Learner's Permit
Learner Permits and Road Tests
The Genesee County Motor Vehicle Office can assist residents with applying for a New York State learner permit.
Permit testing hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. During summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day), testing begins at 8 a.m.
Applying for a Learner Permit
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner permit. Complete Form MV-44, Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF)(PDF, 357KB).
You must also provide acceptable proof of age, identity and residency. The supplied requirements include:
- An original or certified birth certificate issued by a Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics or the U.S. Department of State. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted.
- An original, signed and unlaminated Social Security card.
- Four points of additional identification. See Form ID-44, Proofs of Identity (PDF)(PDF, 272KB) for acceptable documents and residency proofs.
Applicants Under Age 18
Parental or guardian consent is required if you are under age 18. A parent or guardian must complete Form MV-45, Statement of Identity (PDF)(PDF, 163KB). The form must be signed by the parent or guardian in front of a Motor Vehicle representative, and the applicant must also sign the form.
The parent or guardian must be present and provide a New York State photo driver license or acceptable proof of date of birth and six points of identification as described on Form ID-44, Proofs of Identity (PDF)(PDF, 272KB).
Applicants Under Age 21
If you are under age 21, a parent or guardian with a New York State driver license may be able to complete Form MV-45 (PDF)(PDF, 163KB) in place of the four additional points of identification.
You must still provide an original state-issued birth certificate, an original signed Social Security card and proof of residency. Refer to Form ID-44, Proofs of Identity (PDF)(PDF, 272KB) for acceptable documents.
If you use a non-driver identification card as proof of identity and your current physical address is different from the address shown on the card, you must also provide one form of residency proof.
Learner Permit Knowledge Test
You must take and pass the written knowledge test for the permit classification you are applying for.
Permit testing hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. During summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day), testing begins at 8 a.m.
Pre-Licensing Course
Before taking a road test, you must complete either the Five-Hour Pre-Licensing Course or an approved Driver Education Course. Courses are offered through local high schools and driving schools.
Road Test Scheduling
There are three ways to schedule a Class D or Class M road test:
To schedule your road test, you will need:
- Your nine-digit Client ID, located on your learner permit.
- Your Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (MV-278), obtained by completing a New York State-approved five-hour course; or your Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285), obtained by completing a New York State-approved Driver Education class.
- Your five-digit ZIP code or the ZIP code of the area where you would like to take your road test.
- If scheduling online, the current page states that you will also need to enter your Social Security number.
Road Test Notes
- There is no additional fee for the first two Class D or Class M road tests. The cost of two road tests is included in the learner permit fee.
- DJ learner permit holders under age 18 must present a Certification of Supervised Driving, Form MV-262 (PDF)(PDF, 57KB) (alternate MV-262 PDF link). The form certifies that the applicant has completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset.
- DJ learner permit holders under age 18 must have held their permit for at least six months from the date of issue before scheduling a road test.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Road Test Scheduling
The current page states that you must visit the Genesee County Motor Vehicle Office and make a $40 road test scheduling payment before scheduling a Commercial Driver License (CDL) road test.
CDL road tests may be scheduled in person at the office or by phone:
General Restrictions for Drivers With Learner Permits
Regardless of age, a person with a learner permit may not drive:
- Unless accompanied by a person who is at least age 21 and holds a valid license for the type of vehicle being driven. For example, a motorcycle learner must be supervised by someone licensed to operate a motorcycle.
- In a DMV road test area.
- On any street within a park in New York City or on any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
- On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County.