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Junior Learner Permit/License Driving Restrictions

Posted Date: 09/14/26 (07:00 PM)
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Dear Parents/Guardians and Student,

 

As you are learning the rules of the road and practicing your basic driving skills, it is important that you understand and comply with the restrictions for driving on Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  Please see the attached motor vehicle document.

 

In order for a student to apply for a parking permit for the campus of Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, the student MUST have a senior license.  

 

If you have any questions, please visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website at https://dmv.ny.gov.

 

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Agosta

Principal

 

Long Island Junior Learner Permit Driving Restrictions


DAYTIME DRIVING (5 AM to 9 PM)

If you have a junior learner permit, you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk Counties between the hours of 5 AM and 9 PM only under the direct supervision of your:

  • parent
  • guardian
  • a person "in loco parentis"
  • person authorized to be your supervising driver by your parent, guardian or person in a position of "in loco parentis" in writing
  • driver education teacher or a driving school instructor

It is also required that:

  • the person who supervises your driving be at least age 21 and have a license valid for the vehicle you are driving
  • the only passenger in the front seat be your supervising driver
  • there be no more than one passenger under age 21 unless the passengers are members of your immediate family. You can have more than one passenger under age 21 only if your supervising driver is your licensed parent, guardian, person in a position of "in loco parentis," driver education teacher or driving school instructor
  • every passenger wear a seat belt (one seat belt per person)

NIGHTTIME DRIVING (9 PM to 5 AM)

  • You cannot drive in Nassau and Suffolk Counties under any circumstances between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM.

Long Island Junior License Driving Restrictions


DAYTIME EXCEPTIONS (5 AM to 9 PM)

If you have a junior license (Class DJ, MJ or DJ/MJ), you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk counties between the hours of 5 AM and 9 PM without a supervising driver only directly between your home and

  • your employment (you must carry appropriate proof of employment) 
  • a state-approved cooperative work-study educational program
  • an approved program for credit in a post-secondary institution
  • a state-approved registered evening high school
  • while engaged in farm employment
  • an approved driver education course

NIGHTTIME EXCEPTIONS (9 PM to 5 AM)

Between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM, you may drive in Nassau and Suffolk counties without a supervising driver only directly between your home and

  • a state-approved cooperative work-study educational program
  • an approved program for credit in a post-secondary institution
  • a state-approved registered evening high school
  • while engaged in farm employment
  • an approved driver education course