Shortly after the COVID19 pandemic began in early 2020, it has forced millions of people to stay at home.
In turn, many New Yorkers couldn’t carry on with their applications for a driver’s license.
Fortunately, Governor Cuomo announced mid-year that the state will allow distance learning for the 5-hour pre-licensing course, which is one of the prerequisites for taking a road test in New York.
So if you’re from New York City and weren’t able to do the education requirements yet, then you’re in luck. You can now study it from the convenience of your home.
And, to make it even more convenient, we’ll review the best driving schools in New York City, NY. We’ll list both online and in-person schools, so there’s something for everyone.
Let’s get started!
Best Online Driving Schools in New York City, NY
Now that distance learning is allowed in New York City, you can attend any of these online driving schools to satisfy the 5-hour pre-licensing course:
- iDriveSafely
- Professional Driving School of the Americas, Inc.
- Drive Rite Academy
- Grand Prix Driving School
- US One Driving School
Let’s explore each school.
iDriveSafely
When it comes to online driving schools, iDriveSafely is one of the most well known. And for good reason.
Just while signing up, you’ll see that it’s already super easy. It only takes a few minutes until you’ll be well on your way to studying the 5-hour course.
The lessons are easy, too. Written in bite-sized paragraphs, you won’t strain your eyes reading through it. Plus, they made sure to keep it interesting with visuals, animations, interactive quizzes, videos, and more.
You won’t fall asleep while studying this course.
On top of that, not only is it state-approved, but they report your course completion straight to the DMV. Talk about convenience!
You get all that for only $48.95!
One downside, though, is that you can only take this course if you’re 18 years old (or older) and already have a learner’s permit.
Professional Driving School of the Americas, Inc.
The Professional Driving School of the Americas, Inc. started in 1990 and became one of the most popular driver’s ed providers in New York City. In 2003, it was even featured on the Time Out New York magazine as one of the most highly recommended by New Yorkers. To date, the school has served over 500,000 customers.
The school’s main focus is on producing safe, responsible, and law-abiding drivers. This is why they train the instructors intensively and meticulously to provide the best learning experience.
They offer distance learning through Zoom. So while you may not get the full benefits of an online course (meaning you still have to follow a schedule), you can still study it at home. Plus, you have a live instructor right there with you.
So if you aren’t the most efficient in self-studying, then this is a great option for you.
Information regarding course fees is not available on the school’s website, but you may call them at 212-375-1111 or send an email to info@prodriveny.com to inquire.
Drive Rite Academy
Drive Rite Academy is an innovative driving school that envisions creating a safe driving environment in New York City. The school is known for continuously looking for new methods to provide high-quality driving instruction.
Their lessons consist of 4 parts, namely, the task of driving, driver habits and skills, taking risks, and driving under the influence.
Drive Rite Academy’s DMV-approved pre-licensing course is also through Zoom. It allows you to interact and ask questions to your instructor.
The school holds one to two Zoom classes per day except on holidays, so you can easily choose a time that best fits your schedule.
As for pricing, the course costs $50. The fee, however, does not include the delivery charge for the completion certificate. You can either pick it up at Drive Rite’s office or have it delivered for an extra cost of $5.
Grand Prix Driving School
Grand Prix Driving School is one of New York City’s top-rated driving schools. It is a family-owned business that has been providing good-quality driver’s education courses since 1991.
Again, the 5-hour pre-licensing course is offered via Zoom. Classes are scheduled from 4:30 or 5:30 PM to 9:30 or 10:30 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. With this, you can find time after school or work.
It also includes links to instructional Youtube videos.
Grand Prix Driving School’s 5-hour online course is a bit more expensive than the other schools, coming in at $60. You can also avail yourself of complete driving packages, which include behind-the-wheel lessons already. Fees start at around $620.
US One Driving School
US One Driving School is one of the cheapest driving schools you will find in New York City. Its 5-hour pre-licensing course costs a little over $45.
The school has various schedules for the online course, so you can conveniently select what time works best for you.
One thing you should note is that US One Driving School has a strict no-late attendance policy, so make sure you join the Zoom class on time.
US One Driving School also offers affordable education packages starting at around $300. Apart from the 5-hour online course, the fee also covers the car rental, a road test appointment, and a 1.5-hour driving lesson.
Best In-Person Driving Schools in New York City, NY
Now, if you’re unsure about online classes, then there’s no shortage of driving schools you can attend in New York City. Here are just some of the best ones:
Golden Key Driving School
Address: 4847 Broadway, New York, NY 10034, United States
Contact Number: (646) 435-1142
Many previous customers have referred to Golden Key as the best driving school in New York City because of its excellent services. Golden Key Driving School specializes in teaching nervous teens as well as adults with zero driving experience. The instructors are not only knowledgeable but also warm and friendly.
The school has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp. Apart from some management organization issues, many previous customers say they cannot recommend Golden Key enough.
The 5-hour pre-licensing course for New York teens costs $50. Classes are held from Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Now, except for iDriveSafely, the above schools have physical offices that offer in-person classes. However, some may have put classroom courses on hold due to the COVID19 pandemic.
You may still confirm with the above providers, though, and verify when they will be reopening in-person classes. Here’s the schools’ contact information:
Professional Driving School of the Americas, Inc.
- Address: 40 East 23rd St. (between Park and Madison Ave.) 2nd flr. New York, NY 10010
- Contact Number: 212-375-1111 or 800-NOW-DRIVE
Grand Prix Driving School
- Address: 806 Lexington Ave., 2nd flr. New York, NY 10065
- Contact Number: +1 (212) 752-0100
US One Driving School
- Address: 37 West 26th St. Suite 316, New York, NY 10010
- Contact Number: (212) 213-1453
Drive Rite Academy
- Address: 145 Kenilworth Place Unit 1B Brooklyn, NY 11210
- Contact Number: 718-928-7048
Driving Schools in New York City, NY FAQs
What is the 5-hour pre-licensing course in New York?
The 5-hour pre-licensing course (MV-278) is a requirement by the DMV for anyone looking to obtain a driver’s license in New York. Driver’s license applicants who have completed a driver’s education program at a high school or college are exempt from taking this course.
What are the requirements for taking the online pre-licensing course in New York?
To be eligible for the online pre-licensing course in New York, you must already have a valid learner’s permit. Here is a guide on how to apply for one.
Does the online pre-licensing course have a final exam?
No. However, students must ensure attendance throughout the course to be entitled to a completion certificate.
How long is the online pre-licensing completion certificate valid for?
The 5-hour online pre-licensing completion certificate (MV-278) is valid for one year. You must take or at least schedule a road test before the certificate expires.
Conclusion
Now that the state of New York has authorized online driving schools to offer pre-licensing courses via teleconferencing, getting a license in NYC is easier and more convenient. And with the online schools that we listed here, you can be sure you’re in good hands.
However, we understand that distance learning isn’t suitable for everyone, which is why we included some of the best in-person alternatives.
The schools we listed above have consistently good reviews from customers, and they will undoubtedly help you earn your driving privileges.
Good luck!