MV-278.7 Form – The MV-278.7 Form, officially titled Authorization and Approval for Pre-Licensing Course (Secondary Schools & Colleges), is a critical New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document. Secondary schools, colleges, BOCES, and school districts use it to gain official DMV approval to teach the Pre-Licensing Course and issue MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates.
This form ensures compliance with DMV regulations and allows accredited educational institutions to prepare new drivers for their road tests. You can download the latest MV-278.7 PDF directly from the official NY DMV website here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv-2787.pdf.
What Is the MV-278.7 Pre-Licensing Course Authorization Form?
Form MV-278.7 serves as the official request for DMV authorization. It allows eligible secondary schools and colleges to:
- Offer the Classroom Pre-Licensing Course as part of (or separate from) a Driver Education Program.
- Issue official MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates to students.
- Notify the DMV of any changes in program details, classroom locations, instructors, or personnel.
The form is two pages long and requires original signatures (photocopies are not accepted). It references Part 7 of the DMV Commissioner’s Regulations and confirms that the school is accredited by the New York State Education Department (SED) for driver training.
Who Needs to File the MV-278.7 Form?
Only specific educational institutions need this form:
- Secondary Schools (public or non-public)
- BOCES
- School District Continuing Education programs
- Colleges and universities (public or private)
Commercial driving schools use a different form (MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List). High schools, colleges, or BOCES that want to teach the Pre-Licensing Course must have at least one qualified instructor holding a valid Driver Education Instructor Certificate (MV-283AB).
Individual students or parents do not use this form — it is strictly for institutions seeking provider approval.
Why Is the MV-278.7 Form Important for New York Drivers?
New York requires most first-time driver license applicants to complete a Pre-Licensing Course before scheduling a road test (unless they finish the full 48-hour Driver Education Program). Schools approved via MV-278.7 can deliver this course in a classroom setting and issue the official MV-278 certificate that DMV accepts.
Approval through this form helps schools:
- Provide convenient, in-house driver education
- Issue state-recognized certificates that students present at the DMV
- Stay compliant with both DMV and SED standards
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete the MV-278.7 Form?
- Read the Regulations — Review Part 7 of the DMV Commissioner’s Regulations first.
- Page 1 – School Information:
- Enter school name, Federal Employer ID Number, address, county, and classroom locations with phone numbers.
- Select provider type (Secondary School, BOCES, etc.) and institution type (Public/Non-Public).
- Indicate programs offered (Driver Education and/or Pre-Licensing Course) and language of instruction.
- List Qualified Instructors — Provide names, signatures, MV-283AB certificate numbers, and issuing states for up to 6 instructors. Attach copies of their certificates.
- Page 2 – Authorizations:
- Section A: List individuals authorized to sign replacement MV-278 certificates (limited to instructors, director of continuing education, or chief school officer).
- Section B: List individuals authorized to request books of MV-278 certificates.
- Certification — The Chief School Officer must sign, date, print name and title, and affirm SED accreditation and regulatory compliance.
- Additional Notes — Use extra copies of the form if more space is needed for locations or instructors.
All signatures must be original and in blue or black ink.
Where and How to Submit the MV-278.7 Form?
Mail the completed original form to:
NYS DMV Utica Processing Center
207 Genesee Street, Suite 6
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 793-2615
Fax: (315) 793-2613
Once approved, the DMV will notify the school. The form also serves as a living document — submit a new MV-278.7 whenever you add instructors, change locations, or update program details.
After Approval: Ordering MV-278 Certificates (MV-278.8SSC)
Approved schools use Form MV-278.8SSC (Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate Order Form for Secondary Schools and Colleges) to order books of MV-278 certificates.
- Each book contains 50 certificates.
- Cost: $50 per book (check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”).
- Include class rosters (MV-278.5N) accounting for previously issued certificates.
- The person signing the order must be listed on your current MV-278.7 form.
Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. Send everything to the same Utica address.
Download MV-278.7 PDF – Official Direct Link
Direct download: MV-278.7 Pre-Licensing Course Authorization Form (PDF)
Always use the official NY DMV link to ensure you have the most current version.
Related NY DMV Forms and Resources
- MV-278.8SSC → Order certificates (secondary schools/colleges)
- MV-278 → Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate
- MV-283AB → Driver Education Instructor Certificate
- Pre-Licensing Course Student’s Manual (MV-277.1) → Curriculum guide
For full details on the Pre-Licensing Course itself, visit the official NY DMV driver license page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MV-278.7
Q: Can commercial driving schools use MV-278.7?
A: No. Commercial providers use MV-278.6 instead.
Q: How long is approval valid?
A: Approval remains active until the school submits changes or discontinues the program.
Q: Is there a fee to submit MV-278.7?
A: No submission fee for the authorization form itself — only for ordering certificate books.
Q: What if my school already offers Driver Education?
A: You must still file MV-278.7 to gain specific approval for the Pre-Licensing Course and MV-278 certificates.
Q: Where can I find the latest form version?
A: Always download from https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv-2787.pdf — the official source.
The MV-278.7 Form is the essential first step for New York secondary schools and colleges that want to offer the state-approved Pre-Licensing Course. By completing and submitting this authorization form correctly, your institution can help students meet DMV requirements efficiently and safely.
For the most up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official NY DMV website and the form itself. Download your copy today and begin the approval process: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv-2787.pdf.