By Lymi

New York DMV Written Test: Rules of the Road

New York DMV practice test: rules-of-the-road questions from the current New York State Driver's Manual, with the numbers the permit test asks about, junior license rules and the 2026 point values.

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  • DMV written test
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New York DMV written test: the format, every deck and its source

  • Permits, junior licenses and the test

    What vision do you need to pass the New York DMV vision test?

    20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses

  • Turns, U-turns and signals

    How far must other drivers be able to see you for a legal U-turn?

    500 feet in either direction

  • Parking

    Name two places you can never park, stop or stand in New York.

    On a bridge or in a tunnel; on railroad tracks; in a crosswalk; double-parked

  • Night driving, weather and emergencies

    When are deer collisions most likely in New York?

    October to December, at dawn and dusk

  • Points, crashes and insurance

    When must you report a crash to the New York DMV?

    Within 10 days if anyone was hurt or killed, or damage to one person's property is $1,000 or more

What’s inside

See all 190 cards

Every section is open, so any card can come up in review.

  1. Section 1: Permits, junior licenses and the test

    20 cards

  2. Section 2: Traffic lights and pavement markings

    19 cards

  3. Section 3: Right-of-way and emergency vehicles

    16 cards

  4. Section 4: Turns, U-turns and signals

    13 cards

  5. Section 5: Passing

    9 cards

  6. Section 6: School buses

    7 cards

  7. Section 7: Speed and following distance

    9 cards

  8. Section 8: Parking

    13 cards

  9. Section 9: Sharing the road

    15 cards

  10. Section 10: Railroad crossings

    5 cards

  11. Section 11: Night driving, weather and emergencies

    23 cards

  12. Section 12: Seat belts, phones and vehicle condition

    10 cards

  13. Section 13: Alcohol, drugs and penalties

    16 cards

  14. Section 14: Points, crashes and insurance

    15 cards
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All 190 cards

In the order you learn them, one section at a time.

1Permits, junior licenses and the test20 cards

How many correct answers do you need on the 20-question New York permit test?
14 of 20, with at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions right
What vision do you need to pass the New York DMV vision test?
20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses
What is the minimum age for a New York junior license (Class DJ)?
16
What is the minimum age for a New York senior license (Class D)?
18, or 17 with a driver education certificate
Who can supervise a New York learner permit holder?
A licensed driver aged 21 or older, sitting in the front seat
How many hours of supervised practice does a New York junior driver need before the road test?
At least 50, including 15 after sunset
How long must a New York junior permit be held before the road test?
At least 6 months
How long is the pre-licensing course required before a New York road test?
5 hours
How many passengers under 21 may a New York junior driver carry?
One, unless they are immediate family
Who may sit in the front seat with a New York junior permit holder?
Only the supervising driver
When can a junior permit holder practice in New York City?
5 a.m. to 9 p.m. only, with a parent, guardian or instructor, in a car with dual brakes
Can a junior license holder drive in New York City?
No, at no time
When can a junior license holder drive alone upstate?
Between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Where may a junior license holder on Long Island drive alone between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.?
Only directly between home and work-study, college classes, driver ed or farm work
Name two places a New York learner permit holder may never drive.
Streets in New York City parks, and Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority bridges and tunnels
What happens to a junior permit or license after a serious violation or two other violations?
60-day suspension
What happens to a junior or probationary license after a texting or cell phone conviction?
120-day suspension
How long is the probation period for a new New York driver who is 18 or older?
6 months
How soon must you tell the New York DMV about a new address?
Within 10 days
How soon must a new New York resident get a New York license?
Within 30 days

2Traffic lights and pavement markings19 cards

Can you turn right on red in New York City?
No, unless a sign allows it
Outside New York City, can you turn right on a steady red light?
Yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign forbids it
When may you turn left on a red light in New York?
From a one-way road into another one-way road
Can you turn on a red arrow in New York?
No
What does a flashing red light mean?
The same as a STOP sign
What does a steady yellow light mean?
The light is about to turn red; prepare to stop
What does a yellow arrow mean in New York?
The green arrow's protection is ending
What must you do if a traffic light is out of service?
Stop as for a STOP sign, then follow right-of-way rules
What does a steady red X over a lane mean?
Do not drive in this lane
What does a steady yellow X over a lane mean?
Move out of this lane
What does a flashing yellow X over a lane mean?
Use this lane only for a left turn
What does an edge line angling toward the center mean?
The road narrows ahead
You are on the solid side of a solid-and-broken center line. Can you pass?
No, you may cross only to turn left into a driveway
When may you cross double solid lines?
Only to turn left into or out of a driveway, or for a U-turn
What does a single solid lane line tell you?
Change lanes only if an obstruction or traffic makes it necessary
Where do you stop if there is a crosswalk but no stop line?
Before the crosswalk
What does a diamond painted in a lane mean?
A reserved lane, such as for buses, HOVs or bicycles
Whose directions override traffic lights, signs and markings?
A traffic officer's
How low can a posted work-zone speed limit be in New York?
25 mph

