MV-278.8SSC Form – If you operate a secondary school, high school, college, or BOCES program in New York State that offers driver education or the 5-hour pre-licensing course, you need the MV-278.8SSC form to order official Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates (MV-278). This official New York DMV form allows approved educational institutions to purchase books of 50 certificates at a time for students who complete the required course and become eligible to schedule a road test.
The form is completely free to download from the official NY DMV website and was last revised in December 2024 (MV-278.8SSC (12/24)). Below is everything you need to know—step-by-step instructions, eligibility requirements, submission details, and the direct PDF download link.
What Is the MV-278.8SSC Form?
The MV-278.8SSC is officially titled “Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate Order Form for Secondary Schools and Colleges.” It is the exclusive order form used by public and private secondary schools, colleges, and BOCES (not commercial driving schools) to request books of MV-278 certificates from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Each book contains 50 certificates and costs $50 (exactly $1 per certificate, as required by New York Vehicle and Traffic Law). Schools must account for every previously issued certificate using class rosters before ordering more.
Who Must Use MV-278.8SSC?
- High schools and secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
- BOCES programs offering driver education or the DMV-approved 5-hour pre-licensing course
Important: Only schools that have already submitted the MV-278.7 Authorization and Approval for Pre-Licensing Course form (and have instructor certificates MV-283AB on file) may use MV-278.8SSC. New customers are typically limited to one book on their first order.
Commercial driving schools use the separate MV-278.8CDS form instead.
Why Schools Need MV-278 Certificates?
The MV-278 Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate is mandatory for most new drivers under 18 (and many adults) in New York before they can take the road test. Schools and colleges issue these certificates after students complete:
- The DMV-approved 5-hour pre-licensing classroom course, or
- Sufficient classroom hours through an approved Driver Education Program
Without a valid MV-278, students cannot schedule a road test at any NY DMV office.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit MV-278.8SSC?
- Download the official PDF (link below).
- Print clearly in blue or black ink.
- Fill in:
- School name, complete mailing address (no P.O. boxes), phone, email
- Authorized signer (must be listed on your MV-278.7 approval form)
- Type of program offered (Driver Education, Pre-licensing, or both)
- If offering the pre-licensing course: how often classes run and average students per class
- Order section: Enter the number of books needed × $50 each. Payment must be in full.
- Attach:
- Completed class rosters (Form MV-278.5N) showing every certificate issued since your last order
- Check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” (no cash, no starter checks)
- Mail everything to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Pre-Licensing Program
207 Genesee Street, Suite 6
Utica, NY 13501
Processing time: Allow 2–3 weeks for delivery. Orders cannot be submitted in person or by email.
Common Reasons Orders Are Rejected (and How to Avoid Them)?
- MV-278.7 authorization not on file
- Signer not listed on approval form
- Missing or incomplete class rosters
- Incorrect payment amount or form of payment
- Ordering more books than justified by class size/history
- School in “bad check” status
A $35 fee is charged for any dishonored check.
Direct Download: MV-278.8SSC PDF
Official MV-278.8SSC Form (Pre-Licensing Certificate Order for Schools)
Download here → https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv2788ssc.pdf
Always use the link above or the official NY DMV Forms page to ensure you have the most current version (revised 12/24).
Related Forms You May Need
- MV-278.7 – Authorization and Approval for Pre-Licensing Course (required before first order)
- MV-278.5N – Roster and Control Sheets (must accompany every order)
- MV-278 – The actual certificates you will receive
- MV-283AB – Driver Education Instructor Certificates
All forms are available on the official NY DMV Driver Training Forms page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I order online?
No. Orders must be mailed with payment and rosters.
How many books can I order?
New schools: usually 1 book. Returning schools: quantity is based on your submitted rosters and class frequency.
Do I need separate approval from NYSED?
Yes. Driver education programs must also be approved by the New York State Education Department.
What if I lose certificates?
You must account for every certificate on rosters. Lost or unused certificates still require proper documentation.
Need Help?
Contact the NY DMV Pre-Licensing Program at the Utica address above or call the DMV Call Center:
1-518-486-9786 or 1-800-698-2931 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm).
For the most up-to-date instructions, always refer to the official NY DMV page:
Order Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificates (MV-278)
Save this guide and bookmark the official PDF link so your school can quickly order MV-278 certificates whenever your next driver education or pre-licensing class begins. Safe driving starts with proper documentation—start with the MV-278.8SSC today!