I didn't mean to argue this with you as I agree with your advice including the drivers license information.. It probably is a good idea to change lic and reg and insurance info... (NYC might not even be more expensive than California, which is not generally know as low cost state) I stressed that MAY not need to change lic.and reg.

THis from is from NYU to their students regarding NY residency:
http://www.nyu.edu/osl/oiss/beyond/n...g/license.html

I also feel that while OP certainly qualifies as a student, wife also may be a student being in a residency program and changing documents to NY is not necessary. Insurance coverage is another question.

Real problem is that owning a car in Manhattan is very expensive and , not just from insurance standards and complicated if you do not have access to inexpensive parking. If expenses are an issue as indicated most likely giving up the car is the best advice. They might even enjoy Manhattan more without the stress of owning one. Alternate side in area of 70 and York is awful and tricky. Unless you have plenty of time to sit around waiting which i doubt a resident and op will have, just a few tickets and risk of towing will make the debate moot.

The only issue seems to be OP's flight training and how to get to it without great expense and time, here I agree that he should look into alternative airports.