MV-279 Form – If you’re a driving school owner or operator in New York planning to offer the state-required pre-licensing course, the MV-279 form (officially titled “Request for Classroom Premises Check for Prelicensing Course”) is a mandatory first step. This free PDF from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) triggers an official inspection of your classroom facility to ensure it meets strict regulatory standards.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the MV-279 form is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, where to submit it, and what happens next—so you can get your classroom approved quickly and start offering pre-licensing classes legally.
What Is the MV-279 Form?
The MV-279 is an official NY DMV form titled “Request for Classroom Premises Check for Prelicensing Course.” It is used exclusively to request DMV approval of a physical classroom location before you can legally conduct the 5-hour pre-licensing course required for most new drivers in New York.
Key facts:
- Current version: MV-279 (3/18) – still the active form as listed on the official DMV website.
- One page only (page 1) is completed by the applicant; the back is for the DMV inspector.
- Direct official download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv279.pdf
This is not a vehicle safety inspection form or repair-shop document—those use entirely different forms. MV-279 is specifically for driver training school classrooms.
Who Needs to File the MV-279 Form?
You must submit the MV-279 if you are:
- A licensed commercial driving school wanting to add or change a pre-licensing classroom location.
- Opening a new driving school that plans to offer the pre-licensing course.
- A high school, college, or BOCES (rarely, but they use a related process).
Commercial driving schools must already hold a valid driving school license (or be in the process of obtaining one via form MV-521) before or alongside the MV-279 request.
Why Is the MV-279 Required? (Purpose & Legal Background)
New York regulations (Commissioner’s Regulations Part 7 and Part 76) state that no pre-licensing course may be conducted unless the classroom has been approved by the DMV and a qualified instructor is present. The MV-279 triggers the official premises inspection to verify compliance.
Without an approved classroom, you cannot issue valid MV-278 completion certificates, and your students cannot use the course toward their learner’s permit or license requirements.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the MV-279 Form?
Only page 1 needs to be completed and mailed. Do not write on the back.
- School/Organization Owner – Full name of the owner or authorized person.
- Main Office Address – Street, city, state, ZIP.
- Telephone Number and School License Number (if already licensed).
- Classroom Address – Full address (include building name and room number). If different from main office, note it clearly.
- Section A: Classroom – Check Yes/No for each of the 9 required criteria (accessible, minimum 150 sq. ft., clean, accessible toilet facilities, well-heated/ventilated, well-lit, good line of vision, no distractions, can be darkened for visuals).
- Section B: Equipment – Yes/No for chalkboard/flipcharts, TV/VCR, and “Other.”
- Section C – Exact classroom size in square feet.
- Section D – Number of students permitted (calculated at 15 sq. ft. per student, max 36).
- Section E – Number of pre-licensing courses offered weekly.
- Section F – Projected 2-month supply of MV-278 books (simple formula provided on form).
- Remarks – Any additional notes.
- Sign and date at the bottom.
Pro tip: Be honest with the Yes/No checkboxes and measurements. The DMV inspector will verify everything on-site. If disapproved, you must reapply with a new MV-279 once corrections are made.
Where and How to Submit the MV-279?
Mail only page 1 of the completed form to:
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Driver Training Programs
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 327
Albany, NY 12228
No online submission or email option exists for this form. Keep a copy for your records.
What Happens After You Submit the MV-279?
The DMV schedules an on-site premises check. An inspector will:
- Measure the room
- Verify all 9 classroom criteria
- Check equipment
- Complete the inspector checklist on page 2
You will receive written notification of APPROVED or DISAPPROVED. Only approved classrooms may be used for pre-licensing courses.
Official Classroom & Equipment Requirements (MV-279 Checklist)
To pass inspection, your classroom must meet these standards (quoted directly from the form and DMV guidelines):
- Minimum 150 square feet
- Clean, comfortable, and conducive to learning
- Easily accessible to students with disabilities
- Adequate heating, ventilation, and lighting
- Good line of vision from every seat
- No visual or audible distractions
- Able to be darkened for audiovisual materials
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Equipment: chalkboard or flipcharts (minimum 2 ft × 3 ft), TV/VCR or equivalent audiovisual equipment
Student capacity is strictly limited to 15 sq. ft. per student (maximum 36).
Download the Official MV-279 PDF
Direct link (always use the official source):
Download MV-279 Form PDF →
Never use third-party sites that may have outdated or altered versions.
Related Forms You’ll Also Need
- MV-521 – Application to Amend a Driving School License (if adding pre-licensing services)
- MV-278.6 – Authorized Signature List (Pre-licensing Course)
- MV-278 – Pre-licensing Course Completion Certificate (issued to students)
- MV-283 – For high schools/colleges/BOCES instructors
All are available free on the official NY DMV Forms & Publications page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the MV-279 form the same as a vehicle safety inspection?
A: No. It is strictly for classroom approval for pre-licensing courses.
Q: Can I submit the MV-279 before my driving school is fully licensed?
A: You can request it during the licensing process, but you must be licensed before actually teaching classes.
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Varies by DMV scheduling; plan several weeks for the inspection and response.
Q: What if my classroom is disapproved?
A: Fix the issues and submit a new MV-279. The form explicitly states you must reapply.
Ready to Get Your Classroom Approved?
The MV-279 form is your gateway to legally offering the New York pre-licensing course. Download it today, complete it accurately, and mail it to Albany to start the approval process.
Official download link again: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv279.pdf
For full instructions on becoming a driving school or pre-licensing provider, visit the official NY DMV page: Become a Classroom Pre-licensing Course Provider.
Stay compliant, keep your students safe on the road, and start offering classes with confidence. Questions about the MV-279? Contact the Bureau of Driver Training Programs directly through the DMV website.
Last updated information based on official NY DMV sources as of 2026. Always verify the latest form version on dmv.ny.gov.