Pre-Licensing Course (5-Hour Course); the internet version is the Online Pre-Licensing Course (OPL)
Overseen by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Driver Training Programs
- Who can take it
New drivers must complete the course before taking a DMV road test and applying for a license, unless they complete the 48-hour Driver Education Program through a high school or college.
What the source says
“New drivers must complete the course before taking a DMV road test and applying for a license, unless they complete the State’s 48-hour Driver Education Program through their local high school or college.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
You must have a valid New York State learner permit before you begin the course, whichever format you choose.
What the source says
“Whichever format you choose, you must have a valid New York State DMV learner permit before you begin the course.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
Applicants for a junior (Class DJ or Class MJ) license are not eligible for the online pilot course.
What the source says
“Provided that applicants for class DJ and class MJ licenses shall not be eligible to participate in such pilot program.”
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 399-s, Pilot program scope and duration, read October 7, 2026
- Age
You must be at least 16 years old to take the classroom course.
What the source says
“You must be at least 16 years old to participate in the classroom course.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
To take the online course you must be at least 18, hold a valid New York State photo learner permit and have a device that can connect to the internet.
What the source says
“You can take the Online Pre-Licensing Course as long as you: are at least 18 years of age, and possess a valid New York State Photo Learner Permit, and have access to a device capable of connecting to the internet.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The Pre-Licensing Course includes approximately 5 hours of instruction.
What the source says
“The Pre-Licensing Course includes approximately 5 hours of instruction.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
An online pre-licensing course must provide at least 270 minutes of instruction.
What the source says
“The course must provide a minimum of two hundred seventy (270) minutes of instruction.”
Commissioner's Regulations Part 10: Internet Pre-Licensing Course (CR-10), read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
An online version is offered by DMV-approved providers through the Pre-Licensing Course Internet Pilot Program.
What the source says
“The Online Pre-Licensing Course is offered by DMV-approved providers through the Pre-Licensing Course Internet Pilot Program.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
An online course must have built-in timers to make sure the student attends and completes 270 minutes of instruction.
What the source says
“The internet pre-licensing course must include built-in timers to ensure that two hundred seventy (270) minutes of instruction have been attended and completed by the student.”
Commissioner's Regulations Part 10: Internet Pre-Licensing Course (CR-10), read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
Each online customer has 30 days, starting on the date they register.
What the source says
“Each customer will have 30 days (starting on the date they register).”
Online Pre-Licensing Course Pilot Program for Businesses (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
Online students do not receive a completion certificate; the course provider reports the completion to the DMV electronically, usually within 48 hours.
What the source says
“NOTE: You will not receive a completion certificate for this course. The course provider will report your completion electronically to the DMV (usually within 48 hours).”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
A Pre-Licensing Course certificate from a classroom or distance-learning course is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
What the source says
“Your Pre-licensing Course Certificate is valid for one year from the date it is issued.”
The Driver Pre-Licensing Course (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
The DMV lists the providers approved to offer the Online Pre-Licensing Course.
What the source says
“The course providers listed below have been approved to offer the Online Pre-Licensing Course.”
Online Pre-Licensing Course Providers (New York State DMV), read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
The online course is a pilot program that the law sets to run from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2030.
What the source says
“permitting qualified applicants to participate in the pilot program from June thirtieth, two thousand twenty to June thirtieth, two thousand thirty.”
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 399-s, Pilot program scope and duration, read October 7, 2026