Study Guide:
Your Lesson-by-Lesson Summary of the NY 5-Hour Course
Welcome to your official Study Guide for the New York DMV 5-Hour Online Pre-Licensing Course. This section offers quick, plain-English summaries of each lesson — designed to help you review key points, refresh your memory, and prepare for your road test with confidence.
Whether you’ve just started or already finished the course, this guide is your go-to revision companion.
Each of the five lessons in the course covers essential knowledge every New York driver needs. While the main course includes detailed instruction, quizzes, and interactive activities, this guide:
Highlights key takeaways from each lesson
Reinforces the most test-relevant material
Gives you a quick reference for revision and retention
Offers helpful reminders without giving away full course content
Lesson Summaries: Quick Access
Use the links below to jump to each lesson’s summary and get the essentials without digging through hours of material again.
Lesson 1
The Licensing Process & NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws
Start here to understand the path from learner permit to full licence, plus an intro to how New York’s traffic laws work — and how to avoid breaking them.
Lesson 2
Driver Habits & Skills (Part 1): Rules of the Road
Learn the fundamentals of safe vehicle operation — signalling, lane use, signs, and how to share the road with others in real-world scenarios.
Lesson 3
Driver Habits & Skills (Part 2): Safe Driving Practices
This lesson focuses on hazard awareness, speed and space control, and how to stay in control in all types of driving conditions.
Lesson 4
Emotions, Attitudes & Defensive Driving Techniques
Your emotional state affects your driving. This module teaches calm, confidence, and the key habits of defensive, alert drivers.
Lesson 5
Alcohol, Drugs & Impaired Driving in NYS
A deep dive into the legal and life-altering dangers of driving under the influence — including cannabis, prescriptions, and alcohol.
This study guide works alongside your official course dashboard. While it doesn’t replace the core training, it’s the perfect companion for:
Refreshing before your quizzes
Reviewing before scheduling your road test
Keeping core ideas top of mind during supervised practice
Next Step
If you’re looking to revisit the full curriculum or get back into your course modules, return to:
→ Course Curriculum Overview