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New York DMV Test Questions and Answers

These are the questions about New York's own rules: permit, license, fines, speed and parking. Signs and rules shared by all states are on separate pages.

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Alcohol and drugs

  1. In New York, a driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated starting at what blood alcohol content (BAC)?

    1. 0.04%
    2. 0.05%
    3. 0.08%
    4. 0.10%

    Answer: C. New York: 0.08% BAC or higher is the legal limit for drivers 21 and older.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 9Driving with a BAC of .08 is a separate offense

  2. In New York, a driver under 21 violates the law starting at what BAC?

    1. 0.00% (any alcohol)
    2. 0.02%
    3. 0.04%
    4. 0.05%

    Answer: B. New York: for drivers under 21 the limit is 0.02%.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 9it is a violation for a person under 21 to drive with any BAC that can be measured (.02 to .07)

  3. In New York, by driving on public roads you have agreed to:

    1. Carry a spare tire
    2. Take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked
    3. Let police search your phone
    4. Pay all tolls in cash

    Answer: B. New York has an implied consent law: refusing a lawful chemical test leads to license suspension.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 9when you drive a car in this state you are considered to have already given your consent

  4. In New York, a BAC of more than what level is legal evidence of impaired driving (DWAI)?

    1. .02%
    2. .05%
    3. .10%
    4. .18%

    Answer: B. More than .05% BAC is evidence of impairment (DWAI); .08% is DWI; .18% is aggravated DWI.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 9A BAC of more than .05 percent is legal evidence that you are impaired

  5. In New York, aggravated DWI (Agg-DWI) starts at a BAC of:

    1. .08%
    2. .10%
    3. .15%
    4. .18%

    Answer: D. A BAC of .18% or more is aggravated DWI, with a minimum one-year revocation.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 9a BAC of .18 percent or more is evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated

  6. In New York, after a DWI or a chemical test refusal, the Driver Responsibility Assessment is:

    1. $100 once
    2. $250 once
    3. $250 a year for 3 years
    4. $1,000 a year for 5 years

    Answer: C. DWI, DWAI or a refusal adds a $250 assessment each year for three years.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2you will be required to pay a driver responsibility assessment of $250 each year for the next three years.

Crashes and emergencies

  1. In New York, a required crash report must be filed within:

    1. 7 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 15 days
    4. 20 days

    Answer: B. New York: file the crash report within 10 days.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 12You must file a report with DMV within 10 days of the event.

  2. In New York, what is the property-damage amount that makes a crash reportable to the state?

    1. $750
    2. $1,000
    3. $1,500
    4. $2,000

    Answer: B. New York: report crashes with injury or death, or with $1,000 or more in damage to the property of any one person.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 12$1000 or more in damage to the property of any one person.

License rules

  1. How many questions are on the New York written permit test, and how many must you answer correctly?

    1. 18 questions, 15 correct
    2. 20 questions, 14 correct
    3. 25 questions, 20 correct
    4. 25 questions, 22 correct

    Answer: B. New York: 20 questions; you need 14 correct to pass.

    Source: https://dmv-ready.org/dmv-permit-test-languages-by-state/

  2. In New York, a teen must hold a learner's permit for at least how long before taking the road test?

    1. 3 months
    2. 6 months
    3. 9 months
    4. 12 months

    Answer: B. New York: hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2The permit must be held at least six months before a road test can be scheduled.

  3. In New York, what point total can lead to license suspension?

    1. 8 points in 36 months
    2. 10 points in 12 months
    3. 11 points in 24 months
    4. 12 points in 36 months

    Answer: C. New York: 11 points in 24 months can lead to suspension.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2If you get 11 or more points within 24 months, you will be notified by mail that your driver license will be suspended.

  4. In New York, 6 points within 18 months triggers a Driver Responsibility Assessment of:

    1. $100 a year for 3 years
    2. $25 once
    3. $500 once
    4. $300 a year for 5 years

    Answer: A. Six points in 18 months: $100 a year for 3 years, plus $25 per extra point per year.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2Six points in any 18-month period: $100 per year for three years.

