5-Hour Course

This course is required for anyone looking to obtain a New York State Driver’s License. Ages 16 or older with valid learners permit to take the course online or in-person.

Unmatched ease of registration for both our online and in-person classes. Email sent with info and Zoom link immediately after registration.

Program Overview

The average driver will drive for 55 years and travel over 1 million miles behind the steering wheel. Most new drivers will not have the opportunity to take professional driving lessons or driver’s education, even though this is the preferred way to learn. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Gigliotti's Driving School feel such a venture must start with a 5-hour, pre-licensing course. The student will have the opportunity to ask questions to a professional driving instructor. Each student will learn the basic rules of the road, defensive driving strategies, and other important concepts to carry with them for the next half-century.

Students will also have the opportunity to feel what driving under the influence of alcohol feels like with our new .18 BAC goggles, and why drinking and drugged driving is so dangerous.

Approved, Certified & Monitored by the Department of Motor Vehicles

NY State Department of Motor Vehicles
*Requirement to Obtain your Driver's License

Who Must Take it

  • Anyone looking to obtain a New York State Driver’s License regardless of age (Must have valid pictured permit).
  • Driver's Education Certificate MV-285 holders are exempt from taking this course.

Course Highlights

  • All students will receive a 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate, also known as Form MV-278.
  • Students will learn the most current traffic laws, rules and regulations.
  • Applicants will be able to schedule a Road Test with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Registration

Must Register Online

  • To ensure class size please register online
  • If you have a physical disability, please call our office so that we can determine the best way to meet your needs. We look forward to accommodating you.
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Fees & Options

  • $65
    Classroom & Online Course Fee
  • $15
    (Optional) Road Test Scheduling with first available appointments anywhere in NYS. Scheduled during class or call to schedule after receiving certificate

Duplicate Certificates

Did you lose your certificate and need a duplicate?

Remember your certificate expires one year from original issuance date.

We recommend at every class that you take a picture of your certificate. If you did, you can show up to any 5-Hour Course with that picture, your permit, $35 and a duplicate can be issued.

Please Call 315.732.5049

If you did not take a picture, we will need you to provide the following:

  • Your Name
  • Location of the class
  • Date of the class

We require 72 hour processing time to issue a duplicate if you did not take a picture.

Original 5-hour course certificate must be presented to the road test examiner.  Pictures or photo copies are not accepted. 

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Schedule & Locations

Please select a location to see the upcoming schedule.

Must Register Online

339 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501

EVERY SATURDAY at 8:45am

The Professional Building
1 Paris Road
New Hartford, NY 13413

EVERY WEDNESDAY at 4:00pm

Wednesday

  • 4:00 pm

    The Professional Building
    1 Paris Road, New Hartford
    (Corner of Genesee St. & Pearl St.
    in the Village of New Hartford)

    Every Wednesday

Saturday

  • 8:45am

    339 Genesee St. Utica
    (Across from Dunkin Donuts, in the middle of the traffic circle)

    Every Saturday

  • 8:45am

    E.F.K. Plaza 316 E. State St.
    Herkimer
    (Located in the rear of the building)

    See Dates

Must Register Online

EFK Plaza
316 E. State Street
Herkimer, NY 13350

Must Register Online

We welcome our Rome students to attend either the online class or in-person class at our Utica, New Hartford or Herkimer location at this time.

What Must I Bring To Class?

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Current NYS Photo Learner Permit or a valid interim permit with a NYS identification card.

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$65 Classroom/Online Fee

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$15 Scheduling Fee (Optional)

Road Tests Scheduled, with first available appointments anywhere in NYS

Read Our Reviews

    Kristin Abbate, Utica, NY

    Gigliotti's Driving School was a class act all the way through. From the pleasant secretary on the phone to the experienced driving instructors and teachers, I highly recommend this driving school. Wonderful experience all around!

    Julian , Utica, NY

    Appreciate all the help. Thank you Great People!!!

    Body , Utica, NY

    Couldn't have done it without you guys!!! Thank you for your patience.

    Big Blue, Utica, NY

    Great experience! Thank you, Gigliotti's!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take the 5 Hour Course Online with us no matter where you live in New York State

Your 5-Hour (MV-278) certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. You must have a valid certificate when you schedule a road test. If your certificate is expired, you cannot schedule a road test.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, we suggest that you wait at least 5 months into your 6 month waiting period to take your 5-Hour Course.Learn More Remember your certificate expires one year from original issuance date.

You can take your road test if your certificate is expired as long as your appointment was scheduled while the certificate was valid.

5 Hour Class, Pre-Licensing Course, NYS 5 Hour Online, New York Pre-Licensing Class

The 5-Hour Course is required for any driver looking to obtain a New York State Driver’s License regardless of applicants age.
No, a 5-Hour Course certificate is not accepted for insurance or point reduction. A Defensive Driving Course is not accepted to take a road test.

No. The 5-Hour Course is a mandatory course that everyone needs to take in order to obtain a NYS Driver's License. If you would like an insurance discount, you can take our Defensive Driving Course.

There are no tests required to complete the course.

Scroll up to Duplicate Certificates and your questions will be answered. 

Graduated Drivers License

The Graduated Drivers License Changes For Drivers Under The Age of 18