Driver Permit & License

If you need to drive in the US, it is important for you to realize that different laws apply within each state of the country, and the most thorough information is available at New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
A valid driver license from another country is also valid in New York State. You do not need to apply for a New York State driver license to drive here.

In order to get a driver license in New York, you should follow these steps: -

1. You must provide DMV your Social Security Card to initially get a learner’s permit. If you are ineligible for Social Security Card, you must provide a letter from Social Security Administration that states you are ineligible for SSN. You will need your I-20 and passport to get this letter from Social Security Administration near you.

2. You will then be required to take this letter to your nearest DMV to be qualified to appear in the written test. Written test is pretty simple and can be easily passed with simple knowledge of driving rules. You will be given chance to try this test twice everyday, once you pass this test you will be provided with learner’s permit instantly.

3. Once you have your learner’s permit, you will be required to complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course from any of your nearest driving school.Driving school currently charges $40 for this course.

4. After you complete this course, you will become eligible for road test. You will then need to call or go to DMV website and schedule your road test. As soon as you pass your road test, you will be issued a complete license by the road test examiner and you will become qualified to drive freely.