3Right-of-way and emergency vehicles16 cards

You have a green light, but a car is already turning left in the intersection. Who goes first?
The car already in the intersection
Two cars arrive from opposite directions; one goes straight, one turns left. Who yields?
The driver turning left
Two drivers at right angles reach an uncontrolled intersection or stop signs together. Who yields?
The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
What must you do when entering a road from a driveway or parking lot?
Stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians
Who has the right-of-way at a traffic circle or rotary?
Drivers already in the circle
Your light turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing in front of you. What do you do?
Wait until they have finished crossing
Can you enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side?
No
What lights do New York emergency vehicles use?
Flashing red, red and blue, or red and white
What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction?
Pull over to the right edge and stop until it passes
You hear a siren nearby but can't see the vehicle. What do you do?
Pull over to the right and stop until you know it isn't coming your way
What do blue lights on a private car mean in New York?
A volunteer firefighter responding to an alarm
What do green lights on a private car mean in New York?
A volunteer ambulance or rescue squad member
What does New York's Move Over Law require on a multilane highway?
Slow down, and on parkways and expressways move out of the lane next to a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle
When must you yield to a blind pedestrian?
Always, when they cross with a guide dog or white or metal cane
Can you honk when passing a horse on a New York road?
No, it is illegal
How must ATVs and snowmobiles cross a New York road?
Stop, yield, and cross at a 90-degree angle

4Turns, U-turns and signals13 cards

How far before a turn or lane change must you signal in New York?
At least 100 feet
How do you position your car for a right turn?
As far right as possible, turning into the right lane
Turning left from a one-way road into a one-way road, which lanes do you use?
From the left lane into the left lane
Turning left from a two-way road into a two-way road, where do you end up?
Just right of the center line of the new road
Turning left from a two-way road into a one-way road, which lane do you enter?
The left lane
While you wait to turn left, how should your wheels point?
Straight ahead
How do your rear wheels move in a turn?
They travel inside the path of the front wheels
How far must other drivers be able to see you for a legal U-turn?
500 feet in either direction
From which lane may you make a U-turn?
The left part of the lane nearest the center line
Where are U-turns always illegal in New York?
On limited-access expressways, in school zones, and in NYC business districts
When is a three-point turn used?
To turn around on a narrow two-way street
What is the hand signal for a stop?
Left arm extended and bent down at the elbow
What is the hand signal for a right turn?
Left arm extended and bent up at the elbow

5Passing9 cards

On which side do you normally pass in New York?
The left
How close may an oncoming vehicle get before you must be back in your lane after passing?
No closer than 200 feet
How close to a railroad crossing on a two-way road is passing forbidden?
Within 100 feet
After passing on the left, when may you return to the right lane?
When you can see the passed car's front bumper in your rear-view mirror
When may you pass on the right in New York?
When a car ahead is turning left, or on a road with two or more lanes your way
May you pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk?
No, never
What should you do when a car passes you on the left?
Slow slightly and stay centered in your lane
Many cars are passing you on the right. What should you do?
Move into the right lane
How much lane does a motorcycle get when you pass it?
A full lane, like any other vehicle

6School buses7 cards

What must you do when a stopped school bus flashes red lights in New York?
Stop from either direction, even on a divided highway
How far from a stopped school bus with red lights must you stop?
At least 20 feet
When may you move again after stopping for a school bus?
When the bus moves on or the driver or an officer waves you on
What do flashing yellow lights on a school bus mean?
The bus is about to stop; slow down and prepare to stop
What is the minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus in New York?
$250
How many points does passing a stopped school bus add in New York?
8
What does a school bus stop-arm camera ticket cost the owner for a first violation?
$250

