The cost of your NYC permit test

The written permit test in New York City costs $10 when you take it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This fee covers the knowledge exam that tests your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You pay this fee once per test attempt — if you fail and retake it, you pay $10 again.

The $10 fee is the same whether you test in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island. You pay it at the DMV location where you take your exam, either in cash or by card, depending on the office. Some DMV offices accept both payment methods; a few accept card only. Call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

This $10 is separate from the fee to get your permit itself. When you pass the written test and the vision screening, you pay an additional fee to receive your permit document — that fee is $20 for a five-year permit. So your total cost to get a permit in your hand is $30 ($10 for the test, $20 for the permit).

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test costs $10 per attempt at any NYC DMV office.
  • You pay an additional $20 fee to receive your actual permit card after you pass the test and vision screening.
  • Both fees are paid at the DMV office on the day you test; bring cash or a card depending on which your location accepts.
  • If you fail the test, you pay $10 again when you retake it — there is no bulk discount for multiple attempts.
  • The test fee does not include the $13 fee for a road test appointment, which comes later if you move forward to the driving exam.

What happens when you fail and need to retake the test

If you do not pass the written test on your first attempt, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, or you can schedule another appointment. Either way, you pay $10 for each test you take. There is no waiting period between attempts within the same day, but if you leave and come back later, you will need a new appointment.

You have up to five years from the date you pass the written test to take your road test. During that time, your permit is valid for practice driving. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you can renew it for another $20, but you do not have to retake the written exam.

The road test fee comes later

Once you have your permit and have practiced driving, you schedule a road test appointment. The road test itself costs $13 in New York City. This is a separate fee from the $10 written test and the $20 permit fee. You pay the $13 when you book your appointment or at the testing location, depending on how you schedule.

If you fail your road test, you pay $13 again for each retake. You can retake the road test as many times as you need, but each attempt costs $13. Most people pass within two or three attempts, though some take longer.

Where to pay and what to bring

You pay all DMV fees at the office where you test. Bring a valid form of ID — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or tax return. Bring proof of your current address, like a utility bill or lease, dated within the last 30 days.

Payment is made on-site. Most DMV offices in NYC now accept debit and credit cards, but some still take cash only or both. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they accept. If you are unsure which office is closest to you, use the DMV office locator on the New York State DMV website.

You do not need to pay online or in advance. Walk-in testing is available at some locations, but appointments are faster and more reliable. You can book an appointment on the New York State DMV website or by calling 518-402-2000.

How permit fees compare to a full driver's license

A five-year driver's license in New York costs $64 total. If you go the permit-and-road-test route, your costs are $10 (written test) + $20 (permit) + $13 (road test) = $43. That is $21 less than getting a license directly, but it takes longer because you must practice and schedule a separate road test appointment.

Some people skip the permit and go straight to the road test if they already have driving experience. You can do this in New York, but you still pay the $13 road test fee, and you must pass a written test first — so you still pay the $10. The $20 permit fee is what you save by not getting a permit card, but most new drivers get the permit anyway because it is required to practice legally.

Payment plans and fee waivers

The New York State DMV does not offer payment plans for permit or license fees. You must pay the full amount at the time of your test or appointment. There are no fee waivers or discounts based on income, age, or other circumstances.

If you cannot afford the fee at the moment you test, you can reschedule your appointment for a later date when you have the money. Rescheduling is free if you do it at least one business day in advance through the DMV website or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $10 test fee if I fail?

Yes. Each time you take the written test, you pay $10, whether you pass or fail. If you take it three times, you pay $30 total in test fees. The fee covers the cost of administering the exam each time you sit for it.

Can I pay online before I go to the DMV?

No. All DMV fees in New York City must be paid in person at the office where you test. You cannot prepay online or by phone. Bring cash or a card on the day of your appointment.

What if I lose my permit after I pay for it?

If you lose your permit card, you pay a $20 replacement fee to get a new one. You do not have to retake the written test. You can order a replacement through the DMV website or in person at any DMV office.

Is the $13 road test fee the same in all five boroughs?

Yes. The $13 road test fee is the same whether you test in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island. All New York State road tests cost $13, regardless of location.

Do I pay the $20 permit fee if I pass the test but don't pick up my permit right away?

You pay the $20 fee when you receive your permit card, not when you pass the test. If you pass the test but do not pick up your permit that day, you can come back later and pay the $20 then. Your test results are valid for five years, so you have time to get your permit whenever you are ready.