  5. In New York, how many points are added for using a hand-held phone or electronic device while driving?

    1. 3
    2. 5
    3. 8
    4. 11

    Answer: B. Using a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving adds 5 points.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2Using a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving: 5

  6. In New York, speeding 11 to 20 mph over the limit adds how many points?

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 6

    Answer: C. 1–10 mph over: 3 points; 11–20: 4; 21–30: 6; 31–40: 8; over 40: 11.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2Speeding 11–20 mph over: 4

  7. In New York, a junior or probationary driver convicted of texting or using a hand-held phone faces:

    1. A 120-day suspension
    2. A warning only
    3. A $25 fine only
    4. A 10-day suspension

    Answer: A. Junior and probationary drivers get a 120-day suspension for a first texting or phone conviction.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2Suspension for 120 days after a texting or cell phone violation.

  8. In New York, driving a vehicle without insurance leads to a license revocation of at least:

    1. 3 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 5 years
    4. Life

    Answer: B. Driving or allowing someone to drive an uninsured vehicle means a revocation of at least one year and a $750 civil penalty.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 2Revocation for at least one year if you operate, or allow someone to operate, an uninsured vehicle

Parking

  1. In New York, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 30 feet

    Answer: B. New York: do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection.

  2. In New York, you may not park within how many feet of a fire station driveway (on the same side of the street)?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: C. New York: do not park within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway

  3. In New York, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: B. New York: do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle

  4. In New York, you may not park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?

    1. 40 feet
    2. 50 feet
    3. 75 feet
    4. 100 feet

    Answer: B. New York: do not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7Within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.

  5. In New York, you may not park within how many feet of a STOP sign?

    1. 25 feet
    2. 30 feet
    3. 40 feet
    4. 50 feet

    Answer: B. New York: do not park within 30 feet of a STOP sign.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP sign, or YIELD sign.

  6. In New York, a NO PARKING sign means you may:

    1. Not stop for any reason
    2. Stop temporarily to load or unload merchandise or passengers
    3. Park for up to 15 minutes
    4. Stop only to obey a traffic signal

    Answer: B. NO PARKING: temporary stops to load or unload merchandise or passengers are allowed.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7A NO PARKING sign means you can make a temporary stop to load or discharge merchandise or passengers.

  7. In New York, a NO STANDING sign means you may:

    1. Park if you stay in the car
    2. Load and unload merchandise
    3. Stop briefly only to pick up or drop off passengers
    4. Never stop, even in traffic

    Answer: C. NO STANDING: a brief stop only to pick up or drop off passengers; merchandise loading is not allowed.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7NO STANDING: You may make a temporary stop only to load or discharge passengers, and the driver may not leave the vehicle.

  8. In New York, a NO STOPPING sign means you may stop:

    1. Only to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer, or to avoid conflict with other vehicles
    2. To drop off a passenger
    3. To load merchandise
    4. For up to 3 minutes

    Answer: A. NO STOPPING: stop only to obey a sign, signal or officer, or to avoid other vehicles.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 7you can stop only to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer

Rules of the road

  1. In New York, how far should a driver sit from the steering-wheel airbag cover?

    1. 6 inches
    2. 10 inches
    3. 12 inches
    4. 18 inches

    Answer: B. New York: sit at least 10 inches from the airbag cover (center of the wheel to your breastbone).

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8You should sit with at least 10 inches between the center of your chest and the cover of the air bag.

  2. In New York, children must ride in a child safety seat (car seat) until at least what age?

    1. 4 years old
    2. 5 years old
    3. 6 years old
    4. 7 years old

    Answer: A. New York: children ride in a car seat until at least 4 years old.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8A child under the age of four (4) must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat

  3. In New York, the recommended minimum following distance in good conditions is at least:

    1. 1 second
    2. 2 seconds
    3. 3 seconds
    4. 4 seconds

    Answer: B. New York: keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; add more in bad weather.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8the two-second rule

  4. In New York, from what time in the evening must your headlights be on?

    1. At sunset
    2. 15 minutes after sunset
    3. 30 minutes after sunset
    4. 60 minutes after sunset

    Answer: C. New York: headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10from one-half hour after the sun sets to one-half hour before the sun rises.