7Speed and following distance9 cards

What is the speed limit in New York where no limit is posted?
55 mph
What is the default speed limit in New York City?
25 mph
What speed can New York post on some rural expressways?
65 mph
Can you get a ticket for driving at the speed limit in fog or on ice?
Yes, if the speed isn't reasonable for conditions
Why do some highways have minimum speed limits?
Driving too slowly blocks traffic and creates danger
What following distance does the New York manual recommend in good conditions?
At least 2 seconds
What happens to speeding fines in a New York work zone?
They double, even when no workers are present
What is the top speed roundabouts are designed for?
30 mph or less
A driver tailgates you. What should you do?
Change lanes or slow down and pull off to let them pass

8Parking13 cards

How close to the curb must your wheels be after parallel parking in New York?
No more than 1 foot
How much space do you leave beside the car ahead when you start to parallel park?
About 2 feet
How do you turn your wheels when parking on a hill in New York?
Toward the curb or side of the road
What does a NO PARKING sign let you do?
Stop briefly to load or unload goods or passengers
What does a NO STANDING sign let you do?
Stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers, without leaving the car
What does a NO STOPPING sign let you do?
Stop only to obey a signal, sign or officer, or to avoid a crash
How close to a fire hydrant may you park, stop or stand in New York?
No closer than 15 feet
How close to a crosswalk at an intersection may you park in New York?
No closer than 20 feet
How close to a traffic light, STOP sign or YIELD sign may you park?
No closer than 30 feet
How close to a fire station driveway may you park in New York?
20 feet on the same side, 75 feet on the opposite side
How close to a railroad crossing may you park in New York?
No closer than 50 feet
Name two places you can never park, stop or stand in New York.
On a bridge or in a tunnel; on railroad tracks; in a crosswalk; double-parked
When may you open your door on the traffic side of a parked car?
Only when it won't interfere with bicyclists or other traffic

9Sharing the road15 cards

Where should pedestrians walk when there is no sidewalk?
Facing traffic, as far from it as possible
Which New York bicyclists must wear a helmet?
Riders and passengers aged 1 to 13
Can an infant under 1 ride as a bicycle passenger in New York?
No, it is illegal
How many bicyclists may ride side by side in a lane?
Two at most
What lights must a bicycle have at night in New York?
A headlight visible from 500 feet and a red taillight visible from 300 feet
How many motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane?
Two
Why is a motorcycle's turn signal unreliable?
It often doesn't cancel itself after a turn
Which car-driver move causes many fatal motorcycle crashes?
Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
How big can the front blind spot of a long-hood truck be?
About 20 feet
After passing a truck, when may you pull back in front of it?
When you can see its whole front in your mirror
Why does a truck move left before turning right?
It needs room for a wide turn
What should you do when a truck is backing into a loading area?
Wait; never pass close behind it
Why leave space when stopped behind a truck on a hill?
It may roll back when it starts
What does a reflective orange triangle on a vehicle mean?
A slow-moving vehicle
Where may Class B and C mopeds ride?
In the right lane or on the shoulder, and not on expressways

10Railroad crossings5 cards

How far from the tracks must you stop when lights flash or gates come down?
At least 15 feet
Which vehicles must stop at every railroad crossing in New York?
School buses, buses with passengers, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammables
What should you do while crossing railroad tracks?
Stay in your lane and don't change gear
Your car stalls on the tracks. What is the first thing to do?
Get everyone out and away from the tracks
If a train is coming at a stalled car, which way do you run?
Toward the train, at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks

11Night driving, weather and emergencies23 cards

When does New York law require headlights?
From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, when visibility is under 1,000 feet, and whenever wipers are on
Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you use low beams in New York?
500 feet
Within what distance of a vehicle ahead must you use low beams in New York?
200 feet
About how far ahead do headlights light the road?
About 350 feet
An oncoming car's high beams blind you. Where should you look?
Toward the right edge of the road
An oncoming driver flashes their headlights at you at dusk. What does it mean?
Your vehicle is hard to see; turn on your headlights
Which beams should you use in fog, rain or falling snow?
Low beams
When may studded tires be used in New York?
October 16 to April 30
Your rear wheels skid to the left. Which way do you steer?
Left, in the direction the rear is sliding
How should you brake in a skid with ABS?
Keep steady pressure on the pedal
What do you do if your front wheels skid?
Take your foot off the gas, shift to neutral, and don't steer right away
What parts of the road freeze first?
Bridges, ramps and overpasses
When are deer collisions most likely in New York?
October to December, at dawn and dusk
What should you do if you miss your expressway exit?
Continue to the next exit
How should you enter an expressway from a very short ramp?
Stop and wait for a large gap, then accelerate quickly
How far before an expressway exit ramp should you signal?
At least 100 feet
A tire blows out. What should you do?
Hold the wheel tightly and ease off the gas; don't brake until you have control
Your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor. What do you try first?
Pump the brake pedal
Your gas pedal sticks. What do you do?
Shift to neutral and brake; don't turn off the ignition
Your wheels run off the pavement. What do you do?
Ease off the gas, brake gently, then steer back carefully
A car comes head-on in your lane. What do you do?
Slow down, pull right and sound your horn
Your car goes into water. How should you get out?
Unbuckle and escape through a window
How often should you stop on a long drive to fight fatigue?
Every 100 miles or 2 hours

