6 Hour National Safety Council Defensive Driving Class
This class does not qualify to take the road test
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026. 9 am to 3:30 pm
What: Save up to 10% on your auto liability and collision     insurance premiums and you can reduce your
 point total by up to 4 points.
Where: Town & Country Fire Dept, 130 Gardner Road, Horseheads NY
Call: Bill at 607-738-2789 to register. Fee is $40

What's New at Southern Tier Driving School:
We are now offering Driving Lessons. We are giving priority  to those who did the the 5 hour course with us.
Beginning on July 19th 2021, road test applicants are no longer receiving the results of their tests at the conclusion of their road test. Examiners are issuing business cards with instructions to receive the results. All results should be available to applicants by 6:00pm on the date of the test.
Visit: RoadTestResults.nyrtsscheduler.com
The applicant visits the website listed on the business card and enters in their Client ID and date of birth. The results of their test will be displayed, and a temporary document will be available for those who passed. Links are available on the bottom of the page to assist applicants if they have questions or need additional information.

What's New in Driving Laws

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding motorists that beginning Monday, February 16, some of the most serious traffic violations will have increased point values. These changes will strengthen the state’s ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks, or bikes in communities across the state. Key changes include the following:

Offence                                                     Points for Violations Before 2/16/2026         Points for Violations Beginning 2/16/2026

Any Alcohol- or Drug-Related Conviction or Incident                 0                                                      11

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation                                                  0                                                      11

Overtaking/Passing Stopped School Bus                                       5                                                      8

Speeding in Construction Zone                                           Based on speed                                        8

Over-height Vehicle/Bridge Strike                                                   0                                                     8

Leaving Scene of a Personal Injury Crash                                      3                                                      5

Failure to Exercise Due Care                                                            2                                                      5

Facilitating Aggravated Unlicensed Operation                            0                                                      5

Speed Contests and Races                                                                0                                                      5

 

In addition to the updated points, these regulations adjust the time frame in which DMV can take administrative action against a persistent violator, going from an 18-month look back to a 24-month look back.

                                                                   CHILD SEAT BELT INFORMATION

New York State law requires all children to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system while riding in a motor vehicle, until they reach their 8th birthday. Effective November 1, 2019, all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

Safety tips for specific seats and age groups:

Rear- Facing: Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, but at least until the age of 2. If a child outgrows the weight or height limit of the seat, then a convertible or all-in-one car seat should be used in the rear-facing position until the child outgrows the weight or height limit set by the car seat manufacturer. 

Forward-Facing: Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Booster Seats: Use a belt positioning booster seat when your child’s weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for the car seat. Keep your child in a booster seat until the lap and shoulder belts fit properly, typically between 8 and 12 years old.

Seat Belts: Use a lap and shoulder belt when the seat belts fit your child properly. The lap belt should be low and snug across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder. 

All children under age 13 should ride in the backseat.

Find additional information on finding the right seat from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

**Effective November 1, 2020, all motor vehicle passengers aged 16 and older must be restrained by a seat belt.**

Effective January 19, 2003 a new law requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing any portion of a roadway crosswalk where a traffic signal is not present or operating.

The state of New York has lowered the BAC for a DWI from 0.10% to 0.08%. DWAI will remain at 0.05%. This legislation was signed by Governor Pataki on December 30, 2002. This new law took effect on July 1, 2003.

Starting September 1, 2003 supervising drivers for any driver on a permit must be 21 years old.

After November 18, 2004 You may have to pay a "Driver Responsibility Assessment" for certain violations. A DWI , DWAI, DWAI by drugs, or refusing a chemical test you will be required to pay $250 assessment each year for three years. For traffic violations resulting in six points in any 18-month period, you will be required to pay $100 each year for the next three years plus $25 per point every year for three years for points in addition to the six points. Failure to pay will result in a suspension.

An applicant for a junior permit/license must submit a written consent by the parent or guardian. Upon receipt of withdrawal of such consent the learner's permit/license shall be cancelled.

Road Statistics

Male drivers under 18 have an accident rate of 18% ( Male drivers overall 7%)

Female drivers under 18 have an accident rate of 14% (Female drivers overall 4 1/2%)

In New York 16 &17 year old drivers average more than 70 fatality & 10,000 injury crashes each year.

Nationwide 40% of 16 year old drivers have a crash serious enough to be reported.

How do I sign up for a Road Test?

Call (518) 402-2100 

Online - Visit dmv.ny.gov/schedule-road-test or NYSDMV Road Test