For the many reasons why you may want to get your driver’s license, you have come this far after months of practicing and studying. Give yourself a pat on the back! We truly appreciate your hard work and you’re almost there! 

Before you can get your driver’s license, you need to pass the road test that quizzes your ability to drive in real time. We know this can be nerve wracking and challenging, especially for new drivers, but we have your back! We will provide you everything you need to know to prepare and ace your road test so you can earn your driver’s license smoothly and easily. 

Preparing for the NY Road Test

Before you can register for your road test, make sure that you have met the following criterias. 

#1 Own a Learner’s Permit

The first step to earning a driver’s license is to take the learner’s permit test. That said, before you can take your road test, you must own a New York State learner’s permit. In New York, you must be 16 years or older to register for a learner’s permit. You can schedule an appointment to complete the learner’s permit test at a DMV office or online.

If you plan to get a driver’s license, but have not yet received a learner’s permit, visit the DMV website to learn more on how to get a learner’s permit.

#2 Complete a State Approved Pre-Licensing Course

The completion of a state approved Pre-Licensing Course ensures that you have the required knowledge to drive on the road as a new driver. You will be asked to provide an unexpired Pre-licensing Course Certificate to show proof of your completion of the course in order to apply for the road test (The New York State DMV requirements may vary if you complete an online Pre-Licensing Course).  

• If you are a high school or college student applying for a driver’s license, you can ask your school or university if they offer approved driver’s educational courses. Courses offered by the schools or universities may be more flexible to your schedule and are usually free of charge, or subsidized by tuition. 

• If your school does not offer or if you are out of school, you can use the DMV driving school finder to find driving schools that offer pre-licensing courses near you. You can also check out the list of approved pre-licensing courses suggested by the New York DMV.  

(If you live in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, or Long Island City, don’t hesitate to check out Ferrari Driving School to help you earn your pre-licensing course certificate!)

#3 Complete the Additional Requirements

Depending on your age, the New York DMV requires you to earn additional hours of practice and complete certain requirements before applying for the road test. Check below to find out if you are qualified to apply for the road test.

• If you are under 18, you should have:
  • Received your learner’s permit for at least six months
  • Had a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving with a driving instructor, parent, or guardian
  • Obeyed all the learner’s permit restrictions

• If you are over 18, you should have:
  • Had a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving with a driving instructor, parent, or guardian (recommended)
  • Obeyed all the learner’s permit restrictions

Schedule for the NY Road Test

After checking that you have met all the criterias above, you are ready to schedule for your road test! To register for the road test, you will need: 

• A valid learner’s permit ID
• An original, unexpired state approved Pre-Licensing Course Certificate
• Your Zip Code number (to determine your road test location) 
• At least one unused test from when you applied for your license

When you are ready, you can schedule your road test through the New York DMV website or call 1-518-402-2100. Road tests are usually offered on weekdays and you can register for the test three to five weeks in advance. Sometimes, the earliest available dates may take up to ten weeks due to peak demands at different time periods (i.e. summer breaks). So make sure to plan your time in advance when you are ready to schedule your road test.

The Day of the NY Road Test

Before you leave for your road test site, make sure to check the DMV site or call 1-518-402-2100 to alert for possible closings, delays, or cancellations due to bad weather or road construction. Once you have confirmed your test date, gather your materials and head over to your selected road test site. We recommend that you arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than your scheduled time to avoid any possible delays or lateness that may require you to reschedule your road test. Arriving early also gives you more time to prepare before starting your road test. 

What to Bring

Start preparing your required materials a few days in advance. Make sure to have the following materials prepared: 

• Your photo ID learner’s permit (if you have a interim or temporary permit without a photo, bring your  NY State photo driver license or a NY State non-driver ID Card as alternative)
• Glasses, contact lenses, or any form corrective lenses you will need
• Your original, unexpired Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (no copies)
• A licensed driver of age 21 or older who will accompany you (to drive your vehicle after the test)
• A licensed and registered vehicle (in clean condition) you will use to perform the road test
• *Your completed Certification of Supervised Driving form (if you are under 18)  

What to Expect 

Once you arrive at the test site, park in line with the vehicle waiting before you and wait patiently until the tester approaches you. You should also leave some room to pull out in case your scheduled test time is earlier than the vehicle waiting ahead of you. In the meantime, have your documents ready and adjust your seat, seatbelts, and mirrors as you wait for the tester.

The road test takes about 15 minutes. During the road test, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the tester to repeat or clarify to ensure that you understand what the task is. We have provided a list of possible tasks you may be asked to do. 

