Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in New York

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in New York?


In New York, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16 years old. Drivers must also have had their learner’s permit for at least six months.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in New York?


In New York, the GDL program requires that drivers under the age of 17 have a learner permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test. Drivers must also be at least 16 years old to take the road test. Once a license is obtained, drivers under 18 can only drive between 5 am and 9 pm unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or for work or school-related activities. Additionally, drivers are restricted from carrying more than 1 passenger under 21 years old, unless they are immediate family members, for the first 6 months after they get their license.

3. How does the GDL program in New York define a supervised driving period?


In New York, a supervised driving period is defined as a period of time during which a teen driver is accompanied by a supervising driver, aged 21 or over, who holds a valid driver’s license in any state. The supervising driver must be seated in the front passenger seat and must be alert at all times to take control if needed. The supervised driving period must last at least 50 hours, including 15 hours of nighttime driving, and must be completed before the teen can be eligible for a road test.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in New York?


In New York, drivers under the age of 18 are subject to the following night-time driving restrictions:

• Curfew – No driving between 9 PM and 5 AM, unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other qualified and licensed driver over the age of 21.

• Passenger Restrictions – Drivers under the age of 18 may not transport more than 1 passenger under the age of 21, except family members.

• Cell Phone Use – Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a cell phone while driving, including talking or texting.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in New York?


Yes. The GDL program in New York has several common exceptions. For instance, drivers age 18 or older who complete an approved driver education course may apply for a full license. Also, drivers age 17 who have held their permit for at least six months and have completed 50 hours of supervised driving (or 10 hours at night) may also apply for a full license. Other exceptions include drivers who have joined the armed forces, drivers who are married, and drivers who are employed in certain professions.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in New York?


In New York, applicants for a provisional driver’s license must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, before they can obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in New York?


Drivers with a provisional license in New York must observe the following restrictions: they must have a supervising driver (ages 21 or older) seated in the front passenger seat; they may not have any passengers in the car other than family members; they may not drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.; and they must complete a mandatory Driver’s Education course.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in New York?


A driver with a provisional license in New York is not allowed to carry any passengers.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in New York?


In New York, drivers must have a provisional license for at least 6 months before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in New York?


Yes, in New York State, drivers under the age of 18 must have a licensed adult age 21 or older present in the vehicle at all times while driving.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in New York?


Yes, drivers under 18 years old are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving in New York. This includes talking, texting, and using any other applications on their phones while operating a motor vehicle.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in New York?


No, drivers with provisional licenses are not allowed to drive on highways in New York.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in New York?


Yes. Drivers with provisional licenses in New York must abide by the “provisional license restrictions.” These restrictions include passengers, the time of day that a driver can be on the road, and the number of hours that a driver can be behind the wheel. Additionally, drivers with provisional licenses must complete a total of sixty hours of supervised driving practice prior to receiving a full license.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in New York?


In order to take a driving test and receive a driver’s license in New York, applicants must be at least 16 years old, have completed six hours of pre-licensing coursework, and have held a valid learner’s permit for at least six months. Applicants must also bring their valid learner’s permit to the test, along with a certified copy of their birth certificate or passport, proof of identity, and proof of address.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in New York?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in New York are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in New York require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


Yes, the GDL program in New York requires drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven. The log must include the date, number of hours driven, start and end times, and name of the passenger in the vehicle.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in New York?


Yes, New York State has a special provision for GDL program participants who complete a Driver’s Education Program. They are eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance. To be eligible for the discount, the driver must present a certificate of completion from a licensed driver training school in New York. The discount is available for three years after completion of the program.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in New York?


Yes. Drivers under 18 years old are eligible for a restricted junior license if they have successfully completed a five-hour pre-licensing course and passed a DMV road test. Junior license holders are not subject to the GDL program. Additionally, drivers ages 17 and a half may receive a learner permit if they complete the necessary requirements and pass the vision, written, and pre-licensing tests. Learner permit holders are also not subject to the GDL program.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in New York?


Yes, drivers who are 18 years of age or older are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in New York.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in New York?


In New York, penalties for violating the GDL program rules can include fines, license suspension, mandatory program attendance, and/or loss of license privileges.