How To Get A License 101

When I was a child, I used to love imagining myself driving my very own car. For many people, cars represent a sense of freedom. The allure of life on the open road, being able to go wherever the wind takes you, and feeling the breeze in your hair sounds liberating. While many people can’t wait for their 18^th birthday to get their license, many people approach this part of their life confused and lost. It may seem like getting a license may be an overwhelming experience, but it is actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll discuss the few steps you must take before getting that magical piece of plastic that allows you to legally drive a vehicle. Your license is a privilege that must be protected and honored. Many people have lost their licenses shortly after receiving it.

Step 1: Decide Get Ready For Your Permit

Before you run out to get your license and start saving for a car, you need to get your permit. A permit grants permission from the Department of Motor Vehicles to drive a vehicle under someone’s supervision. A permit is granted so drivers can learn how to drive on the open road, again under the supervision of someone with a license. To get a permit, you need to be at least 16 years of age in New York State, some states have different requirements. If you are in a different state, please call us and we will gladly give you more info on the permit requirements in your local state.

When you’re ready to get your permit, in New York State, you need to bring at least six points of identification to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The six points of identification can be accomplished by combining a number of legal documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your social security. The six points are used to confirm your identity and keep track of all drivers. The documents that can be used to accomplish six points of identification are as follows:

Birth Certificate
United States Passport
College or High School Photo ID or Transcript
Social Security Card
Pay Stub or Employment ID
High School or College Diploma
Utility Bill

Step 2: Take Your Permit Test

Once you’re ready, visit your local DMV. At your local DMV, you will be required to complete out a form with all of your legal information. You will need to decide whether you want to be a donor and if you would like to vote. Once completed, and you’ve provided your assigned DMV clerk with the above information, it’s picture time! A picture is then taken of you which will be used as your photo ID. Last, but not least, you must take a test to be granted your permit! Many people panic when it comes to the permit test, but most of these questions are simple.

If you have people in your family who drive, most of these questions will be common sense. If you’d like to improve your chances of passing the test, DMV has free driver manuals you can read. There are also many free practice tests that can be taken online. Now, to answer the question that’s likely on your mind! The Permit Test in New York State only has 20 questions, and you need to get 14 correct to pass! If you don’t pass your first time, don’t worry about it you can always retake the test!

Step 3: Get Your License

Once you pass the test, you can now drive with an adult over the age of 21 with a license! The catch is, you can only drive before night falls. You may be overcome with joy after getting your permit but remember you still have to keep your permit in good standing until you take your road test. Before you set-up your road test you have a few more requirements before you get your full license. First, you need to take a five-hour class. The class shows a pre-licensing video that provides drivers with information to drive safely. While, you may be thinking, 5-hour course!? It’s really not that bad! Once you’ve completed your five-hour course, you can now schedule your road test! After you pass your road test, you will be given a temporary license. Later receive your license about 2-weeks after passing the test in the mail.

What’s next? Enjoy your license! Please drive responsibly, and remember you’ve been waiting for this moment your entire life! Don’t let it go to waste! Once you’re ready to buy your first car, reach out to our team, we even put together a guide like this one for you! Check out our article: How Do I Buy A Car?

We’ll gladly help you protect you and the people you will be enjoying your new license with!

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