course (your MV-285 certificate)
  • A completed Certification of Supervised Driving (MV-262) showing at least 50 hours of practice

At the road test, the examiner will collect your paperwork, evaluate your driving and let you know whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued your junior license.

But remember, it comes with restrictions.

Restrictions for a Junior License

A Class DJ license gives you independence, but not total freedom. New York places strict limits on when you can drive and who can be in the car.

Passenger Limits

How many people can you bring along?

Only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member is allowed in the car. Load up the car with friends, and you could lose your license.

Curfew Rules

Junior drivers cannot drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

There are exceptions, but they’re narrow. You’re allowed to drive during curfew hours only if you’re going directly to or from:

  • Work
  • A school-related activity

Cruising, stopping to hang out or running errands doesn’t count.

Cell Phone and Texting Ban

Can you use your phone? No. Not even at a red light.

Young motorists are completely prohibited from using a cell phone or texting while driving. Violating this rule can lead to a license suspension. Repeat offenses come with even harsher penalties.

Breaking these laws can mean losing your driving privileges for weeks or longer.

Texting while driving is treated even more harshly:

  • A first offense earns a 120-day suspension.
  • The second conviction within six months of license restoration carries a minimum one-year revocation.

Special Rules for Junior Drivers in New York City and Long Island

Not to complicate things, but the rules differ throughout the state. If you live in New York City, your junior license works very differently than it does upstate.

In NYC, junior motorists are not allowed to drive unsupervised at any time. Not in the morning. Not in the afternoon. Not even just around the corner.

If you’re driving in the city, you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Without that person in the car, you’re breaking the law, regardless of the time of day.

Long Island and some surrounding areas are nearly as strict. In general, junior drivers there cannot drive unsupervised, with limited exceptions.

When are exceptions allowed?

  • Driving directly to or from work
  • Traveling to school or an approved educational program

Outside of NYC and Long Island, junior drivers have more flexibility. But in these areas, the restrictions are tougher. Knowing where you’re allowed to drive matters just as much as knowing when you’re allowed to drive.

Consequences of Breaking the Law

New York takes junior license violations seriously. One mistake can cost you months of driving freedom.

A single serious traffic violation, or two other violations, can result in a 60-day suspension of a permit or license.

Violations don’t just disappear, either. Traffic offenses can remain on a driver’s record for up to four years, and multiple violations may lead to full revocation.

There’s also another factor people forget: parents. If a parent or guardian withdraws their consent, a teen’s privileges can be revoked — even if the DMV hasn’t stepped in yet.

Can Parents Take Away a Junior License?

Yes — this surprises many families.

In New York, a junior driver’s license exists with parental consent. That means a parent or legal guardian can withdraw that consent at any time, even if the driver hasn’t broken a single traffic law.

If consent is withdrawn, the license becomes invalid until the issue is resolved. Keep in mind that this isn’t a DMV punishment. It’s a rule built into the system to give parents a say in when their teens are ready to drive independently.

For families, this makes communication important. Expectations around curfews, passengers and safe driving habits should be clear from the start. Remember, a junior license is an agreement with both the state and your parent or guardian.

Moving from a Junior to a Senior License

So, when does driving finally get easier?

To transition from a junior to a senior driver in New York, you must meet a few key requirements — and yes, your driving record matters.

At age 17, you can apply for a senior license if you’ve completed a state-approved driver education course. To do this, you’ll need to bring:

  • Your junior driver’s license
  • Your Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285)

You must apply in person at a DMV office, where your documents will be reviewed before a senior card is issued.

Once you turn 18, the process is simpler. If you’ve met all requirements and avoided disqualifying violations, you’ll automatically receive an updated card without any extra DMV visits required.

Learn Safer Driving Skills with SafeMotorist

Getting a junior license is just the beginning of your licensing process. The habits you build now can make the difference between keeping and losing your privileges.

SafeMotorist’s state-approved pre-licensing and defensive driving courses are available to help new drivers understand New York’s rules, avoid mistakes and feel confident behind the wheel. Our courses cover real-world situations junior drivers face every day, such as managing distractions and navigating high-risk driving conditions.

Whether you’re preparing for your road test or planning your transition to a senior license, SafeMotorist gives you the tools you need to start your driving journey.