New York recognizes six types of non-commercial driver licenses. Which one you need depends on your age and what you drive. Anything big enough to need a commercial driver license (CDL) is covered in a separate book, the Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10).
Know the rule
You must have a valid driver license to drive in New York State. A resident of another state or nation with a valid license from there can drive here legally, but no one under age 16 may drive in New York, even with an out-of-state license.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
In most cases it is illegal to hold a New York license and a license from another state at the same time. Holding more than one CDL violates federal and state law.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
Altering or forging any motor vehicle document, including a license, is a crime. It can bring suspension or revocation plus criminal prosecution with a fine or imprisonment.
Handbook p. 6 ↗You need a CDL for any vehicle that:
- Has a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs
- Has a GCWR of more than 26,000 lbs, including a towed unit with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs
- Is made or used to carry 15 or more persons in addition to the driver
- Is defined as a bus by VTL Article 19-A, regardless of seats (incl. school children or disabled people)
- Carries hazardous materials that federal law requires to be placarded
Non-commercial license classes
| Class | Minimum age | What it allows |
|---|---|---|
| D – Operator | 18, or 17 with driver ed certificate | GVWR 26,000 lbs or less; Class B and C mopeds |
| DJ – Junior Operator | 16 | GVWR 10,000 lbs or less; tow 3,000 lbs or less |
| E – Taxi/Livery | 18 | Class D vehicles + passengers for hire (14 or fewer) |
| M – Motorcycle | 18, or 17 with driver ed certificate | Motorcycles and mopeds |
| MJ – Junior Motorcycle | 16 | Motorcycles and mopeds, with junior limits |
Know the rule
Class D towing: you may tow a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less, or one over 10,000 lbs if the GCWR of the two vehicles together is no more than 26,000 lbs.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
Class E exception: if the vehicle is defined as a bus under Article 19-A (for example, a school car or a van carrying physically or mentally disabled persons), you need a CDL regardless of seating capacity.
Handbook p. 6 ↗Know the rule
Junior licenses (DJ and MJ) limit where, when and with whom you can drive. If you hold a motorcycle license plus another class, both appear on one document (e.g., "Class DM").
Handbook p. 7 ↗Enhanced Driver License (EDL)
Can replace a passport at land and sea crossings to/from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, and for U.S. air travel. For NYS residents who are U.S. citizens.
Handbook p. 7 ↗REAL ID
A license meeting federal standards. To get through U.S. airport security for flights within the U.S. you need a REAL ID, an EDL or other federally accepted ID. Get it at a DMV office.
Handbook p. 7 ↗"R" endorsement
Required to drive recreational or rental vehicles carrying personal household goods when over 26,000 lbs GVWR and/or 40 feet long. Available to Class D and E drivers.
Handbook p. 7 ↗To get an "R" endorsement:
- Submit an Application for Driver License or ID Card (MV-44) at a state or county motor vehicle office
- Pay a permit fee, which is valid for a maximum of two road tests
- Pass a road test in the size and type of vehicle you will drive; no written test is required
- Bring a supervising driver at least 21 with a license valid for that vehicle
- Expect about 15 minutes of turns, intersections and backing the vehicle to the curb
Put it into practice
You're 17 and finished a driver education course with a Certificate of Completion. You can hold a Class D license now instead of waiting until 18. Without the certificate you'd have a Junior (DJ) license: vehicles of 10,000 lbs GVWR or less, towing no more than 3,000 lbs, and junior restrictions.