[TechBro8615]

The article says it was a temporary drivers permit. This is what you get in the US while you're learning to drive but before you have a full license. It's usually just a piece of paper, and you can't drive alone in the car with it.

[LanceH]

It's what you walk out with from motor vehicles while they produce your actual learner's permit with photo on it. The learner's permit will look just like a driver's license, with some restriction codes on it most likely. It may possible have some glaring mark, but otherwise look and feel like a driver's license.

Most places you won't see a temporary permit like this as they'll have a machine on hand to make the license, but I suppose not every location has that available. It is only meant to last until your photo and information gets to wherever they print the cards and your card gets mailed to you (less than 2 weeks).

[TechBro8615]

Note this would vary by state and possibly even county (e.g. driving laws in Manhattan are different than in NY state). I have no idea what the NY state DMV / permit process is. But in my state it was a piece of paper with no photo ID.