Lauren Weatherby
Quick answer: Bring your physical photo permit, corrective lenses if required, the original MV-278 certificate, MV-262 if under 18, a qualified accompanying driver and a clean, working vehicle with valid registration, insurance, inspection and permanent plates.
A strong drive cannot rescue missing original documents or an ineligible vehicle. Complete a paperwork and car check at least a day before the appointment, while there is still time to solve a problem.
New York DMV photographs the applicant, required documents, permit and vehicle before the test. Mobile ID is not accepted for the applicant or accompanying driver.
At a glance
- Arrive up to 15 minutes before the appointment.
- Copies of the MV-278 certificate are not accepted.
- Only the accompanying driver may be in the vehicle; no other passengers are allowed.
- The vehicle needs valid registration, insurance, inspection and permanent plates.
Documents for the applicant
Carry the physical photo learner permit. If the permit requires corrective lenses, bring and wear the glasses or contacts. Bring the original, unexpired pre-licensing certificate; if you are under 18, bring a completed MV-262 signed by a parent or guardian for each attempt.
Keep everything together in a folder. Check names, expiry dates and signatures rather than assuming a familiar document is current.
The accompanying driver
If the permit holder drives to the site, the accompanying driver must be over 21; if the licensed driver drives the permit holder there, the official page allows over 18. In either case, that person needs a physical valid licence for the test vehicle.
No extra passenger comes to the test in the vehicle. Plan separate transport for anyone else.
Vehicle inspection at home
Confirm registration, insurance and inspection are valid and that permanent plates assigned to the vehicle are fitted. Check lights, signals, brake lights, horn, tires, mirrors, seat belts, doors, windshield and wipers.
Remove clutter, adjust the seat and know the controls. An in-transit permit is not accepted for the road test.
Arrival and driving mindset
Check the DMV cancellations page before travel, then arrive no more than about 15 minutes early. Being very early does not create practice time—the state prohibits practice driving at test sites.
During the drive, prioritize observation, legal speed and calm decisions. If you make a small error, keep driving safely rather than guessing the result.
Your checklist
- Physical photo permit and required corrective lenses.
- Original MV-278 or applicable MV-285 certificate.
- Completed MV-262 for an under-18 applicant.
- Qualified driver with a physical valid licence.
- Legal, clean, working vehicle with permanent plates.
- Cancellations page checked before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I show New York Mobile ID at the road test?
No. The current DMV road-test instructions say Mobile ID is not acceptable for either driver.
Can family members ride along?
No. Only the accompanying driver is allowed in the vehicle; the DMV says no other passengers.
Official sources
Rules, fees and service availability can change. This guide was checked on 24 July 2026. Confirm the latest position before you act.
- Schedule and take a road test — New York State DMV
