The permit test fee in New York is $10 for the written exam, plus $5 for the permit itself if you pass — $15 total

When you turn 18 in New York, you can take the permit test at any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office without parental consent. The written exam costs $10, and if you pass, the permit fee is $5. You pay both fees at the DMV when you arrive for your test — cash, debit card, or credit card are accepted at most locations.

The $10 exam fee covers the written test only. It does not include the road test (which costs $20 when you take it later) or any other services. If you fail the written test, you can retake it, but you will pay the $10 fee again each time.

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test costs $10, and the permit card itself costs $5 if you pass, for a total of $15 at your first visit.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease) to pay and test.
  • Each retake of the written test costs another $10, so budget for multiple attempts if you do not pass on the first try.
  • The road test, which you take after you hold the permit for at least six months, costs $20 separately.

What documents you need to bring to pay the fee

The DMV will not let you pay or take the test without proof of who you are and where you live. Bring your Social Security number (memorized or on a card), a photo ID like a passport or state ID, and a document showing your New York address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works.

If you do not have a photo ID yet, a birth certificate plus the address proof is usually accepted. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they will take, because requirements can vary slightly between locations.

How to pay and where the money goes

You pay both fees — the $10 test fee and the $5 permit fee — at the DMV counter when you check in. The money goes to New York State; the DMV does not keep it. If you fail the test, you keep nothing and pay $10 again if you want to retake it.

Some DMV offices have a payment kiosk where you can pay before you sit for the test. Others take payment at the counter. Either way, the process is straightforward: you hand over $15, they give you a receipt, and you move to the testing area.

What happens if you fail and need to retake the test

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it as soon as you want — the same day, the next day, or weeks later. Each retake costs another $10. You do not pay the $5 permit fee again until you pass; that fee only applies once, when you pass the exam.

The written test has 20 questions, and you need 14 correct to pass. Most people pass on the first or second try. If you fail, the DMV will tell you which topics to study before your next attempt.

Differences between the permit test and the road test costs

The permit test (written) and the road test (driving) are separate and cost different amounts. The written test is $10. The road test, which you take after holding your permit for at least six months, costs $20. You cannot combine these fees or pay for both at once.

Some people schedule both tests on the same day at the DMV, but you still pay two separate fees: $10 for the written test (if you have not taken it yet) and $20 for the road test. If you already have your permit and are only taking the road test, you pay $20 only.

Payment methods accepted at New York DMV offices

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to be certain. You cannot pay online or by mail for the permit test fee — you must pay in person at the DMV office where you test.

Bring enough cash or have your card ready. The DMV does not issue refunds if you change your mind after paying, so make sure you are ready to take the test before you hand over the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $15 fee even if I do not pass?

You pay the $10 test fee whether you pass or fail. The $5 permit fee only applies if you pass. If you fail and want to retake the test, you pay another $10 for the second attempt.

Can I pay for the permit test online or by mail?

No. You must pay in person at the DMV office where you take the test. Payment happens at check-in, before you sit for the exam.

What if I lose my permit after I pay for it?

A replacement permit costs $5. You would pay that fee at the DMV to get a new card. The original $5 you paid does not cover replacements.

Is the $10 test fee the same at every DMV office in New York?

Yes. The written permit test fee is $10 statewide. The road test is $20 statewide. Fees do not vary by location or by which DMV office you visit.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the permit test, and does that cost extra?

Many DMV offices now require appointments for the permit test. Scheduling an appointment is free — you book it online or by phone. You only pay the $10 test fee and $5 permit fee when you arrive.