Driving and Transportation

New York State residents age 16 or over can apply for a NY State Driver’s License and a person with lawful status in the U.S. of any age can get a NY State Non-Driver ID card from your local DMV Office. To get your license, you must Get Your Learner Permit and Schedule and Take a Road Test. Individuals who live in New York State should refer to the NY State DMV for specific details.

• To prepare you for your written permit test, refer here: New York State Driver’s Manual.
• To prepare for your road test, refer here: Prepare for Your Road Test

What to Know Before You Go

• When Can I Apply? You must be within your program dates listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019. You cannot apply before or after your program dates, (unless you are in a period of authorized OPT I-20 with a valid EAD card from USCIS). If you are in your first term, wait at least two weeks after your SEVIS record has been registered by your DSO or RO.
• Required Documents: Gather all required documents to bring with you: Document Guide for Standard License or Permit.
• Social Security Number: A social security number or a letter indicating you are not eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is required to apply. If you need a letter, you must request this from the Social Security Administration office at your local office in the county where you physically live.

Car Ownership

If you are considering purchasing a car, you must have a valid driver’s license, must register the car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and must maintain adequate car insurance.

Vehicle Registration

You must register and title any vehicle you own or lease. Each state requires vehicles to be registered with the appropriate government agency, which then issues a vehicle registration certificate that shows who’s responsible for the vehicle and signifies that it’s legal to drive. This official document must be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles and is a sticker placed on your windshield, along with a paper registration certificate that you must keep in your vehicle at all times.
To learn more about the requirements, please visit the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles, Registering Your Car in NY.

Auto Insurance

To register a vehicle in New York State you must have New York State issued automobile liability insurance coverage. If you do not maintain the coverage, the DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and your driver license.
Auto Insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that protects you against financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. In exchange for your paying a premium, the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as outlined in your policy which can include property damage to your car, liability coverage to others for bodily injury or property damage, and/or medical coverage to cover the cost of treating injuries.
While most basic, legally mandated auto insurance covers the damage your car causes if in an accident, it does not cover damage to your own car. To cover your own car for damage resulting from an accident, you must purchase coverage for Collision and Comprehensive damages.

Parking at Adelphi

Parking at Adelphi University is by permit only. For information about parking requirements and how to get a parking detail, refer here: Parking and Traffic at Adelphi.