All first-time drivers 18 and older who want to become licensed drivers in New York must complete the New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course. This course is designed to teach you how to become a safer and more responsible driver.

I Drive Safely’s New York 5-hour pre-licensing course is the most convenient way to complete the required education for getting a license. There’s no need to rearrange your life to get the education you need. We bring the lessons to you at home, in the office, and even on the road!
With this specific driving course, you will learn the following:
- The different traffic and vehicle laws in New York
- How to practice safe driving behaviors
- Defensive driving skills
- The many dangers of driving under the influence
- Common risks new drives may face
If you’re 18 years of age or older and you plan to get your driver’s license for the first time, this is the course for you. Let’s look a little closer at what you can expect from the New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course.
About the 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course in New York
This course will introduce you to many things to help you become a safe driver. In addition, the course will teach new drivers how to be courteous on the road, along with how to drive safely.
The course will contain nine modules and doesn’t have a final exam. Instead, each module will have a quiz you must pass at the end. 70% is a passing score, and you will have three attempts to pass each quiz.
Expect to spend at least 270 minutes learning outside of the quizzes. You will need to complete the training within 30 days of registering with most providers.
Objectives of the Online Pre-Licensing Course
The goal of the New York online pre-licensing course is to give you a basic understanding of the road rules. You will also gain helpful techniques to become a safer driver. This course will provide you with the ability to:
- Understand the responsibilities of a licensed driver
- Describe different techniques you can use to avoid accidents
- Recognize driving dangers, such as driving while tired or under the influence
- Understand and explain specific highway safety concerns
- Explain why seatbelts are important
- And more
This online course will learn about the key sections of New York traffic and vehicle laws.

I Drive Safely’s New York 5-hour pre-licensing course is the most convenient way to complete the required education for getting a license. There’s no need to rearrange your life to get the education you need. We bring the lessons to you at home, in the office, and even on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions About the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course
Who is the New York 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course for?
This five-hour course is specifically designed for new drivers ages 18 and up. If you’re preparing to take the road test and get your driver’s license for the first time, this is the course for you. Before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test, you will need to pass this five-hour pre-licensing course.
Do I need a learner’s permit to start the course?
Yes, before starting the online five-hour pre-licensing course in New York, you need a learner’s permit. This permit can be obtained from the NYSDMV (New York State Department of Motor Vehicles) by passing the permit exam. You will receive a temporary learner’s permit, but you will need to wait on the permit with your photograph before starting the online pre-licensing course.
Can I take the online pre-licensing course if I am a new teen driver?
No, at this time, teens trying to get a junior driver’s license or junior motorcycle license cannot take the New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course. Instead, they are required to complete the five-hour course in the classroom.
Will I need to pass a final exam?
No. Instead of a final exam, this five-hour course uses ten quizzes at the end of each module. You will need to pass these quizzes with a 70% score or higher. Each quiz allows for three attempts to pass.

I Drive Safely’s New York 5-hour pre-licensing course is the most convenient way to complete the required education for getting a license. There’s no need to rearrange your life to get the education you need. We bring the lessons to you at home, in the office, and even on the road!
How long will the online pre-licensing course take me to complete?
You must spend a minimum of 270 minutes or five hours working on the pre-licensing course. However, this does not include the time to take the quizzes or breaks. You can work on the course at your own pace, and many providers give you up to 30 days to complete it.
How much does the New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course cost?
The cost of the course will depend on the provider you choose. Most providers will charge between $45 and $50 for the course. If you find a provider offering a significantly lower cost, make sure the NYSDMV approves them. It could be a scam.
Can I complete the entire course online?
Yes. The New York 5-hour pre-licensing course is an online course. It can be completed 100% online without going to a classroom for any reason. There are different options from some providers, however. Most providers offer a self-paced option, but some offer a Zoom class option.
Is this course the same as defensive driving?
No. The New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course and the New York defensive driving course are different. The pre-licensing course is for those with a learner’s permit to get a driver’s license. On the other hand, the defensive driving course is a safety course for licensed drivers trying to keep points off their license. So if you’ve received a moving violation, the defensive driving course might be the right option for you.
Will I need to complete behind-the-wheel training, too?
No. If you’re over 18 years of age and want to get your driver’s license in New York, you don’t need to complete behind-the-wheel training. Instead, you will need to get a learner’s permit, take this five-hour pre-licensing course, and pass the road test. However, it would help to practice driving before taking the road test.
If you’re 18 or older and you want to get your driver’s license in New York, the 5-hour online pre-licensing course is a necessary part of the process. Make sure you start by getting your learner’s permit first, however. Then, you can enroll to take the New York 5-hour online pre-licensing course. Complete this course at your own pace, but within 30 days, and you can schedule your road test.
After passing the road test, you will be a licensed driver in New York!

I Drive Safely’s New York 5-hour pre-licensing course is the most convenient way to complete the required education for getting a license. There’s no need to rearrange your life to get the education you need. We bring the lessons to you at home, in the office, and even on the road!