Pass the vision and written tests, pay your fees, and your learner permit is issued. Every permit holder needs a qualified supervising driver. If you're under 18 with a Junior (DJ) permit, New York's Graduated Driver Licensing law also limits where, when and with whom you drive, and the rules change by region.
Know the rule
Every learner must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, with a license valid for the type of vehicle you are driving, seated in the front seat with you.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Junior permit: who may supervise, by region
| Region | 5 AM – 9 PM | 9 PM – 5 AM |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (5 boroughs) | Listed supervisors only; dual controls (dual brakes) | You must NOT drive |
| Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) | Listed supervisors, or an adult designated in writing | You must NOT drive |
| Upstate (all other counties) | Any driver 21+ licensed for the vehicle | Listed supervisors only |
The "listed" supervisors (each must be 21+ and licensed for the vehicle):
- Parent
- Guardian
- Person "in loco parentis"
- Driver education teacher
- Driving school instructor
Know the rule
On Long Island between 5 AM and 9 PM, the supervisor may also be anyone the parent, guardian or person in loco parentis has designated in writing.
Handbook p. 12 ↗In loco parentis
A person who takes on a parent's role and duties with the parent's implied or actual consent, e.g., because of the parent's death, incapacity or absence.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Guardian
A person who, on a regular and extended basis, has assumed the character of a parent and discharges parental duties as the result of a court appointment.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Properly licensed
Holding a license valid in New York for the type of vehicle the new or junior driver is driving.
Handbook p. 12 ↗With any learner permit, you cannot drive:
- Without a supervisor 21+ licensed for the vehicle (in NYC and Long Island: parent, guardian or instructor)
- In a DMV road test area
- On any street within a park in New York City
- On any bridge or tunnel of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
- On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River or Taconic State parkways in Westchester
Know the rule
A supervisor's license must cover the vehicle you drive; for example, a person with a motorcycle license can supervise a motorcycle learner.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Junior permit passenger rules:
- No more than one passenger under 21, unless family or your supervisor is a listed supervisor
- You and each passenger wear a seat belt, one person per belt
- Every child passenger uses a correct child restraint
- The only passenger allowed in the front seat is your supervising driver
Put it into practice
Upstate at 10 PM, your 22-year-old licensed cousin can't supervise your junior-permit driving: after 9 PM upstate, the supervisor must be a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, driver ed teacher or driving school instructor. At 3 PM, your cousin could supervise.