What is the minimum age to apply for a New York driver's license?

The minimum age to apply for a New York driver's license is 16 years old. At this age, individuals may begin to legally apply for a learner's permit, which allows them to practice driving under supervision before they are eligible to take the road test for a full driver's license. In New York, obtaining a learner's permit is the first step toward achieving a full license, and this process emphasizes the importance of gaining experience behind the wheel in a safe and monitored manner.

Younger individuals, such as those who are 15 years old, are not permitted to apply for a learner's permit or driver's license. Similarly, while 17 and 18-year-olds can apply and progress through the licensing process, the statutory minimum age for initiating this process is established at 16 to promote safety and readiness for independent driving.