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New York Prelicensing Course

  • NYS DMV Approved Online Provider
  • Take the course on your own schedule
  • 5-Hour Course
  • Satisfy requirement to schedule road test
  • Get started for free

Earn  your license  with ease.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Get one step closer to earning your driver’s license with our Pre-Licensing Course. Specifically designed to prepare you for the road ahead, our course covers everything you need to know to pass your driving test and become a responsible driver.

Get Started Now!

Safe driving starts here.

Safe driving starts here.

Safe driving starts here.

Safe driving starts here.

Safe driving starts here.

I’m ready to take my driver’s test with confidence. The pre-licensing course covered everything I needed to know and more. The material was clear, engaging, and easy to understand, and the study guide was a huge help. I feel excited to get my driver's license!

Samantha L.NY Prelicensing Student, New York, NY

Safe Drivers Academy made the entire process of taking a defensive driving course incredibly easy and convenient. I was able to complete the course from my phone, and the platform was user-friendly and intuitive. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy way to complete their driving course.

Jamie R.Arizona Student, Phoenix, AZ

The customer service team at Safe Drivers Academy was great. They walked me through the process, answered all my questions, and made me feel at ease. The course itself was straightforward, and I completed it in no time.

Alex T.Arizona Student, Tucson, AZ

Frequently Asked Questions

The New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course, what does it entail?

The New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course is designed as an online program to educate new drivers on safe driving practices and adherence to the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. If you are applying for a New York driver’s license, it is mandatory to complete this 5-hour course either online or in-person before scheduling your behind-the-wheel road test.

Is it really free to start?

Yes, it really is free to start! We offer a Pay Later option that allows you to test-drive our course and ensure it’s exactly what you need before making any payment. We’re confident in the quality of our product and believe that once you try it, you’ll be completely satisfied with your learning experience.

Who Can Take the 5-Hour Course Online?

The New York Online Pre-Licensing Program is specifically designed for individuals aged 18 and above who are applying for a New York driver’s license. To be eligible for the course, students must possess a photo learner permit, which is typically received via mail around two weeks after the NYSDMV issues the temporary permit. It’s important to note that new drivers seeking a junior driver license (Class DJ) or junior motorcycle license (Class MJ) are currently not permitted by the NYSDMV to take the pre-licensing course online. For these individuals, completion of a 5-hour classroom course is required.

Do I Need a Photo Learner Permit to Take the 5-Hour Course?

Indeed, in order to commence your online 5-hour course, the NYSDMV mandates that you provide evidence of holding a valid New York learner permit that includes a photograph. If you possess a temporary learner permit without a photo, you must wait until you receive a photo permit before initiating your training. Temporary learner permits are issued by the NYSDMV immediately after passing the written permit exam at a DMV office. Following the acquisition of your temporary permit, it typically takes around two weeks for your photo permit to be delivered via mail.

Can I take my course on my phone?

Absolutely! You can take your course on any device that suits you best, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. Our online platform is designed to provide a seamless learning experience across all devices, so you can study from the comfort of your home, on the go, or wherever you find convenient.

What happens when I'm done with my course?

Once you’ve completed your course, you can relax—we’ll handle the rest! At Safe Drivers Academy, we take care of everything to ensure a smooth process for you. We will automatically submit your course completion information to the relevant authorities and keep you updated every step of the way.

What Topics Does the 5-Hour Course Cover?

The 5-hour course offers essential education for new drivers, covering a variety of topics crucial to their development. These include: New York vehicle and traffic laws, Defensive driving techniques, Safe driving habits and skills, Understanding the risks associated with driving under the influence, Highway driving safety, and Dealing with aggressive driving and road rage. By successfully completing the course, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of safe driving responsibilities and gain knowledge about various factors that can impact your driving abilities.

Is there a final exam for the 5-Hour Course?

The New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course consists of nine quizzes, with no final exam. At the end of each of the nine learning modules, there is a short quiz that you must pass with a score of 70% or higher in order to proceed to the next section. You are allowed up to three attempts to pass each quiz. If you are unable to pass a quiz after three attempts, you will be locked out of the course and will need to register again.

Does this Course Provide a Certificate of Completion?

No, there is no need for graduates of the online 5-hour pre-licensing course to present a certificate of completion to the NYSDMV. Once you successfully pass the course, we will send you an email confirming your completion and automatically submit the necessary information to the NYSDMV. It may take approximately 24 to 48 hours for your course completion to be recorded on your driver record. However, it is important to note that you must take the road test for your initial driver’s license within one year of finishing the course. When you arrive at a NYSDMV test location for your road test, you will not be required to provide an original Pre-Licensing Course Certificate (MV-278). Please keep in mind that students who complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course in a classroom setting are still required to present this document before their road test.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Pre-Licensing Course?

The minimum time required to complete the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course is five hours. It consists of nine learning modules, totaling at least 270 minutes of instruction time, excluding quizzes. You have the flexibility to progress through the timed course modules at your own preferred pace and take multiple breaks as needed.

How Long Do I Have to Take My Road Test After Completing the Course?

After finishing the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course, you have a maximum of one year to schedule and complete your driver license road test. If you fail to take your road test within the one-year timeframe, you will be required to re-register for the pre-licensing course and retake it.