The New York permit test costs $10 for the written exam, plus the cost of your learner permit itself
When you take the written knowledge test at a New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, you pay $10 for that exam alone. However, the learner permit — which you need before you can take the test — costs $24.50. So your total upfront cost is $34.50 before you sit down to answer questions about road signs and safe driving rules.
The $10 test fee covers the written exam only. It does not include any practice materials, study guides, or retakes. If you fail the test and need to take it again, you pay another $10 each time. New York does not charge extra for retakes beyond the per-exam fee.
These fees are set by New York State and do not vary by DMV office location. You pay the same amount whether you test in New York City, Buffalo, or anywhere else in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The written permit test itself costs $10 per attempt, and you pay this fee each time you retake it.
- Your learner permit costs $24.50, so your first-time total is $34.50 before you can sit for the exam.
- You must have a valid learner permit before you can take the written test at any New York DMV office.
- If you fail and retake the test, you pay $10 again; there is no bulk discount for multiple attempts.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the $10 written exam, you receive a learner permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. This permit is valid for five years. You do not pay an additional fee to receive it — the $24.50 you paid upfront covers the permit itself.
After you hold the learner permit for at least six months (or four months if you are under 18 and complete an approved driver education course), you become may be able to access to take the road test. The road test — the practical driving exam — costs $20 and is a separate fee from the written test.
If you pass the road test, you pay for your driver license, which costs $64.50 for a five-year license if you are 18 or older. So the full path from written test to driver license involves multiple fees at different stages.
How to pay the $10 test fee
You pay the $10 written test fee when you arrive at the DMV office on the day of your exam. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — New York DMV offices accept all three payment methods. Some offices may have limits on card payments, so calling ahead to confirm is a good idea if you plan to use plastic.
You cannot pay the test fee online or in advance. Payment happens at the DMV office itself, usually at a payment window before you are called to take the exam. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and payment.
What the written test covers and how to prepare
The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions about New York traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You need to answer at least 14 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 70 percent. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and others.
New York provides a free study guide called the Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website and in print at DMV offices. This manual covers everything on the test. You can also use free online practice tests on the official New York DMV website to see the types of questions you will face.
The written test does not have a time limit, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment, paying the $10 fee each time.
Fees at different life stages
Your costs depend on your age and whether you already hold a license. If you are a first-time driver under 18, you pay $24.50 for the learner permit and $10 for the written test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, the costs are the same.
If you are renewing a learner permit that has expired, you pay the $24.50 renewal fee but do not need to retake the written test. If you are upgrading from a learner permit to a full driver license after passing the road test, you pay $64.50 for the license itself, not another test fee.
Motorcycle permits and licenses have different fees. A motorcycle learner permit costs $10, and the motorcycle road test costs $20 — the same as the car road test — but the written test fee remains $10.
What to bring to the DMV for your written test
Bring your learner permit and a form of identification. A passport, birth certificate, or state ID all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return are common options. Bring proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease, if your ID does not show your current address.
Bring the payment method you plan to use for the $10 test fee. You do not need to bring study materials or notes — you cannot use them during the test anyway. The DMV provides scratch paper and a pencil if you want to work through problems before selecting your answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test without paying the $10 fee upfront?
No. You pay the $10 fee at the DMV office on the day of your test, before you sit down to take the exam. Payment is required to proceed.
Do I have to pay $10 every time I retake the test?
Yes. Each attempt, whether it is your first try or your fifth, costs $10. There is no discount for multiple retakes, and you cannot prepay for several attempts at once.
Is the $10 test fee refundable if I fail?
No. The $10 fee is non-refundable. If you fail the test, you keep the fee and pay another $10 if you want to retake it.
What if I miss my test appointment?
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose your $10 fee. You must schedule a new appointment and pay another $10 to take the test again. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead if you cannot make your appointment.
Does the $10 test fee cover the road test too?
No. The $10 is for the written test only. The road test is a separate exam that costs $20 and happens after you have held your learner permit for the required waiting period.