You must have a New York State license to drive in New York

unless you are a resident of another state or Canadian province

and have a valid driver license from there. Residents of most

other countries may also drive in New York with valid licenses

from their home nations (See "Drivers From Other Nations"). The

minimum driving age in New York is 16.

If you become a permanent New York resident, the law requires you

to obtain a New York license within 30 days and turn in your

out-of-state license. With a few exceptions, it is illegal to

hold both a New York license and a license from another state.

It's also a violation of Federal law to hold more than one

commercial driver license (CDL).

Out-of-State Permits and Junior Licenses

Out of state learner permit holders, as well as driver license

holders under age 18, are subject to both the restrictions on

their home state permits or licenses and the restrictions which

apply to New York permit holders and junior operators. Even if

there are no restrictions on the driver in his or her home state,

the New York restrictions still apply. The New York restrictions

are explained in "Learner Permits and Junior Licenses"

No driver under age 16 may drive in New York State under any

circumstances, even if he or she holds a valid license or permit

from another jurisdiction.

Some states may restrict learner permits to in-state operation

only, in which case the permit is not valid at all for driving in

NYS. Check with the state which issued the permit.

New York license classes are:

* Operator Class D - passenger cars and light trucks drivers

over age 18.

* Taxi and Livery Class E - for-hire vehicles, less than 10

passengers must be over age 18.

* Junior Operator Class DJ - drivers under age 18, with

restrictions, see our brochure Learner Permits and JuniorLicenses.

* Motorcycle Class M - motorcycles.

* Junior Motorcycles Class MJ - for motorcycle drivers under

age 18, with restrictions, see our brochure Learner Permits

and Junior Licenses .

* Non-CDL Class C - for vehicles over 18,000 lbs. up to 26,000

lbs. (minimum age 18).

* Commercial Class A, B and C - for trucks 26,001 lbs. or more

and buses (minimum age 21). There are endorsements and

restrictions depending on type of vehicle driven and cargo.

For complete information on Commercial Driver Licenses

(CDLs), consult the NYS Commercial Driver Manual, available

from DMV.