Smiling instructor on an Instructor-led RoadWise lesson.

5 Hour Pre-Licensing In-Person Course

Essential Training, Unmatched Road Confidence

New York learner's permit holders preparing for their road test have a trusted resource in AAA Western & Central New York. Our 5-Hour Pre-Licensing In-Person Course provides expert, interactive guidance from a certified professional alongside fellow local drivers. This comprehensive 5-hour session covers essential defensive driving tactics, New York traffic laws, and techniques to manage everyday road hazards. Completing this pre-licensing class with AAA earns your official MV-278 completion certificate—and real confidence on every drive.

Student concentrating while on a New York Driver Improvement Program lesson.

Course Options

Where will you complete your Pre-Licensing Course?

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Upcoming Courses

  • Call 800.836.2582 to Book Now

5 Hour Pre-Licensing In-Person Course

AAA
AAA Member Price $50
Non Member Price $55

Take advantage of exclusive savings with your AAA Membership.

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What you need to know

  • 5-Hour DMV-Required Course: Complete the full state-mandated program in a single, focused 5-hour session designed to fit your schedule.
  • Earn Your MV-278 Certificate: Qualify for the official completion certificate required by the NYS DMV to schedule and take your state road test.
  • Live Classroom Experience: Learn in person with a certified instructor at select local AAA branch locations in Western and Central New York.
  • Essential Driving Fundamentals: Master critical safe-driving principles, traffic laws, alcohol/drug awareness, and defensive tactics needed for the road test.
  • All Course Materials Included: Your registration covers all educational content and prompt processing of your official completion certificate.
  • Build Road Confidence: Gain the practical knowledge and driver safety habits required to pass your road test and drive safely for a lifetime.
  • AAA Member Savings: Take advantage of discounted course enrollment rates exclusively for AAA Members
Ribbon with a star

90+

Years of experience

Big checkmark

92%

Student Satisfaction

Group of people

110+

Highly Experienced Instructors

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25,000+

Students taught per year

Driving School FAQs

For more than 80 years, AAA has provided quality, on-the-road instruction for drivers. AAA is the trusted source for everything automotive and safety related. Our instructors are state licensed and highly trained professionals. We live our mission statement every day: "Creating Lifelong Safe Drivers." We use late model meticulously maintained cars and even have a few EV's in certain locations. The AAA 6-hour program consists of three, two-hour lessons.

AAA also offers a comprehensive 45-minute Confidence Course session that allows students to practice maneuvers on a closed course, just like the DMV road test. In addition, AAA can also sponsor students for their road test. Road tests are scheduled directly through the DMV by the student or parent. If you would like AAA sponsorship, which includes the use of one of our cars, we would need at least 2-3 weeks' notice. Contact the call center to schedule at (855) 222-1050.

A New York drivers permit may be issued once the student has completed the 33-hour driving education course (applies to students under the age of 18 years). Applicants must schedule the computerized knowledge exam on the DMV website, then go to the DMV headquarters in Cranston to take a computerized knowledge exam prior to receiving their permit.

*If you are over 18 a driver education course is not required to obtain the permit.

All our lessons begin and end at a local AAA branch location.

Road test appointments should be made when you receive your permit, you can schedule your appointment at any DMV branch location. The road tests are scheduled directly through the DMV.

If you would like AAA sponsorship, which includes the use of one of our cars, we would need at least 2-3 weeks notice. Contact the call center to schedule at (855) 222-1050. If you're over 18 years old, you do not need to complete a driver's education program. Additionally, RI has no behind the wheel requirements. However, behind the wheel lessons are strongly advised to properly develop the necessary skills and safe driving habits. Students must complete at least one lesson with AAA before sponsorship. (Note: AAA will make the final sponsorship determination based on the student's ability and skills.)

You are eligible for a limited provisional license after having held the limited instructional permit for at least 6 months without a convicted motor vehicle violation during that period. You must present an affidavit signed by a parent or guardian stating that you have completed a minimum of 50 hours of driving experience with a supervising driver. With 10 of those hours performed at night.

DMV fees are subject to change. Please check the DMV website for the current fee schedule.
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