The NYC permit test costs $13 and you pay when you book your appointment online

New York City charges a flat $13 fee for the written permit test, paid at the time you schedule your exam through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You cannot pay in advance or by mail — the fee is collected only when you book a specific test date and time slot at one of the five DMV testing locations across the city.

The $13 covers the test itself and the permit document if you pass. You do not need to pay anything else to take the test, though you will need to bring documents to prove your identity and residency when you arrive for your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The NYC permit test fee is $13, paid online when you book your test appointment through the DMV website.
  • You must schedule your test in advance; walk-ins are not accepted at any NYC DMV testing location.
  • The five testing locations are in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and appointment availability varies by location and season.
  • You will need to bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your test appointment.
  • If you fail the test, you must pay the $13 fee again to retake it; there is no fee waiver for retests.

How to book your permit test appointment online

Go to the New York State DMV website and select "Schedule a Road Test or Permit Exam." You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Enter your driver license number or learner permit number if you have one; if you do not, you can still proceed by providing your name, date of birth, and address.

The system will show you available dates and times at each of the five NYC testing locations. Select the date, time, and location that work for you. At checkout, you will pay the $13 fee by credit card, debit card, or digital payment method. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, test location address, and parking or transit information.

Appointment availability fills up quickly, especially during spring and summer. If no slots appear for your preferred location, check back daily or try booking at a different location — wait times vary significantly between boroughs.

What documents to bring on test day

Bring an original, unexpired photo ID issued by a government agency — a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID all work. A school ID or work ID is not sufficient. You also need proof that you live in New York, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A credit card bill or insurance document does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will enter it on the test registration form. If you do not have either, tell the DMV staff when you arrive — they can provide a form to request an ITIN or explain alternatives.

Do not bring your phone into the testing room. The DMV collects all phones and personal items before the test begins. Bring only your ID, proof of residency, and a pen if you prefer your own (the DMV provides pencils).

Test format and what to expect

The New York permit test is a written exam with 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 14 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 70 percent. The test covers New York traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You have one hour to complete it.

The test is offered in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Russian, Haitian Creole, and Bengali. When you book your appointment, you select your test language. If your language is not listed, you can bring a certified translator, though the DMV must approve this in advance.

You will sit at a computer terminal in a testing booth. The questions appear one at a time on screen. You can review your answers before submitting. Once you submit, the system scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed or failed before you leave the testing center.

What happens if you pass or fail

If you pass, you receive a paper permit document on the spot. This is your learner permit, valid for 24 months. You can begin practicing to drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. The permit is not a license — you cannot drive alone.

If you fail, you can retake the test as soon as you want, but you must pay the $13 fee again each time. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people who fail retake the test within a week or two. The DMV does not limit how many times you can take the test.

Appointment wait times and peak seasons

Wait times to get a permit test appointment vary by location and time of year. In winter, appointments may be available within one to two weeks. In spring and summer, slots often fill 4 to 8 weeks in advance. The Manhattan location typically fills fastest; the Bronx and Staten Island locations often have more availability.

If you cannot find an appointment in your preferred borough, booking at a different location may get you in sooner. You do not have to live in the borough where you test — any NYC resident can test at any of the five locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the $13 fee in cash or by mail instead of online?

No. The DMV only accepts payment when you book your appointment online through their website. You must use a credit card, debit card, or digital payment method. There is no option to pay by cash, check, or mail.

Do I get a refund if I fail the test?

No. The $13 fee is not refundable if you fail. You must pay $13 again to retake the test. There are no discounts or waivers for retests.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your scheduled test, you lose the $13 fee and must book a new appointment and pay again. The DMV does not offer rescheduling without an additional fee. If you need to cancel, do so through your online account at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

Is the $13 fee the same for everyone, or does it vary by age?

The fee is $13 for all test-takers, regardless of age. There are no discounts for minors, seniors, or low-income applicants. The fee has been $13 for several years, but you should confirm the current fee on the New York State DMV website before booking.

Do I have to take the test in New York City, or can I test in another part of the state?

You can test anywhere in New York State, not just in the five NYC locations. However, the fee is the same — $13 — at all DMV testing centers statewide. If you live in NYC, testing in the city is usually most convenient, but you have the option to travel to another county if you prefer.