MV-278FAQS Form – If you operate a commercial driving school, high school, BOCES, or college in New York and issue Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates (MV-278), the MV-278FAQS document is your essential resource. This official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) PDF answers every key question about ordering, fees, quantities, and compliance for these certificates.
The MV-278FAQS (revised December 2024) remains the current version as of 2026. It explains how providers obtain books of 50 certificates to give students after completing the DMV-approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (or equivalent driver education instruction). Without these certificates, most new drivers cannot schedule a road test.
What Is the MV-278 Pre-Licensing Certificate?
The MV-278 is the physical Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificate issued to students who finish:
- A DMV-approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (through a licensed driving school, secondary school, or college), or
- Sufficient classroom instruction in an approved Driver Education Program.
Students present the original MV-278 (not a copy) when scheduling and taking their road test at a DMV office. The certificate stays valid for one year from issuance.
Note: Some fully online pre-licensing courses may exempt students from presenting a physical certificate — always confirm with your provider and the DMV.
Why Does the NY DMV Publish the MV-278FAQS Document?
The MV-278FAQS PDF clarifies the fee structure, ordering process, and record-keeping rules that went into effect in 2009. It helps schools and driving schools stay compliant while ordering books of certificates from the Utica Processing Center.
Direct download: MV-278FAQS PDF (official NY DMV link).
Complete List of MV-278FAQS Questions & Answers (Straight from the Official PDF)
Here are the exact FAQs from the December 2024 revision:
Q1: Why does DMV charge a fee for Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates?
A: In April 2009, the New York Legislature passed a law (Part L of Chapter 59 of the Laws of 2009) effective July 6, 2009. DMV must charge $50 per book of 50 certificates ($1 per certificate) under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 502(4)(h).
Q2: How do I order Pre-Licensing Course Completion Certificates?
A: All providers must:
- Complete the correct order form (MV-278.8CDS for commercial driving schools; MV-278.8SSC for secondary schools/colleges).
- Submit class rosters (MV-278.5N) accounting for previously issued certificates.
- Mail the form + $50 per book payment to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Utica Processing Center
207 Genesee Street, Suite 6
Utica, NY 13501
DMV mails certificates only to the official business/school address on file (no P.O. boxes).
Q3: May I submit an order in person?
A: No — all orders must be mailed to the Utica Processing Center.
Q4: How many books can I order? How can I increase that amount?
A: You may order up to a two-month supply based on your class frequency and average students per class (shown on rosters). Example: 25 students/week = ~200 certificates in two months = 4 books.
Q5 & Q6: Order quantities for commercial driving schools vs. secondary schools/colleges
New driving schools receive guidance after a site inspection. Secondary schools/colleges start with one book and receive updated limits after the first order. Submit written justification for extra books if needed.
Q7: Are secondary schools and colleges able to request an invoice or submit a purchase order?
A: Yes — contact the Utica office for invoices or to process purchase orders.
Q8: Are secondary schools and colleges required to issue an MV-278 to every Driver Education student?
A: No. Instructors may issue one if the student completed the Pre-Licensing material, but it is optional under DMV regulations.
Q9: Who do I contact for additional information?
A: Call your local DMV Call Center or the Pre-Licensing Program at 1-518-486-9786 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
Who Needs the MV-278FAQS Form?
- Licensed commercial driving schools
- Public and private high schools / BOCES
- Colleges offering driver education or pre-licensing courses
Anyone ordering MV-278 books must follow these rules and submit accurate rosters.
How to Get the Latest MV-278FAQS and Related Forms?
- Visit the official NY DMV Forms page: dmv.ny.gov/forms-and-publications
- Download:
- MV-278FAQS (FAQs)
- MV-278.8CDS (Commercial Driving School order form)
- MV-278.8SSC (Secondary School/College order form)
- MV-278.5N (Roster and Control Sheets)
Allow 2–3 weeks for processing and delivery.
Pre-Licensing Course Requirements for Students (Quick Overview)
New York drivers (except those completing a full 48-hour Driver Education Program) must finish the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course before taking the road test. Find approved providers at dmv.ny.gov.
Pro tip: Book your course early — the MV-278 certificate is valid for only one year.
Why This Guide Matters in 2026?
The MV-278FAQS PDF keeps providers compliant with current New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Using outdated information can delay orders or cause compliance issues. Always download the latest version directly from dmv.ny.gov.
Download the official MV-278FAQS PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv278faqs.pdf
Need help with the pre-licensing course itself, road test scheduling, or finding a driving school? Check the official NY DMV Driver License section or contact your local DMV office.
Stay safe on the road — complete your training properly and use only official DMV documents.
Last updated: March 2026. All information sourced directly from the New York DMV website.