New York Car / Permit practice
New York Car / Permit: Handling Emergencies practice test
What to do when things go wrong — brake failure, tire blowouts, skids, and stalling on railroad tracks.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
10 questions · pass with 8 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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10 sample Handling Emergencies questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. A car is coming straight at you in your own lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow down, steer toward the right, and sound your horn
Moving left is the trap: the other driver may snap awake and swerve back into that lane, putting you head-on once more. Shed speed, steer toward the right edge of the road, and use the horn to alert them.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Driving Emergencies
2. Your steering suddenly stops responding. What is the correct response?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator, turn on your hazard lights, and stay off the brake at first
A balanced car will keep tracking straight, but a sudden change of speed can throw it out of control. Lift off the gas, warn others with your flashers, and leave the brake alone until the car has slowed; then brake very gently to a halt.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Vehicle Emergencies
3. The accelerator sticks down while you are driving. What should you avoid doing?
Correct answer: Turning off the ignition
Killing the ignition can cost you power steering or lock the steering column, leaving you unable to steer at all. Instead hook your toe under the pedal to free it, and if that fails select neutral, brake, and get off the road.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Vehicle Emergencies
4. If your brakes suddenly stop working, what should you try first?
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal, shift to a lower gear, and apply the parking brake gradually
Pumping the brake pedal may build up enough pressure to slow the car. If that fails, shift to a lower gear to use engine braking and apply the parking brake slowly and steadily. Steer toward a safe place to stop and warn others.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Vehicle Emergencies
5. An emergency vehicle is approaching with its siren on and lights flashing. What should you do?
Correct answer: Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes
Pull to the right, clear of any intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Never follow closely behind it or try to outrun it.
6. Your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder. What is the safest way to recover?
Correct answer: Lift off the gas, brake lightly, then ease back on once you have slowed
Snatching at the wheel can throw the car across the road or roll it over. Let the speed fall off gradually, check what is behind you, and steer smoothly back onto the surface once you are traveling slowly.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Driving Emergencies
7. New York's 'Move Over' law requires you to do what when you approach a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle displaying flashing lights?
Correct answer: Slow down and, on a multilane road, move over a lane when it is safe
The Move Over law protects police, fire, ambulance, tow, and maintenance crews stopped on the road. Slow down, use caution, and change lanes away from them when you can safely do so.
8. Your car stalls on a railroad crossing and a train is coming. What should you do?
Correct answer: Get everyone out and walk away from the tracks, then call for help
Never stay with a stalled car on the tracks. Get everyone out immediately and move well away from the crossing, walking toward the direction the train is coming from. Then call the emergency number posted at the crossing or 911.
9. A front tire suddenly blows out while you are driving. What is the best first response?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and let the car slow before pulling off
A blowout pulls the car toward the flat tire. Hold the steering wheel firmly, take your foot off the gas, and keep the car straight. Let it slow gradually, then steer gently onto the shoulder. Braking hard can cause a skid or rollover.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Vehicle Emergencies
10. Your car has run into deep water and is beginning to sink. What is the recommended escape?
Correct answer: Unbuckle and climb out through a window
Opening a door lets water pour in and the vehicle can turn over on top of you. Release the belt and go out through a window instead. If it sinks first, climb into the back, where an air pocket forms as the engine drags the front down, take a breath and leave through a window.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Driving Emergencies
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