How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New York?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in New York. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in New York?

New York intermediate license holders must be at least 16.5 years old. There is a curfew from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in New York?

In New York, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

New York Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

New York uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.5

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 15 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.5
Curfew hours: 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

First cell phone or texting violation: 120-day license suspension. License revoked for 60 days if convicted of 1 serious traffic violation or 2 other violations within first 6 months.

New York-Specific Information

New York requires 15 nighttime supervised hours. Junior license holders face geographic restrictions: no driving in New York City, and daytime-only driving on Long Island. Full license at 17 with driver education, 18 without. One of the earliest curfew start times (9 PM).

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in New York gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in New York at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, New York restricts driving between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

With an intermediate license in New York, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in New York at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.