The list of tasks below tests your ability to respond and perform driving skills that are relevant in times of real traffic: 

• Making turns (left, right, U-turn, or three-point turn)
• Parallel Parking
• Driving through an intersection 
• Steering
• Knowledge of traffic signs, signals, and markings
• Braking
• Following Distance
• Managing Speed
• Acceleration 
• Clutch/Gears Control 
• Lane selection and position
• Stopping Position
• Communication (i.e. with other drivers, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrians)
• Observation (i.e. of other drivers, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrians)

Make sure you are able to understand how to perform all of the tasks on the list in case you may be asked on any of them.

8 Essential Tips to Excel Your NY Road Test  

We want you to have the best experience on your road test! Here are 8 essential tips for you to put into practice so that you can excel your road test to earn your driver’s license.

#1 Know your Vehicle 

Because you will be using the vehicle that was brought to the test site, it is important that you know how to function the vehicle properly. Ideally, it is best to bring the vehicle you have been using to practice for the road test. Working with a familiar vehicle can also help to reduce your anxiety when nothing is new. However, if you are unable to use the vehicle you have been practicing with on the road test, make sure to prepare another vehicle in advance. Spend a few days prior to the road test to prepare yourself by learning the functions and controls on the vehicle to be prepared for the road test. 

Remember: Make sure you know how to perform basic operations on your test vehicle, including using windshield wipers, activating turn signals, turning on headlights, adjusting side mirrors, etc. 

#2 Ask Questions For Clarification

You have been practicing for months and we know you want to give the impression that you are fully prepared for the road test. However, we also understand that you may be feeling a bit nervous being observed as this may also be your first road test. When you are given your task, ask clarifying questions to make sure that you fully understand what you should do. Asking questions can also show the tester that you are actively engaged and trying to perform your best on the road. 

Remember: Don’t hesitate to ask your questions!

#3 Practice Braking Smoothly

When you are using your brake pedal, always ease your foot on the pedal and apply force gradually before coming to a full stop. Knowing how to brake smoothly allows you to avoid tailgates and other accidents or injuries. We all know that it is not what we want to happen on the road test. It is important to practice maintaining the balance between the timing and pressure you apply on the pedal to make your brakings smooth and gradual. 

Remember: Never break suddenly. Gradually apply pressure to the brake pedal as you get closer to your destination. 

#4 Stop at Every Stop Sign

It is always good practice to follow the signs. When you come across a stop sign, make sure you are prepared to come to a full stop. Failure to do so may result in three points on your driving records and pay fines up to $150. Stopping at every stop sign ensures safety procedures on the road as well as your money secured. 

Remember: Follow every traffic sign and stop at every stop sign.   

#5 Keep your Eyes on the Road

While you want to observe your surroundings and stay alerted when you are driving, remember to keep your eyes on the road. You should sit in a comfortable position with your eyes and head focused on the road ahead. Occasionally, you can also check the sides of the road through your side and rear view mirrors. 

Remember: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes on the road.

#6  Check Blind Spots and Signal When Changing Lanes

Especially when you are changing lanes, know when to signal properly and change your lanes safely. Always signal your intentions and remember to check your blind spots. Blind spots may not be visible through your mirrors and failures to look out for them can cause undesirable accidents. You can do a quick shoulder check to check your blind spots before you change lanes. On your road test, make sure to check your blind spots and signal your intentions when you are changing lanes.

Remember: Signal your intentions and check your blind spots to avoid accidents, especially when changing lanes. 

#7 Maintain In Your Lane When Turning 

When you are turning, pay close attention to which lane you are in and make sure you remain in the same lane. Regardless, if you are crossing a street with one or multiple lanes, being able to stay in the right lane reassures safety and proper traffic flow. Practice steering and turning to make sure you are confident in how you manage to stay in your lane. It is important to know how to remain in your lane when you make turns on the road test (and for your driving safety).

Remember: Pay close attention to the lane you are in and stay in that lane when you make a turn. 

 #8 Stay Calm 

You are about to take your road test and we understand that you may feel nervous for this big day. Now is the time to go back and briefly review all you have learned. Get comfortable with your test vehicle and use this guide to help you get prepared. Take deep breaths and stay calm. You know your materials and now it is time to take it into action. 

Remember: Stay calm and review your materials. Before you know it, you will be acing your road test!

Ace Your Road Test!

We have provided everything you need to know to help you ace your road test and earn your driver’s license. Read this guide closely and check out the links we have provided to help you better prepare for the road test. Practice and refresh your skills to help you avoid common mistakes that new drivers tend to make on their road tests. Use this guide as a reference as you actively study and prepare yourself to ace your road test. We wish you the best of luck on your upcoming NY Road Test!

• Category: Driving Lessons and Tips
• Tag: NY Road Test, Preperation, Road Test