MV-278.5N Form – If you operate a New York driving school, high school driver education program, college, or BOCES, the MV-278.5N Form (Pre-Licensing Course Roster & Control) is an essential compliance document. This official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) form tracks every MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate issued to students who finish the mandatory 5-hour pre-licensing course.
Accurate use of the MV-278.5N ensures you can reorder more MV-278 certificate books and stay compliant with Vehicle and Traffic Law. In this SEO-optimized guide, we cover what the form is, who must use it, how to fill it out step by step, where to download the latest PDF, and all current requirements from official NY DMV sources.
What Is the MV-278.5N Form?
The MV-278.5N: Roster and Control (Pre-licensing Course) is a two-page form (revised 11/24) that serves as the official roster and inventory control sheet for MV-278 certificates.
Driving schools and educational providers use it to:
- Record every student who completes the DMV-approved 5-hour pre-licensing course.
- Document issuance of the MV-278 certificate (including duplicates).
- Account for all certificates when ordering new books from the NY DMV.
The form proves compliance when you reorder certificates and helps the DMV control distribution. Without properly completed MV-278.5N rosters, you cannot receive new MV-278 books.
Why the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course and MV-278 Certificate Matter in New York?
New York requires nearly all first-time driver’s license applicants to complete a state-approved 5-hour pre-licensing course before scheduling a road test. Upon successful completion, students receive the official MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate, which is mandatory for road test scheduling.
Commercial driving schools, public/private high schools, colleges, and BOCES may offer the course. The MV-278.5N roster ensures every certificate issued is properly tracked and reported.
Who Must Use the MV-278.5N Form?
- Commercial driving schools (primary users)
- Secondary schools, colleges, and BOCES (high schools and higher education programs)
Both groups must submit completed MV-278.5N rosters when ordering new MV-278 certificate books.
Note: Only instructors authorized on the MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List may issue certificates.
How to Download the Official MV-278.5N PDF?
Download the current version directly from the NY DMV website (free and always up-to-date):
→ Official Download Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2785n.pdf
The form is fillable and prints on two pages. Always use the latest revision (11/24 as of 2025).
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the MV-278.5N Form?
Follow these exact instructions from the official form to avoid rejection:
- Header Information
- School Name
- Date of Course (completion date)
- Address
- Instructor’s Name (Print or Type)
- Class Location
- Instructor Card Number
- Student Roster Section (repeat for each student)
- Name of Student (Print or Type)
- Permit ID Number (learner permit number)
- Signature of Student
- For School Use (optional notes)
- MV-278 Certificate Number (must be sequential)
- Original Certificate Number (Duplicates Only)
Critical Rules (printed on the form):
- ONLY students with a VALID LEARNER PERMIT may receive an MV-278 certificate.
- List certificates in sequential order.
- For duplicate certificates, record both original and new numbers.
- After the last student entry, enter the date and instructor signature on the blank line.
Voided Certificates: Attach any voided MV-278 certificates to the roster before submission.
When and How to Submit the MV-278.5N Roster?
You must return the completed original MV-278.5N roster(s) every time you order new MV-278 certificate books.
Ordering Process Overview:
- Commercial driving schools use MV-278.8CDS order form + mail/bring rosters to local Motor Vehicles Testing and Investigation Unit.
- Secondary schools/colleges use MV-278.8SSC order form + include rosters with the order.
- Mail everything + payment ($50 per book of certificates) to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Utica Processing Center
207 Genesee Street, Suite 6
Utica, NY 13501
DMV mails new certificates only to the business/school address on file (no P.O. boxes).
Important Compliance Notes & Best Practices
- Keep copies of every completed MV-278.5N for your records.
- Certificates must be issued immediately upon course completion.
- Maintain the MV-278.6 Authorized Signature List at all times.
- Instructors must follow the official curriculum in the MV-277 Pre-Licensing Course Instructor’s Manual.
- Failure to submit accurate rosters can delay certificate orders and affect your school’s ability to teach the course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About MV-278.5N
Q: Do high schools use the same MV-278.5N form as commercial driving schools?
A: Yes. All providers use the identical MV-278.5N roster; only the order form differs (MV-278.8SSC vs. MV-278.8CDS).
Q: Can I fill the form online?
A: The PDF is fillable, but you must print, obtain original student signatures, and submit the physical original to DMV.
Q: How many students fit on one MV-278.5N form?
A: Multiple entries per page (two pages total per sheet).
Q: What if I issue a duplicate MV-278 certificate?
A: Record both the original and duplicate numbers on the roster.
Q: Where can I find the full pre-licensing instructor manual?
A: Download MV-277 at dmv.ny.gov.
Stay Compliant with NY DMV Pre-Licensing Rules
The MV-278.5N Pre-Licensing Course Roster & Control form is more than paperwork — it’s your proof of accountability for every MV-278 certificate issued in New York. Using the official form correctly keeps your driving school or educational program authorized and your students on track for their road tests.
Official Resources:
- Download MV-278.5N: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2785n.pdf
- Order MV-278 Certificates: https://dmv.ny.gov/business/driver-training/order-pre-licensing-course-completion-certificates-mv-278
- Driver Education Providers Page: https://dmv.ny.gov/business/driver-training/driver-education-providers-and-driving-school-instructors
For the most current information, always check the official NY DMV website, as forms and procedures are updated periodically. If you operate a driving school in New York, bookmark this guide and the direct PDF link for quick reference.
Need help with other DMV driving school forms (MV-278.8CDS, MV-277, etc.)? Comment below or visit the official NY DMV Driver Training section. Safe driving starts with proper documentation!