Driving Schools in New York

Plenty of Manhattan residents don't own a car, so driving lessons may be the only time a new driver gets behind the wheel. That makes the instructor's car and choice of routes especially important. Expect one-way avenues, yellow cabs stopping without warning, pedestrians stepping off the curb, busy bike lanes and very little room to park. Highway practice usually means the FDR Drive or the Henry Hudson Parkway on the West Side.

Licensing basics for Manhattan learners

Begin by getting a New York learner permit at a DMV office, where you will take a vision screening and a written test on road rules and signs. Then complete the state's Pre-Licensing Course, which runs about five hours. Classroom and live virtual classes issue an MV-278 completion certificate, while drivers 18 and older can choose a DMV-approved online version that reports completion to the DMV electronically. For the road test itself, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured and inspected, along with a licensed driver to accompany you. If you don't have access to a car, ask schools about road test packages.

When you compare Manhattan schools, check for a New York DMV license, ask where lessons begin (your home, your office or a set meeting point), confirm whether the school's car is available for your road test, and review what each package includes. Prices vary, so it's worth getting quotes from several schools. Ask about instructors who speak your preferred language, too.