New York’s Official 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course
Getting your New York driver license starts here. The 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course is a mandatory step for first-time drivers — and now, you can take it online, on your own schedule. This course is fully approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) and is specifically designed for adults aged 18 and older who hold a valid New York learner permit.
Whether you’re just starting out or returning to finish the process, this online course makes it easier than ever to move forward toward your NY road test.
This course is intended for adults 18 years and older who possess a valid New York learner permit with a photo. If you currently hold a Class DJ or MJ (junior) permit, you 2Text headaddexpandmore-dotsare not eligible to take this online course.
For full eligibility details, visit our Who Can Take This Course page.
You’ll also avoid the stress and waiting lists that come with in-person classes, giving you a faster and more flexible route to becoming a licensed driver.
Traditionally, the pre-licensing course had to be taken in person. But thanks to recent updates by the NYSDMV, approved providers like NYDriver.com can now deliver the course 100% online. That means:
No need to travel
to a classroom
No fixed schedules
study anytime, day or night
No final exam
complete each lesson and quiz to pass
No paperwork
your completion is submitted to the DMV automatically
You’ll also avoid the stress and waiting lists that come with in-person classes, giving you a faster and more flexible route to becoming a licensed driver.
The course includes five main lessons, each designed to help you build a strong foundation in safe, legal driving practices. You’ll learn about:
New York traffic laws and road responsibilities
Defensive driving techniques
Driver habits and risk perception
Alcohol and drug impairment laws in NYS
Emotional and behavioural impacts on driving
Every lesson includes interactive components, short quizzes, and up-to-date information in line with NYSDMV requirements.
For a detailed breakdown, check our Lesson Plan – What You’ll Learn.
What Happens After You Finish?
Once you complete all course modules, your information is sent electronically to the NY DMV within 24–48 hours. There’s no certificate for you to print or mail in — the DMV gets notified directly, so you can go ahead and schedule your NY road test.
To learn more about that next step, see Registering for Your NY DMV Road Test.
Fast, Secure Enrollment
You can enroll in just a few clicks. All you need is your New York photo learner permit and a secure payment method.
The course fee is $49, with no hidden charges.
See our Course Registration & Payment Options for more information.
Begin Today – No Classrooms, No Waiting
This is the official 5-hour course that qualifies you for your New York State road test. It’s convenient, self-paced, fully online, and backed by NYSDMV approval.
If you're 18 or older with a valid permit, you're eligible to get started today.
Start your online course now for $49 — and take one step closer to your New York driver license.