This mandatory five hour pre-licensing course is required by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for any individual seeking to take a New York State Road Test. The course covers the state required curriculum and is taught by certified instructors .

We are currently offering a virtual 5 hour pre-licensing course via Zoom. You must present a valid NYS permit with picture. Virtual classes are available with both weekend and weekday options for your convenience.

Virtual 5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course F.A.Q.’s

The cost of our five hour pre-licensing class is $50.

Anyone in New York State regardless of age must take this course before scheduling the road test. You must hold a valid driver’s permit and be at least 16 years of age or older.

Bell’s Driving School offers a virtual 5 hour pre-licensing course that is valid for all NYS counties.

Before registering, please make sure you can meet all the requirements for completing the Zoom 5 hour Pre-Licensing Class.

  1.  If you do not have a Zoom account in YOUR NAME, please create one.  The account name MUST match the name on your permit.
  2. 15 minutes prior to class time, please join the class.  No one will be admitted after the start of class.
  3. Customers not registered for this class will not be allowed to attend
  4. 24 hour notice is required for any cancellations.  Failure to give 24 hours notice will result in loss of payment.
  5.  When you join the meeting you will be placed in a waiting room.
  6. Your video camera MUST be on at all times.
  7. All attendees will be muted when admitted
  8. You maybe asked to show your permit.  Please be prepared to do so.  You MUST have a picture permit to attend this class.
  9. The class will start once all attendees have been admitted to the class.

More information on joining a Zoom meeting – Joining a Zoom Meeting

  1. Video must be on at all times and the instructor MUST be able to see you.
  2. If you need to leave for any reason, please raise your hand and inform the instructor.  Please make sure that you return promptly.
  3. Your attendance and full attention for the entire class is required. Cell phone usage during class is prohibited.  If you do not meet these requirements, you will be asked to leave the class.  No refund will be issued.
  4. We will have one 15 minute break after approximately 2.5 hours of class. The instructor will announce the time.
  5. Certificates will be mailed the following business day. Please be aware that delivery times are out of our control.
  6. If you have met the necessary requirements, at the conclusion of the class, the instructor will message you your certificate number using Zoom.  You may use that number to schedule your road test, however keep in mind that you will be required to present the original certificate at the time of the test.  When scheduling, be sure to allow time for receipt of the certificate.

Your certificate is mailed to the address provided the next business day from Clifton Park, New York. NOTE: you must have the original certificate with you when you go to take your road test.

The MV-278 is good for one year from date of issuance. The certificate CANNOT be renewed. If it expires you must take the course again.

At the completion of the course, you will be sent by private message with the certificate number. You can use this certificate number to schedule your road test. NOTE: At the time of the test, you must have the original certificate with you- not a copy or picture.

Some things to keep in mind –

  • NYS DMV schedules road tests approximately 4-6 weeks in advance
  • You may find a cancellation that is earlier (Make sure to allow time for your certificate to arrive)
  • If you are under 18, you can schedule your road test 6 months from the date of issuance on your permit
  • You must bring your own car (licensed, inspected and insured) and accompanying driver (over age of 21)

Give the Gift of Driving!

Gift Certificates are available for private driving lessons, road tests, and virtual 5 hour pre-licensing courses!

Give the Gift of Driving!

Gift Certificates are available for private driving lessons, road tests, and virtual 5 hour pre-licensing courses!