Can Non-US Citizens Take the NY Online 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course?
Yes — non-US citizens are fully eligible to take the official New York DMV 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course as long as they meet the same basic criteria as any other adult learner. The key requirement is holding a valid New York State learner permit with a photo.
This course is approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) and is open to all qualifying adult residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
To enroll in this course, you must:
Be 18 years or older
Have a valid New York State photo learner permit
Be planning to take your road test in New York State
Not hold a Class DJ or MJ (junior) permit
Immigration status, visa type, or Social Security number do not impact eligibility for the course, as long as your permit is issued by the NY DMV and includes your name and photo.
If your permit is temporary or lacks a photo, you'll need to wait until you receive your official version before enrolling.
For general eligibility info, visit our Who Can Take This Course page.
If you haven’t yet applied for a learner permit in New York, the process is straightforward. The NY DMV allows residents — regardless of citizenship — to apply for a learner permit by providing:
Proof of age and identity
Proof of New York residency
A vision test
Application forms and fee
The permit you receive must include a photo for you to take this course online. You can find guidance on what documents are accepted at the NYS DMV website (external link).
Languages and Accessibility
While the course is delivered in English only, it is written in a clear, easy-to-understand format with visuals and summaries to aid comprehension. The course is accessible on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
If you need support during the course, our Customer Service & Technical Support team is happy to help — including clarification of key content if English isn’t your first language.
What Happens After Completion?
Just like any other learner, your course completion will be submitted directly to the New York DMV within 24–48 hours after you finish. You don’t need to print anything or mail documents — everything is handled digitally.
Once your completion is processed, you’ll be eligible to schedule your New York road test. Learn more on our Registering for Your NY DMV Road Test page.
Start Today No Classroom Required
You don’t need to visit a driving school or attend in-person classes. This course gives non-US citizens a fully online, accessible path to completing the DMV requirement — all for $49, with no extra steps or special forms.