New York’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

New York requires teens to hold a learner's permit before obtaining a junior license but also imposes many specific restrictions on teen drivers. In this article, we explain the requirements for teens to obtain a driver's license and the various rules that apply to underage drivers.

How Do I Get a Learner's Permit to Start Driving in New York?

At age 16, New York teens can apply for a learner's permit. Below, we cover the steps and requirements for getting a permit and what a permit allows you to do. (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 501-b (2024).)

Requirements for Getting a Learner's Permit

A learner's permit application must be signed by the teen's parent or guardian and include proof of residency, a form of identification, and a social security card. Unless already completed during a driver's education course, the applicant must pass a vision exam and a test covering local traffic signs and traffic laws. The test also covers impaired driving, road work zones, and road rage.

What You Can Do With a Learner's Permit

A learner's permit allows for the holder to operate a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver (who's at least 21 years old) from the front seat. Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., the teen must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or driver's education instructor. However, some regional exceptions apply:

• In New York City, the holder must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or driver's education instructor, and the vehicle driven must have dual controls for both driver and supervisor and may only be operated from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• In Nassau and Suffolk counties, the holder may drive only from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and only under the supervision of a parent, guardian, driver's education instructor, or parent-authorized licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

Permit holders are not allowed to carry more than one non-family member passenger who's under 21 years old unless supervised by a parent, guardian, or driver's education instructor. Additionally, all occupants must wear seatbelts.

Who Qualifies for New York's Junior License?

After holding the instruction permit for six months (without license suspension), a 16-year-old teen can apply for a junior driver's license. Keep reading for the details on how to get a junior license and the restrictions that apply to junior license holders. (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 501 (2024).)

Prerequisites for Getting a Junior License

A junior license application must be signed by a parent or guardian and include a signed driving log recording 50 hours of supervised driving time (including 15 nighttime hours). Additionally, the teen must complete a certified pre-licensing course and include the certificate of completion with the application. Then, with proper proof of identity and the application fee, the applicant can take the driving test to obtain a junior license.

Junior License Restrictions

The junior license permits the holder to drive a motor vehicle between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. with certain exceptions:

• Junior licensees may drive after hours for work or school purposes but must hold valid documentation.
• Junior licensees may drive after hours under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
• In New York City, junior license holders are not permitted to drive.
• In Nassau and Suffolk counties, junior license holders may drive only to and from certain schools and educations programs (such as work-study, a post-secondary institution, or evening high school), to and from work between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., or when supervised by a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.

Junior licensees may not transport more than one non-family member passenger under 21 years old unless supervised by a parent, guardian, or driver's education instructor. Passengers must always be properly restrained by a safety belt.

All minor driver's licenses require parental consent. A parent can withdraw consent at any time, and the license will be revoked.

When Can I Get a Full, Unrestricted Driver's License in New York?

Teens who complete driver's education can apply for an unrestricted license at age 17. Otherwise, an unrestricted license will be issued automatically to junior license holders once they reach 18 years old. (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 501 (2024).)

What Are New York's Minimum Car Insurance Requirements?

New York requires all vehicles to be properly insured. Here are the minimum coverage requirements and the penalties for driving without insurance.

Car Insurance Coverage Requirements

New York requires residual liability insurance, personal injury protection, and uninsured coverage.

• Mandatory liability insurance must include at least $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 property damage per accident. The policy must also include at least $50,000 fatality coverage per person and $100,000 fatality coverage per accident.
• Uninsured driver coverage must match the mandatory liability coverage for bodily injury and death.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The minimum PIP coverage requires at least $50,000 for medical expenses and income loss and $2,000 for funeral expenses.

(N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 370 (2024).)

Penalties for Driving Without Adequate Insurance

Failure to have valid insurance is an infraction, which carries a fine of $150 to $1,500 and/or up to 15 days in jail. A civil penalty of $750 will also be imposed as well as a fee for each day without insurance. The driver's license will be revoked for one year. The owner's vehicle registration will be revoked and can be reinstated only after paying the civil fees and showing proof of insurance. (N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 319 (2024); N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 318 (2024).)