The NYC Permit Test Costs $13 for the Written Exam

The written permit test in New York City costs $13. This is the fee you pay to take the multiple-choice exam at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) testing location. The fee covers the test administration only — it does not include your permit process fee, which is separate.

You pay the $13 fee at the testing center when you arrive to take the exam. Bring cash or a debit card; not all locations accept credit cards. If you fail the test, you must pay the $13 fee again to retake it. There is no refund if you pass on your first attempt.

The $13 fee applies whether you are testing for a Class D (regular car) permit, a Class DJ (junior driver) permit, or a motorcycle permit. The exam content differs by license class, but the testing fee remains the same across all categories.

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test costs $13 at any NYC DMV testing location, payable in cash or debit card at the time you test.
  • You must pay $13 each time you retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt.
  • The $13 fee is separate from your permit process fee, which you pay when you submit your process documents.
  • The same $13 fee applies to Class D, Class DJ, and motorcycle permit tests in New York City.

Where to Pay the $13 Fee

You pay the testing fee directly at the DMV testing center where you take the exam. New York City has multiple testing locations, including centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. When you schedule your test appointment online through the New York State DMV website, you will see which location is available for your preferred date and time.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your test. Bring your appointment confirmation, a valid photo ID, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Payment is collected at the testing center desk before you enter the exam room. If you do not have cash or a debit card at that moment, you cannot take the test that day — there is no option to pay later or reschedule without losing your appointment slot.

What Happens If You Fail and Need to Retake

If you do not pass the written permit test, you must wait at least one day before you can schedule another attempt. You will need to pay the $13 fee again when you retake the exam. There is no discount for retakes, and the fee does not roll over or transfer if you decide to test at a different location.

New York State allows you to retake the permit test as many times as you need, but each attempt costs $13. Many test-takers study the DMV manual and practice tests between attempts to improve their score. The manual is free and available online through the New York State DMV website.

The Permit process Fee Is Separate

The $13 testing fee is different from your permit process fee. When you explore for a New York State learner permit, you also pay an process fee to the DMV. As of 2024, the learner permit process fee is $13 for a Class D permit and $13 for a Class DJ permit. A motorcycle permit process is also $13.

You pay the process fee when you submit your process documents at a DMV office or through the mail. This means your total cost to get a permit is at least $26 — the $13 testing fee plus the $13 process fee — before you pay for any other services like the vision test or document processing.

Some applicants also pay for a vision test at an optometrist or ophthalmologist if they do not have a recent vision exam on file. This cost varies by provider and is not set by the DMV.

Payment Methods and What to Bring

The DMV testing centers in New York City accept cash and debit cards for the $13 permit test fee. Credit cards are not accepted at all testing locations, so bring cash or a debit card as your primary payment method. If you arrive without either, you will not be able to take the test.

Do not assume a specific testing location accepts both payment types — call ahead or check the DMV website for the particular center where you have your appointment. Some locations in outer boroughs may have limited payment options. Bring your appointment confirmation, valid photo ID, and Social Security number or ITIN along with your payment method.

Scheduling Your Test and Confirming the Fee

You schedule your permit test appointment online through the New York State DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. The online system shows available dates and times at each testing location. When you book your appointment, the system confirms that the $13 fee will be due on the day of your test.

After you book, you receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and a reminder about what to bring. The confirmation does not include an invoice or receipt — you receive a receipt only after you pay at the testing center on the day of your exam. Keep this receipt for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay the $13 fee before or after I take the test?

You pay the $13 fee at the testing center desk before you enter the exam room. Payment is collected during check-in, not after you finish the test. If you fail, you do not get a refund.

Can I pay the testing fee online when I schedule my appointment?

No. You cannot pay the $13 fee online. Payment is collected only in person at the testing center on the day of your appointment. The online scheduling system does not process payment.

What if I miss my appointment — do I lose the $13?

If you miss your appointment, you do not lose the $13 because you have not paid it yet. However, you will need to reschedule and pay the $13 fee at your new appointment. Canceling in advance through the DMV website does not charge you anything.

Is the $13 testing fee the same in all New York State DMV locations?

Yes, the $13 permit test fee is the same statewide. However, this article covers New York City specifically. If you test outside the city, the fee remains $13, but testing center hours and availability may differ.

Do I need to pay the $13 fee if I already have a permit from another state?

If you are transferring a permit from another state, you do not take the written test and do not pay the $13 testing fee. You pay only the process fee for a New York permit. Contact your local DMV office to learn about the transfer process and its costs.