Get a driver license[1] 
New York State residents age 16 or over can apply for a New York driver license. 

Step 1: Determine what license class and type you need 
Class : most people get a class D - Operator if 18 or older or a DJ - Junior Operator if under 18. See instructions to get a class A , B , C- commercial license CDL [2 ] class M - motorcycle license [3 ] class E - taxi or limousine livery license [4 ] Type : DMV offers 3 types of licenses. Learn about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents [5]. 

Step 2: Get a learner permit 
Before you can get a license , you must apply for a learner permitat DMV office and take the written test. You can prepare by reading the New York State Driver's Manual and taking practice tests. Learn how to get a learner permit [6]. 

Step 3: Practice driving and take a pre-licensing course 
Once you have a learner permit , you must have supervised driving practice and you must take a pre - licensing course or a driver education course before you take your road test. Learn how to find a pre - licensing course and prepare for your road test [7]. 

Step 4: Pass a road test 
If you pass your test , the examiner will give you an interim license that allows you to drive. Keep the interim license with your photo learner permit until your new license arrives in the mail in about 2 weeks. See how to schedule and take a road test [8]. 

Fees 
Fees depend on what you are applying for, your age, and where you live. Use the fee chart to estimate your fee [9]. 

Replace, renew, restore, or exchange 


Replace 
See how to replace a license that was lost, stolen or destroyed [10]. 

Renew 
See how to renew your license [11]. 

Restore 
Learn how to restore your driving privilege and reapply for your license after a revocation [12]. 

Exchange out-of-state license 
If you are from another state , see how to exchange your out - of - state driver license [13]. If you are coming here from another country overseas , see information about visiting 

user: Good morning, greetings!. I'm about to be ready to get a license so i thought i would need some info about it, please.

assistant: Welcome!. That was indeed a good idea. You must know that all residents on NYS who are age 16 or over, can apply for a NY driver license.

user: Sweet, i'm almost 16. Hey, I have this cousin who is from out-of -state but i think he's moving here to NY, can he change its license from there to one on NY?

assistant: Sure. He can refer to DMV information about moving to New York, and how to change its out-of-state license.

user: Oh, i see. I'm going to tell him then. Once again with my case, What kind of license i would need or get? Can you tell me?

assistant: IN your case, as you are going to be age 16, you would get a DJ-Junior Operator Class license. If you were over 18, then it would be a D-Operator Class.

user: Oh, wow, that's nice. Hey, sorry but again with that thing of being out-of-state. A friend of mine comes from Chicago to study in here, she can be considered as a resident and be able to get a NY license?

assistant: That's would be a judge doing to determine that. Most probable outcome is not, as by traffic law, all those who are from another state or country are not considered NY residents.