Buffalo New York Online Driver Education and Buffalo New York Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit or first Buffalo New York driver’s license. Buffalo New York has a Graduated Driver License Program for Buffalo New York teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Buffalo New York driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Buffalo New York Instructional Permit or Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit
When you turn 16, you can apply for a Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit. You’ll need the following:
If you’ve got all of the necessary materials, head on down to your local Buffalo New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to pass a vision test, as well as a written test. If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Buffalo New York Instructional Permit!
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit with you at all times.
When you’ve held your Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit for 6 months and have met a few requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Buffalo New York Graduated License Program.
The Buffalo New York Provisional Driver License or Buffalo New York Full License
You can apply for your Buffalo New York State license once you’ve held your Buffalo New York Instructional Permit for 6 months and have met the following requirements:
- Hold the Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit for 6 months without incident
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving experience
- 15 hours must be at night
- complete a Buffalo New York approved driver education course
If you’ve completed these requirements, schedule an appointment, then head on down to your local Buffalo New York DMV. Your parent/guardian must verify that you’ve completed the required supervised driving practice. Pay the license fee, and then you’ll have to take the dreaded road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Buffalo New York License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions until you’ve held your new license for at least 12 months without incident.
Buffalo New York Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to be aware of regarding your Buffalo New York Driver License:
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt
- You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21
- No driving on any street within a park in Buffalo New York City
- No driving in a bridge/tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority
- No driving on the Cross Country, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County
However, once you pass the road exam and earn your Buffalo New York full driver’s license, these restrictions are removed. Freedom!
Buffalo New York Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Buffalo New York Learner’s Permit or Buffalo New York Provisional driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Buffalo New York drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury
- $50,000/$100,000 death
- $10, 000 for property damage
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Buffalo New York mandatory liability insurance, your Buffalo New York license could be suspended.
Buffalo New York Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Buffalo New York teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Buffalo New York drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Buffalo New York has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Buffalo New York DUI or Buffalo New York DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a Buffalo New York DWI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence up to 1 year
- License suspension 6 month minimum
- Fine from $500 to $1,000
- Mandatory surcharge
- Mandatory alcohol screening and/or alcohol evaluation.
And of course, further Buffalo New York DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Buffalo New York license suspension or even Buffalo New York license revocation.
Currently, Buffalo New York teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving (unless using a hands-free device). The fine is $100 and a Buffalo New York traffic infraction on your Buffalo New York driving record.