New York FAQ
New York Pre-Licensing Course (OPL) — FAQs.
- Is this online pre-licensing course approved by the New York DMV?
- Yes. Our New York Online Pre-licensing course (also known as the "5 hour course") is approved and licensed by the New York DMV.
- Who is eligible for the 5-hour Pre-licensing course online?
- You must be at least 18 and hold a valid New York learner's permit. If you already completed driver ed at a school and have a valid MV-285 certificate, this course is not required. If your MV-285 has expired (you didn't apply for your license within 2 years), you must take this course. You need your plastic learner's permit to register — temporary paper permits are not accepted by DMV.
- I have my temporary paper permit — can I still take the course?
- No. The DMV system requires your plastic permit's number, document number, and expiration date. Using paper permit info will cause a reporting error and may require you to retake the entire course.
- How long is the course?
- Known as the 5-hour course, it contains 270 minutes (4.5 hours) of instruction. Available 24/7 from any internet-enabled device. You must complete within 30 days of registration.
- Is the entire course online?
- Yes. You never have to visit a physical location. Available 24/7 on any device with internet access.
- Is there a final exam?
- No. Each unit ends with a 4-question quiz requiring 70% (3 of 4 correct). You get three attempts per unit — fail the same one three times and you'll be disqualified and must re-register and start over. If that happens, your new course is free.
- Will I receive proof I completed the course?
- No certificate. Your completion is reported electronically to the New York DMV. It can take 24–48 hours to post to your driving record. Once posted, you can schedule your road test. Completion is valid for one year.
- Can the course be taken on a mobile device?
- Yes. It runs on nearly any tablet, smartphone, laptop, or desktop with an updated browser (JavaScript and cookies enabled).
- Does the course have to be completed in one sitting?
- No. Log in and out anytime — progress saves to the furthest page you've reached.
- What if my completion isn't showing on my driving record?
- It can take up to 48 hours to post. If it's been longer, call 1-800-558-9887 and we'll resolve it.
- How long is the course completion good for?
- One year. If you don't take your driving test and get your license within that year, you'll need to retake the course. Your completion must be valid on the date you schedule your driving test — it can be expired when you actually take the test.
- How does the course validate my identity?
- You set up 10 identity validation questions during registration. You'll answer one correctly at each login and via an in-course phone system. Two consecutive misses suspends your account until you speak to a rep for a third and final attempt. Fail that and you must start over — the new course is free.
- Do you have customer service available?
- Yes. Call 1-800-558-9887 Mon–Fri 9a–5p CST or email info@ticketschool.com.
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