12Seat belts, phones and vehicle condition10 cards

What is the fine for a New York driver who doesn't wear a seat belt?
Up to $50
What does a driver face when a passenger under 16 isn't buckled?
A $25–$100 fine and 3 points per violation
What must a child under 4 ride in?
A federally approved child safety seat
Until what age must a child ride rear-facing in New York?
2, or until the seat's height or weight limit
What must children aged 4 to 7 use in New York?
A booster seat or other approved child restraint
How far should your chest be from the airbag cover?
At least 10 inches
What happens for a first handheld phone offense in New York?
A $50–$200 fine and 5 points
What is the maximum fine for a third texting offense within 18 months?
$450
How often must a New York vehicle be inspected?
At least once a year
What is the minimum legal tire tread depth in New York?
2/32 of an inch

13Alcohol, drugs and penalties16 cards

What BAC counts as driving while ability impaired (DWAI) in New York?
More than 0.05 up to 0.07
What BAC counts as driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New York?
0.08 or higher
What BAC counts as aggravated DWI in New York?
0.18 or higher
What BAC triggers New York's Zero Tolerance Law for drivers under 21?
0.02 to 0.07
What is the penalty for a first DWI in New York?
$500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail, at least a 6-month revocation
How long must an ignition interlock stay installed after a New York DWI?
At least 12 months
What is Leandra's Law?
Drunk driving with a child under 16 in the car can be a felony
What happens if a New York driver 21 or older refuses a chemical test?
At least a 1-year revocation and a $500 civil penalty
How much does one standard drink raise a 150-pound man's BAC?
About 0.02
Which drinks hold about the same amount of alcohol?
1.5 oz liquor, 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, 12 oz wine cooler
What is the only way to lower your BAC?
Time
What is New York's Implied Consent law?
By driving in New York you have agreed to a chemical test
What is the fine for a first open-container offense in New York?
Up to $150
What happens to a driver under 21 convicted of any alcohol or drug driving violation?
At least a 1-year revocation
What yearly fee follows a DWI conviction or test refusal in New York?
A $250 Driver Responsibility Assessment for 3 years
How many lifetime alcohol or drug driving convictions lead to permanent license denial?
4

14Points, crashes and insurance15 cards

How many points in 24 months can suspend a New York license?
11
How many points for speeding 1–10 mph over the limit in New York?
3
How many points for speeding 31–40 mph over the limit?
8
How many points for a handheld phone or texting violation in New York?
5
How many points does an alcohol- or drug-related driving incident add in New York?
11
How many points can a Point and Insurance Reduction course take off?
Up to 4
Which speeding record gets your New York license revoked?
Three speeding or misdemeanor violations within 18 months
What happens if you drive without insurance in New York?
At least a 1-year revocation
What yearly fee applies after 6 points in 18 months in New York?
$100 a year for 3 years
When must you report a crash to the New York DMV?
Within 10 days if anyone was hurt or killed, or damage to one person's property is $1,000 or more
Is leaving the scene of a crash with only property damage legal?
No, it is a traffic violation
What information must you exchange after a crash?
Name, address, license number, registration and insurance details
Should you move an injured person after a crash?
No, unless fire or another danger threatens them
Do out-of-state traffic convictions add points to a New York record?
No, except convictions in Canada
What fine does a first offense of driving while suspended or revoked carry in New York?
$200 to $500, and up to 30 days in jail

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Permits, junior licenses and the test

What vision do you need to pass the New York DMV vision test?

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Published September 28, 2026