One flat $40. Finish the NYS-required course online and your official MV-278 certificate lands in your inbox — no classroom, no waiting.
Log in from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx or Staten Island and start right now. Move at your own speed, pause whenever you like, and clear all five hours in one sitting or a few short ones. The moment you pass the final review, your MV-278 is emailed straight to you.
Join an upcoming live online class. Pick a date that works for you, reserve your spot, and get your MV-278 certificate after you finish.
| Date & time | Language | Availability | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 5 seats left | ||
| English | 7 seats left | ||
| English | 8 seats left | ||
| English | 10 seats left | ||
| English | 12 seats left | ||
| English | 12 seats left | ||
| Spanish | 12 seats left | ||
| English | 12 seats left |
Pick a date that works and reserve your spot - we will confirm the details with you.
New York makes the 5-hour pre-licensing course mandatory before your first road test — so get it done the fast way. Here is why NYC drivers skip the Zoom sessions and in-person classrooms and finish it with us instead.
One honest price. No add-ons, no upsells and no separate charge for your certificate — what you see is exactly what you pay.
Open the course 24/7 on your phone, tablet or laptop, pause anytime, and jump back in right where you stopped.
Clear the final review and we email your official MV-278 certificate — ready to book your road test.
Curso completo en español al mismo precio, con el mismo certificado MV-278.
Three quick steps take you from sign-up to road test. The whole course is built for busy NYC drivers who want to skip the classroom and be done today.
Register with your NYS Learner Permit number and a working email in under two minutes. No long forms, no surprise fees at checkout.
Five hours of state-required lessons broken into short, easy modules. Start now, pause anytime and switch devices freely — your progress saves itself so you never lose your place.
Answer the final review and your MV-278 certificate is emailed to you right away. Use it to book your road test through the NYS DMV.
A full curriculum approved by the New York State DMV — everything you need to drive safely and pass the NY road test on your first attempt.
The highway transportation system and how drivers, vehicles and roads work together
Everyday driver habits and skills for NYC traffic, parking and tight streets
NYS traffic laws, right-of-way rules, signs, signals and road markings
Defensive driving and spotting hazards early
How alcohol, drugs and fatigue affect the way you drive
Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and trucks
Vehicle control, braking and handling emergencies
Insurance, financial responsibility and the NYS point system
Final review and your MV-278 certificate issued the moment you pass
Under New York State law, every new driver must complete a 5 hour pre-licensing course before scheduling their first road test. This applies whether you are 18 or 60.
You need our 5 hour class online if you are:
Note for teens under 18. Drivers working toward a Junior driver license (Class DJ) or Junior motorcycle license (Class MJ) cannot take the 5 hour pre-licensing course online in New York. State law requires teens to complete the course in person or through a high school driver education program.
The MV-278 and MV-285 certificates look similar but they are not the same thing.
| Feature | MV-278 (this course) | MV-285 (Driver Ed) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifies for NY road test | Yes, for adults 18+ | Yes |
| Where you take it | Online with us, or at a driving school | High school or college program |
| Time required | 5 hours | Multi-week course plus behind-the-wheel |
| Validity | 1 year | 2 years |
| Cost | $40 | Varies, often free for enrolled students |
Most NYC adults choose the MV-278 because it is faster, cheaper, and available online. If you already hold an MV-285 from your school, you do not need to take this course.
To be eligible for our online 5 hour driving course you must already have your NYS Photo Learner Permit. The DMV will not accept your MV-278 without it.
Required. Your permit number goes on your MV-278 certificate.
Where we send your MV-278 certificate after you pass the final review.
Phone, tablet, or laptop. Modern browser is enough, nothing to download or install.
If you do not have your learner permit yet, visit your nearest NYC DMV office or apply through the NYS DMV website first. Once you have the photo permit in hand, come back and finish the 5 hour class the same day.
Got my MV-278 in my inbox 6 minutes after finishing the course. No upsells, no surprise fees. Just $40 like they promise.
Best $40 I spent on getting my license. Took it on my phone during my F train commute. Passed the road test two weeks later.
El curso en español está bien hecho y claro. Recibí mi certificado sin problemas. Recomendado.
Took it in pieces over three nights. Picked up right where I left off each time. Way better than sitting on Zoom for five hours straight.
Clear, simple, and to the point. Final review was fair. Certificate arrived by email. Already booked my road test.
We serve every borough in New York City. The course is the same online 5 hour driving course no matter where you live, but each borough page covers local DMV offices, road test sites, and what to expect on test day.
Outside the five boroughs, our online 5 hour driving course is accepted across all of New York State.
$40. Online. Official MV-278 certificate. Available 24/7 to anyone with a NYS Photo Learner Permit.
Questions before you register? or email info@take5hourcourse.com