  5. In New York, you must turn on your headlights whenever you cannot clearly see people or vehicles within:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: C. New York: headlights are required when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10Headlights are also required when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (300 m)

  6. In New York, when must you turn on your headlights during the day?

    1. Never during the day
    2. Only in tunnels
    3. When you use your windshield wipers because of weather
    4. Only on interstates

    Answer: C. New York: headlights must be on when your wipers are in use because of rain, snow or other weather.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10when you use your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow or sleet.

  7. In New York, when may you turn left on a steady red light?

    1. Never
    2. From a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop
    3. At any intersection after stopping
    4. Only if a police officer is present

    Answer: B. New York: a left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after stopping and yielding, unless prohibited.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 4Left turn on steady red: permitted only from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after a full stop and yielding.

  8. In New York, you must use low beams when you are following another vehicle within:

    1. 150 feet
    2. 200 feet
    3. 300 feet
    4. 350 feet

    Answer: B. New York: use low beams within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you.

  9. In New York, you must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: B. New York: switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle

  10. In New York, you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a multi-lane road. You must:

    1. Keep your speed and lane
    2. Move out of the lane next to it if safe, or slow down
    3. Stop behind it
    4. Honk to warn the workers

    Answer: B. New York Move Over law: change lanes away from the stopped vehicle when safe; if you cannot, slow down.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5Drivers must reduce speed on all roads when encountering such vehicles

  11. In New York, you may not pass another vehicle within how many feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 75 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 150 feet

    Answer: C. New York: do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 6You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.

  12. In New York, may an adult driver hold a cell phone to talk while driving?

    1. Yes, if traffic is light
    2. Yes, at red lights only
    3. No, only hands-free use is allowed
    4. Yes, outside cities

    Answer: C. New York: drivers may not hold a phone while driving; use a hands-free device.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8it is a traffic infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-held mobile telephone while driving.

  13. In New York, when you must stop at a railroad crossing, stop no closer to the nearest rail than:

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: B. New York: stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.

  14. In New York, a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the other side of a divided highway. You:

    1. Must stop
    2. Do not have to stop
    3. Must stop only if children are crossing
    4. Must sound your horn and pass

    Answer: A. New York: you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights even on the opposite side of a divided highway.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 6The rule applies on all New York roadways, including when the bus is across a divided highway.

  15. In New York, when a school bus stops with red lights flashing, you must stop at least how far from it?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: C. New York: stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 6Stop at least 20 feet (6 m) from the bus.

  16. In New York, you must signal at least how far before you turn or change lanes?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 75 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 150 feet

    Answer: C. New York: signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.

  17. In New York, a U-turn is not allowed if you cannot see approaching traffic for at least:

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. New York: do not make a U-turn unless you can see approaching traffic 500 feet away.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5500 feet (150 m) away in either direction.

  18. In New York, what happens to traffic fines for speeding in a highway work zone?

    1. They are cancelled
    2. They can be doubled
    3. They are the same as anywhere else
    4. They are paid by the construction company

    Answer: B. New York: fines for speeding in work zones can be doubled.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8ticket fines double, even when the workers or work vehicles are not there.

  19. In New York City, turning right on a red light is:

    1. Allowed after a full stop
    2. Allowed only at night
    3. Not allowed unless a sign permits it
    4. Allowed if no pedestrians are present

    Answer: C. Outside NYC a right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it. Inside NYC it is forbidden unless a sign allows it.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 4You are not allowed to turn on a red light in New York City unless a sign that permits it is posted.

  20. Where is a U-turn illegal in New York?

    1. In New York City business districts
    2. On any two-way street
    3. Anywhere with a green arrow
    4. On all residential streets

    Answer: A. U-turns are illegal in NYC business districts, on limited-access expressways, in school zones, where NO U-TURN is posted, and where you cannot see 500 feet both ways.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5U-turns are also illegal in business districts of New York City

  21. In New York, a U-turn is never allowed:

    1. On a two-way road with a broken center line
    2. In a parking lot
    3. On a residential street
    4. In a school zone

    Answer: D. U-turns are prohibited in school zones and on limited-access expressways.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5it is prohibited for a vehicle to make a U-turn in a school zone.

