Pre-Licensing Course Driving Schools in New York

New York requires new drivers to complete a Pre-Licensing Course of about five hours before they can schedule a road test. The class covers traffic law, the rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and the effects of alcohol and drugs. It does not include hands-on driving, so most students pair it with behind-the-wheel lessons.You need a valid New York learner permit to enroll. Classroom and live virtual courses, offered by many driving schools as well as some high schools and colleges, end with an MV-278 completion certificate. The certificate is valid for one year, must still be valid on the day you book your road test, and must be brought to the test as an original. If you are 18 or older, you can also take a DMV-approved online course; the provider reports your completion to the DMV electronically, so there is no paper certificate. Completing an approved driver education course also satisfies the requirement.