MV-285R Form – High schools, colleges, and BOCES across New York rely on the MV-285R form (officially titled “Student MV-285 Roster”) to document students who complete approved driver education programs and receive the MV-285 Student Certificate of Completion. This critical form ensures accurate reporting to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) so students can use their MV-285 certificate for licensing benefits, such as skipping the written knowledge test when applying for a driver license.
If you manage a driver education program or need the official MV-285R PDF, this guide covers everything: purpose, who must use it, how to complete and submit it, and the direct download link.
What Is the MV-285R Form?
The MV-285R form is the official NY DMV roster used exclusively by approved educational institutions (high schools, colleges, and BOCES) to record details of students who have finished the driver education course and are eligible for the MV-285 certificate.
Key details on the form include:
- Student certificate numbers and duplicate information
- Student names, addresses, dates of birth, and Client ID numbers
- Classroom, laboratory, behind-the-wheel observation, and simulation range hours
- Numerical grades received
- Course dates offered and certificate issuance date
- School name, address, contact person, and required signatures (Superintendent/Principal and Approved MV-283 Lecture Teacher)
The form carries a clear warning: “To knowingly make a false statement or conceal a material fact in this Student MV-285 Roster is a criminal offense” (punishable under Penal Law Section 210.45). It must be mailed to the NY DMV Utica Processing Center.
Current version: MV-285R (1/16) – still the active form listed on the official NY DMV website with no newer revisions as of 2026.
Who Needs the MV-285R Form?
Only approved high schools, colleges, and BOCES offering DMV-compliant driver education programs use the MV-285R. It is not for individual students or commercial driving schools.
The form supports the MV-285 Student Certificate process under New York’s Commissioner’s Regulations (Part 2 – Driver Education in High Schools and Colleges). After issuing MV-285 certificates, schools must submit the completed roster to the DMV.
Benefits for students:
- The MV-285 certificate serves as proof of completing a full driver education course.
- Holders may skip the written knowledge and traffic sign tests when applying for a Class D (or M) license (road test and vision test still required).
- It is especially useful for junior license holders upgrading to a full senior license or scheduling road tests.
(Note: The 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course uses a different certificate – MV-278 – for adult or non-school programs.)
How to Fill Out and Submit the MV-285R Form (Step-by-Step)?
- Download the official PDF (link below).
- Print or type clearly in all fields.
- Complete school information: Name, address, contact person, telephone, dates course was offered, and date certificates issued.
- List every student with:
- Certificate No. (and duplicate info if applicable)
- Full name, address, DOB, Client ID
- Hours completed (class, lab, behind-the-wheel, simulation)
- Numerical grade
- Obtain required signatures:
- Superintendent or Principal
- Approved MV-283 Lecture Teacher (only the lead teacher signs if multiple instructors)
- Mail the completed original roster to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Utica Processing Center MV-285/MV-278
207 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
Keep copies for your school records. Failure to submit the roster correctly can delay future MV-285 certificate issuance.
Direct Download: Official MV-285R PDF
Download the free, official MV-285R form here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv285r.pdf
Always use the direct link from the NY DMV website to ensure you have the authentic, up-to-date version. Third-party sites may offer fillable templates, but the official PDF is required for submission.
Related Forms You May Need
- MV-285 — Student Certificate of Completion (issued by DMV to schools)
- MV-278 — Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate (for the 5-hour adult course)
- MV-283 — Instructor Certificate (required for teachers signing the roster)
- CR-2 — Commissioner’s Regulations for Driver Education (full rules)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the MV-285R Form
Q: Can students or parents fill out the MV-285R?
A: No. Only the school’s authorized administrator and instructor complete and sign it.
Q: What is the difference between MV-285 and MV-278?
A: MV-285 is for full high school/college driver education programs; MV-278 is for the short 5-hour pre-licensing course taken by most teens and adults.
Q: How long do students have to use the MV-285 certificate?
A: It must be presented within two years of issuance for the written-test waiver.
Q: Where do I mail the completed MV-285R?
A: Utica Processing Center at the address listed above (not Albany).
Q: Is the form still current in 2026?
A: Yes – the NY DMV continues to list and accept MV-285R (1/16) with no announced replacement.
Why Accurate MV-285R Documentation Matters?
Proper submission of the Student MV-285 Course Roster protects students’ licensing timelines, ensures schools stay compliant with NYSED and NY DMV regulations, and maintains the integrity of New York’s driver education system.
For the most current driver education guidelines, visit the official NY DMV Forms & Publications page or the New York State Education Department’s Driver and Traffic Safety Education section.
Need the form right now?
Click here to download the official MV-285R PDF: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv285r.pdf
Bookmark this page for future reference and share it with your school’s driver education coordinator. Safe driving starts with accurate documentation!