New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course (Online OPL)
The New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course (OPL) is required for individuals 18 and older applying for a full New York driver license. This NYSDMV-approved course meets the pre-licensing requirement, is 100% online with no in-person requirement, and covers the effects of drugs and alcohol, night-time and weather driving, defensive driving tips and laws, rules of the road, and emergency preparedness. Upon completion you receive the MV-278 certificate you need to schedule your New York road test.
Who Is This Course For?
Adults 18 and older applying for a full New York driver license who must complete the DMV 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course before scheduling a road test.
Course Overview
The New York Online 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course is approved to meet the New York State DMV (NYSDMV) pre-licensing requirement for drivers 18 and older applying for a full driver license. It is 100% online with no in-person requirement. The course covers the effects of drugs and alcohol, night-time and weather-condition driving, defensive driving tips and laws, rules of the road, and emergency preparedness.
New York does not require driver education to obtain a learner permit, but you must complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (or an approved driver education course) before you can schedule a road test. Upon completion you receive an MV-278 certificate to present at your road test. The course is self-paced and completed online on any device.
Course at a Glance
Duration
5 hours
Format
100% Online — No In-Person
Audience
Adults (Ages 18+)
Requirement
NYSDMV Pre-Licensing
Provider
American Safety Institute
Reporting
MV-278 certificate for road test
What You'll Complete
- NYSDMV Pre-Licensing Requirement
- 100% Online — No In-Person
- 5-Hour Online Course
- Drug & Alcohol Education
- Defensive Driving & Road Rules
How It Works
- 1Register online for the New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course.
- 2Complete the 5-hour course online at your own pace on any device.
- 3Receive your MV-278 pre-licensing completion certificate.
- 4Schedule your New York DMV road test and present your MV-278 certificate.
- 5Pass the road test to receive your full New York driver license.
Important Requirements & Restrictions
- Required for individuals 18 and older applying for a full New York driver license before scheduling a road test.
- 100% online with no in-person requirement.
- You must present the MV-278 completion certificate at your road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course?
It is the NYSDMV-approved pre-licensing course required for individuals 18 and older applying for a full New York driver license. You must complete it before you can schedule a road test, and you receive an MV-278 completion certificate.
Is driver education required to get a New York learner permit?
No. New York does not require driver education for a learner permit, but you must complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (or an approved driver education course) before scheduling a road test.
Can I take the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course online?
Yes. This course is 100% online with no in-person requirement and meets the New York State DMV pre-licensing requirement for drivers 18 and older.
What does the course cover?
The effects of drugs and alcohol, night-time and weather-condition driving, defensive driving tips and laws, rules of the road, and emergency preparedness.
What do I receive when I finish?
An MV-278 pre-licensing completion certificate, which you present at your New York DMV road test.
How long is the course?
5 hours, completed online at your own pace on any device.
Related New York Resources
Ready to Get Started?
Register for the New York Adult Driver Education (5 Hour Pre-Licensing OPL Course) online with American Safety Institute. Complete at your own pace on any device.
Enroll NowNew York Adult Driver Education (5 Hour Pre-Licensing OPL Course)
Provider Disclosure
DOT Driving School provides driver education information and connects students with available course providers. Course registration and course delivery for this program are provided by American Safety Institute, a third-party provider. DOT Driving School is not the course operator and does not administer this course.
Disclaimer
Courses identified as “State Approved” are licensed, approved, or accepted by the applicable state agency, as specifically stated on the individual course listing. Not all courses offered through this website are state approved or state required.
DOT Driving School is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the DMV, DOT, FLHSMV, any state driver licensing agency, or any federal, state, county, or local governmental agency, except where a specific course approval or authorization is expressly stated.