  22. In New York, a flashing yellow X over a lane means:

    1. Move out of this lane
    2. Do not drive in this lane
    3. The lane may be used only for left turns
    4. The lane is open

    Answer: C. Flashing yellow X: left turns only. Steady red X: do not drive in the lane. Steady yellow X: move out of the lane.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 4This lane can only be used for a left turn.

  23. In New York, a steady red X over a lane means:

    1. Slow down
    2. Do not drive in this lane
    3. Left turns only
    4. The lane is for buses

    Answer: B. A steady red X means you may not drive in that lane.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 4Do not drive in this lane.

  24. In New York, a private car showing a flashing blue light is most likely driven by:

    1. A police officer
    2. A tow truck driver
    3. A school bus driver
    4. A volunteer firefighter

    Answer: D. Volunteer firefighters may show blue lights and volunteer ambulance members green; they are not emergency vehicles, so yielding is a courtesy.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 5volunteer fire fighters responding to alarms are allowed to display blue lights

  25. In New York, lanes marked with a diamond symbol are reserved for:

    1. Buses, car-pools and other high-occupancy or special vehicles
    2. Trucks only
    3. Emergency vehicles only
    4. Motorcycles only

    Answer: A. Diamond lanes are for buses, HOVs (car-pools, van-pools), bicycles or other special vehicles during posted times.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 4non-HOV can enter the HOV lane if they make a right turn at the next intersection.

  26. In New York, tires with metal studs may be used only:

    1. All year
    2. From December 1 to March 1
    3. From October 16 to April 30
    4. Only on expressways

    Answer: C. Studded tires are allowed only from October 16 through April 30.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10from October 16 through April 30.

  27. In New York, most deer-vehicle crashes happen in which months?

    1. May, June, July
    2. October, November, December
    3. January, February, March
    4. July and August

    Answer: B. Two-thirds happen in October–December; deer are most active at dawn and dusk.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 10Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during the months of October, November and December.

  28. In New York, the fine for a driver not wearing a seat belt can be up to:

    1. $10
    2. $25
    3. $50
    4. $500

    Answer: C. Up to $50 for an unbelted driver; for each unbelted passenger under 16, $25–$100 and 3 points for the driver.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8The driver can face a fine of up to $50 if they fail to buckle up.

  29. In New York, the minimum fine for a first conviction of passing a stopped school bus is:

    1. $50
    2. $250
    3. $1,000
    4. $5,000

    Answer: B. First violation: at least $250; three violations in three years can bring fines up to $1,000 and revocation.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 6Fines for passing a stopped school bus: minimum $250 for a first violation

Sharing the road

  1. In New York, when you approach or pass a horse and rider, you must not:

    1. Slow down
    2. Leave extra space
    3. Pass at a safe distance
    4. Sound your horn

    Answer: D. It is illegal to sound your horn when you approach or pass a horse.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 11It is illegal to sound your horn when you approach or pass a horse.

  2. In New York, bicycle helmets are required for riders and passengers of what ages?

    1. 1 to 13
    2. Under 18
    3. Under 21
    4. Everyone

    Answer: A. Helmets are required for bicycle riders and passengers ages 1 through 13.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 11Helmets: required for riders and passengers ages 1 to 13.

Speed

  1. In New York, unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed on highways outside cities is:

    1. 50 mph
    2. 55 mph
    3. 60 mph
    4. 65 mph

    Answer: B. New York: 55 mph on highways unless posted otherwise.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8If no limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph (88 km/h).

  2. Unless another limit is posted, the speed limit in New York City is:

    1. 20 mph
    2. 25 mph
    3. 30 mph
    4. 35 mph

    Answer: B. NYC's default limit is 25 mph; the statewide default is 55 mph.

    Source: NY Driver's Manual, ch. 8the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h) in New York City unless another limit is posted.

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