The permit test in New York City costs $10 for the written exam and $10 for the road test, for a total of $20 if you take both on the same day.

You pay the $10 written test fee when you submit your process at a DMV office or through the mail. The $10 road test fee is due when you schedule your road test appointment. Both fees are non-refundable, even if you fail the test and need to retake it — you'll pay the $10 fee again each time you test.

Payment methods at DMV offices include cash, debit card, and credit card. If you're explore by mail, you can pay by check or money order made out to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Online scheduling for road tests also accepts credit and debit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test costs $10 and the road test costs $10, payable separately when you explore and when you schedule.
  • You must pay the fee each time you take a test, including retakes, so failing the written exam twice means paying $20 just for that portion.
  • DMV offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards; mail-in applications require a check or money order.
  • The $10 fee covers only the test itself — you'll also need to pay for your learner permit ($20) and driver's license ($64) if you pass.

What the Written Permit Test Fee Covers

The $10 written test fee gives you one attempt at the 20-question multiple-choice exam on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and others. You can take it at any DMV office in New York City or at certain satellite locations in the outer boroughs.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one day has passed. You'll need to pay the $10 fee again. Most people pass on their first or second attempt, but there's no limit to how many times you can retake it as long as you keep paying the fee each time.

What the Road Test Fee Covers

The $10 road test fee covers one attempt at the driving exam, which lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to handle a vehicle in real traffic. You'll drive with a DMV examiner who evaluates your control of the car, your awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians, and your knowledge of traffic laws.

Road test appointments fill up quickly in New York City, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can schedule online through the DMV website or by phone at 518-402-4368. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day, but you'll pay another $10 fee. Many people pass on their first attempt, but some need two or three tries.

Additional Costs Beyond the Test Fees

The $20 in test fees is only part of the cost of getting your license. You'll also need to pay $20 for your learner permit (which you must hold for at least six months before taking the road test) and $64 for your driver's license once you pass both tests. Some people also pay for driving lessons, which range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on the instructor.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged permit or license, that's an additional fee. A replacement learner permit costs $20, and a replacement driver's license costs $64. These costs add up if you're not careful with your documents.

How to Pay for Your Permit Test

At a DMV office, you can pay your $10 written test fee in cash, with a debit card, or with a credit card. No checks are accepted at the office. Bring your payment method along with your process documents — your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you're explore by mail, include a check or money order for $10 made out to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash through the mail. When you schedule your road test online or by phone, you'll provide your credit or debit card information to pay the $10 road test fee at that time.

When You Don't Have to Pay Again

Once you pass your written test, you don't pay that $10 again — your passing score is valid for up to one year. If you pass your road test on the first try, you pay the $10 only once. You only pay the fee again if you fail and need to retake the test.

If you pass both tests and get your driver's license, the $10 test fees are done. Your license is valid for five years (or until age 21 if you're under 18), and you won't need to retake the written or road test unless your license is suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I fail the permit test?

No. The $10 fee is non-refundable whether you pass or fail. If you fail and want to retake the test, you must pay the $10 fee again. There is no fee waiver or discount for retakes.

Do I pay the road test fee when I schedule or when I take the test?

You pay the $10 road test fee when you schedule your appointment, not on the day of the test. If you cancel your appointment, you may be able to reschedule without paying again, but check the DMV website for their cancellation policy.

What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?

You'll need to pay $20 for a replacement learner permit. The $10 written test fee you already paid does not cover a replacement permit. Bring proof of identity and residency to a DMV office to request the replacement.

Is the permit test fee the same in all of New York State?

Yes. The $10 written test fee and $10 road test fee are set by New York State and are the same whether you test in New York City, Buffalo, or anywhere else in the state.