New York Car / Permit Practice Test
20 questions · pass with 14 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
New York Car / Permit questions with answers
20 sample questions from the New York Car / Permit question bank — each with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the section of the official handbook it comes from.
1. While driving you see a white sign showing a right-turn arrow crossed out in red. What does it indicate?
Correct answer: You may not turn right at this location.
You may not turn right at this location. (This is the "No Right Turn" sign.)
2. Before you pull out of a driveway or parking lot onto a street, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic and pedestrians already using the road and sidewalk
Vehicles already on the roadway and pedestrians on the sidewalk have the right-of-way. Stop, look both ways, and wait for a clear gap before entering the street.
3. Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit on streets in New York City?
Correct answer: 25 mph
New York City's default speed limit is 25 mph unless signs post a different limit. The lower limit helps reduce the number and severity of crashes on busy city streets.
4. Outside New York City, how many passengers under age 21 who are not immediate family may a junior (Class DJ) license holder carry?
Correct answer: No more than one
To limit distractions for new drivers, a junior license holder may carry only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member. Junior-license rules are stricter in New York City and on Long Island.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Graduated License Law
5. A broken (dashed) white line separates two lanes of traffic. What does it tell you?
Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe to do so
A dashed white line separates lanes moving in the same direction and means you may change lanes when it is safe. A solid white line means you should stay in your lane.
6. When you park facing downhill next to a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?
Correct answer: Toward the curb
Facing downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb so the car rolls into the curb if the brakes slip. Facing uphill with a curb, turn them away from the curb. Always set the parking brake.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Parking, Stopping and Standing
7. How should you pass a bicyclist who is riding in your lane on a city street?
Correct answer: Slow down and pass leaving a safe distance, waiting if necessary
Bicyclists have the right to use the road and may need the full lane to avoid hazards like potholes or opening car doors. Slow down, wait for a safe gap, and pass leaving plenty of room.
8. When must you dim your high-beam headlights for other vehicles at night?
Correct answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following
Lower your high beams to avoid blinding others: within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle. Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow.
9. By driving on New York roads, you have already agreed to which of the following?
Correct answer: To take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked
New York's 'implied consent' law means that by driving here you have agreed to take a chemical test (such as breath or blood) if a police officer has valid reason to ask. Refusing leads to license revocation and a fine, separate from any DWI charge.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Alcohol and Other Drugs
10. You are driving at the posted speed limit, but it is raining hard and traffic is heavy. What does New York's basic speed rule require?
Correct answer: You must reduce your speed to what is safe for the conditions
The posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions. The basic speed rule requires you to drive at a speed that is reasonable and safe for the actual conditions, so slow down in rain, snow, fog, or heavy traffic.
11. 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
12. A white rectangular sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT' above a number is posted ahead. What does it mean?
Correct answer: The maximum legal speed in ideal conditions; slow down for weather, traffic, or road conditions.
The maximum legal speed in ideal conditions; slow down for weather, traffic, or road conditions. (This is the "Speed Limit" sign.)
13. You are turning left at an intersection with a green light (no green arrow). Who must you yield to?
Correct answer: Oncoming traffic and pedestrians
A green light (without a green arrow) lets you turn left only after yielding to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wait for a safe gap before turning.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Intersections and Turns
14. Under New York law, using a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving is:
Correct answer: Prohibited; adult drivers may use hands-free devices only
New York prohibits holding a phone to talk and prohibits texting while driving. Adult drivers may use hands-free equipment, but the safest choice is to put the phone away until you park.
15. When driving with a learner permit in New York, you must be supervised by:
Correct answer: A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
A learner-permit holder must have a licensed driver age 21 or older seated next to them (with limited exceptions such as a driver-education teacher). Permit and junior-license holders also face extra restrictions.
16. A steady (not flashing) yellow traffic light means:
Correct answer: The light is about to turn red — stop if you can do so safely
A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are already too close to stop, clear the intersection with care. Never speed up to beat the red.
17. After parallel parking next to a curb, how close to the curb should your tires be?
Correct answer: Within about 12 inches (one foot)
When you finish parallel parking, your tires should sit within about 12 inches of the curb. Parking farther out leaves your car sticking into the traffic lane, where it can be hit or block traffic.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Parking, Stopping and Standing
18. When driving near a large truck, why should you avoid staying alongside it or close behind it?
Correct answer: Large trucks have big blind spots and need much more room to stop
Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) on all sides where the driver cannot see you, and they need a much longer distance to stop. Pass promptly and avoid lingering beside or right behind them.
19. Under current New York law, which occupants must wear a seat belt?
Correct answer: Everyone in the vehicle, including passengers in the back seat
New York now requires every occupant to buckle up, including adult passengers in the back seat, not just those in front. Children must ride in an appropriate child-safety or booster seat.
20. Which statement about prescription and over-the-counter medicines is true for drivers in New York?
Correct answer: They can impair driving, and you can be charged for driving while impaired by them
Many medicines, including legal prescription and over-the-counter drugs, can cause drowsiness or slow your reactions. Driving while impaired by any drug is illegal in New York. Read labels and ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Alcohol and Other Drugs