Who can drive here? 
To drive a car or motorcycle in New York State , you must be at least 16 years old 1 and have a valid New York State driver license or learner permit , or a valid driver license or permit issued by another state or country If you have a New York State learner permit or one issued in another state , you must follow New York State permit restrictions [1]. If you are under age 18 , you must obey New York's Graduated License Law [2]. 

Residents of New York 
If you become a New York State resident , you must get a New York State driver license within 30 days. If you have a valid driver license issued by another U.S. state or territory, federal district or Canadian province , you may be eligible to exchange it for a New York driver license see Exchange an out - of - state license [3], or see other information about moving to New York [4]. If your license was issued outside the U.S. or Canada , you must apply for a new original New York State driver license at a DMV office see Get a driver license [5]. When you pass your road test , you must give your foreign driver license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office will destroy your foreign driver license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and will need your foreign driver license , ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver license is not destroyed. Definition of " Resident " Section 250 5 of the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law says : To live in a house, a home, an apartment, a room or other similar place in New York State for 90 days is considered " presumptive evidence " that you are a resident of New York State. A police officer can use this as evidence to issue a traffic ticket if you drive in New York State without a New York State driver license or vehicle registration. A judge considers the law and the evidence of your intent and decides if you are a resident of New York State. If you pay taxes or your children attend school in anot

user: Hello there. I would like to know who is allowed to drive a car in NY. Can you please answer a few questions?

assistant: Of course. Do you want to drive a car or motorcycle in New York State?

user: No. I'm going to visit NY with a rental car and that's why I need information.

user: I already own a drivers license myself, but I'm from abroad. Do I need a special license to drive in NY?

assistant: In that case, you do not need a New York State license to drive in New York State. You should only apply for a New York State driver license if you become a resident of New York State.

user: What if I didn't have a license in my home country and wanted to get a New York State driver license?

assistant: In that case you would have to pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test.

user: Is that what all residents of NY have to go through?

assistant: Are you planning to become a New York State resident?

user: No, I'm just going to visit NY and wanted to use a rental car.

assistant: Do you have a valid driver license issued by another U.S. state or territory, federal district or Canadian province?

user: Yes, I do.

assistant: Then you may be eligible to exchange it for a New York driver license.