Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | April 17, 2025 | New York Laws
Learning to drive is an exciting milestone for teenagers in New York City, but it comes with important responsibilities. NYC has strict laws for teen drivers to keep them safe and reduce the risk of car accidents. Understanding these rules can help teens become safer drivers, regardless of the weather conditions or the driving habits of others on the road, and help parents ensure their children stay protected behind the wheel.
Here’s what every teen driver and parent in NYC needs to know about teen driving laws.
Graduated Driver Licensing in NYC
New York State follows a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system designed specifically for teens. This program helps new drivers gain skills and experience gradually while reducing risks. The GDL includes three stages:
- Learner Permit
- Junior License
- Full License
Each stage has its own requirements and restrictions to ensure teens gain adequate experience before earning full driving privileges.
Learner Permit Stage (Age 16+)
When a teen turns 16, they can apply for a learner’s permit. To get a permit, teens must pass a written test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). With a learner’s permit, teens can only drive if accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
In New York City specifically, learner permit holders are prohibited from driving in certain locations, including:
- Streets within NYC parks
- Bridges and tunnels managed by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
- Certain parkways in NYC
- A DMV road test area
Before advancing to the next stage, teens must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice and meet other requirements.
Junior License Stage (Age 16½+)
Teens may apply for a junior license after holding a learner’s permit for six months and completing driver education courses. Passing a road test is required. Junior licenses offer more freedom but still include important restrictions:
- Teens cannot drive in NYC unless supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, driving instructor, or authorized adult.
- Outside NYC, teens with a junior license can drive unsupervised only between 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and with supervision after those hours.
- Teens cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 unless accompanied by a supervising adult.
These restrictions are strictly enforced and meant to limit risky driving situations for inexperienced drivers.
Full License Stage (Ages 17-18)
In New York, drivers can obtain a full (senior) license at age 17 if they have completed a state-approved Driver and Traffic Safety Education Course and received the Student Certificate of Completion. With this certification, they can apply for a senior driver’s license, granting them unrestricted driving privileges anywhere in New York State.
If a driver has not completed the driver education course, they must wait until they turn 18 to automatically transition from a junior to a full license.
Regardless of age, it’s important for teens and parents to understand that safe driving habits developed during earlier stages must continue. Parents should continue discussing responsible driving behavior even after their teen receives a full license.
Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers
Parents play a vital role in teen driver safety. Here are some important ways parents can support their teen driver:
- Clearly explain and enforce all driving laws and rules.
- Supervise practice driving regularly.
- Set a positive example by always following traffic laws yourself.
- Create a parent-teen driving contract outlining expectations and responsibilities.
- Discuss the consequences of breaking driving rules.
Although state law is complicated when it comes to getting teens on the road, it is designed with safety in mind first and foremost. Driving in New York City isn’t easy, especially for someone who is still learning how to drive.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
