5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278)
This class meets the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) requirements for pre-licensing education. It is a mandatory course for all New York State Permit Holders ages 16 and up. You are not able to schedule or take your road test if you have not completed the 5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course and received a Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (also known as Form MV-278). The only exemption to this requirement is if you have completed Drivers Education and have an MV-285.
To take the course, students must be 18 or older and have a valid photo learner permit. You must take your road test within one year of completing the pre-licensing course.
Upon successful completion of this five hour course, each student will receive an MV-278 which is required before scheduling and taking the road test. You must provide the certificate number when you schedule your road test.
The pre-licensing class content is strictly regulated by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and covers the following driving fundamentals:
- The DMV point system
- The highway transportation system
- The laws of physics as they relate to driving and the effects of restraining devices
- Defensive driving techniques
- What to do in case of a collision
- The effects of driver attitude, emotions, and skills
- Alcohol and drugs, and their effects on driving
The pre-licensing class is scheduled twice a month on Saturday Morning at 8 am.
Who is required to take this course?
- All new drivers in New York State must complete a 5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course.
- The course is also required for drivers with expired or revoked licenses.
- New residents with licenses from other countries must also complete the course.
What if I took Drivers Education and have a MV-285?
- You are not required to take this course.
What is the Classroom Pre-licensing Course?
The Classroom Pre-licensing Course, also known as “the 5-hour classroom course,” is a DMV-designed classroom course that provides new drivers with information to help them drive safely. New drivers must complete this course (or a New York State approved Driver Education Course) before they can schedule their driving test for their driver license. For many students, the course is the only formal opportunity to learn the basic rules of the road, safe driving principles, defensive driving skills, and other factors which affect driving.
Only approved classroom instructors may teach the Classroom Pre-licensing Course. Instructors must follow the DMV’s course curriculum and provide instruction only at approved locations.