🚗 NY Driving Test Prep

NY Driver's Permit Test Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with 50 practice questions. The questions cover road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, alcohol and drug laws, and safe driving. Try to answer all 50, then check your answers.

Official study material: https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-practice-tests

Practice questions only — study the official NY DMV manual. This is study help, not legal advice.

Questions 1–10: Road Signs

1. 1. What does a red octagon (8-sided) sign mean?

   1. Stop — come to a full stop
   2. Slow down and yield
   3. Do not enter
   4. Speed limit sign

   Correct answer: a. A red octagon always means STOP. You must stop completely and look before you go.

2. 2. What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign mean?

   1. Stop sign ahead
   2. Warning — danger or change ahead
   3. No passing zone
   4. Hospital or services nearby

   Correct answer: b. Yellow diamond signs warn you. They tell you about curves, intersections, animals, or other danger ahead.

3. 3. What does a red and white triangular sign mean?

   1. Stop
   2. Yield — give the right-of-way to other traffic
   3. Wrong way
   4. School zone

   Correct answer: b. The triangle sign means YIELD. Slow down and let other cars or people go first.

4. 4. What does an orange sign mean?

   1. Road work or construction ahead
   2. Railroad crossing
   3. Hospital zone
   4. School zone

   Correct answer: a. Orange signs warn about construction or road work. Slow down and watch for workers.

5. 5. What does a green sign with white letters mean?

   1. Warning of danger
   2. Services like food and gas
   3. Direction and distance information
   4. Speed limit

   Correct answer: c. Green signs give guide information — directions, highway exits, and distances to places.

6. 6. What does a blue sign with a white "H" mean?

   1. Highway begins
   2. Hospital nearby
   3. Hotel nearby
   4. Help phone ahead

   Correct answer: b. Blue signs show services. A white "H" means a hospital is nearby.

7. 7. What does a yellow sign with a picture of a deer mean?

   1. A zoo is nearby
   2. Animals may cross the road ahead
   3. No hunting in this area
   4. A farm is nearby

   Correct answer: b. This yellow warning sign means deer or other animals may cross the road. Slow down and watch both sides.

8. 8. What does a sign that says "DO NOT ENTER" mean?

   1. The road is closed for construction
   2. You cannot go this way — traffic goes the other direction
   3. No parking allowed
   4. Dead end ahead

   Correct answer: b. DO NOT ENTER means you are going the wrong way, usually on a one-way street. Turn around or stop.

9. 9. What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign (pointed, on the left side of the road) mean?

   1. No parking zone
   2. School bus stop ahead
   3. No passing zone begins
   4. Merge ahead

   Correct answer: c. The yellow pennant marks the start of a no passing zone. Do not pass other cars there.

10. 10. What does a round sign with a black "X" and the letter "R" mean?

    1. Road closed ahead
    2. Rest area ahead
    3. Railroad crossing ahead
    4. Right turn only

    Correct answer: c. This advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop.

11. Questions 11–18: Right-of-Way Rules

12. 11. At a four-way stop, who goes first?

    1. The biggest vehicle
    2. The vehicle that arrived first
    3. The vehicle on the left
    4. The vehicle going straight always goes last

    Correct answer: b. At a four-way stop, the first car to stop goes first. If two cars stop at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

13. 12. You are turning left at an intersection. A car is coming straight toward you. Who has the right-of-way?

    1. You, because you signaled first
    2. The car going straight — you must yield
    3. You, because you are turning
    4. Whoever is faster

    Correct answer: b. When you turn left, you must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. Wait until the road is clear.

14. 13. A pedestrian is in a crosswalk. What must you do?

    1. Honk and drive around them
    2. Stop and let the pedestrian cross
    3. Drive slowly past them
    4. Wave them through only at night

    Correct answer: b. Pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right-of-way. Stop and wait until they finish crossing.

15. 14. You hear a siren and see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights behind you. What should you do?

    1. Speed up to stay ahead of it
    2. Stop in the middle of the road
    3. Pull to the right side of the road and stop
    4. Keep driving normally

    Correct answer: c. Move-over law: pull to the right and stop for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens.

16. 15. You are entering a highway from an on-ramp. Who has the right-of-way?

    1. You do — entering traffic goes first
    2. Traffic already on the highway — you must yield
    3. Trucks must yield to you
    4. Whoever signals first

    Correct answer: b. Cars entering the highway must yield to traffic already on the highway. Use the acceleration lane to match speed, then merge safely.

17. 16. At an intersection with no signs or signals, two cars arrive at the same time. Who goes first?

    1. The car on the left
    2. The car on the right
    3. The car that honks first
    4. The smaller car

    Correct answer: b. When two cars arrive at the same time at an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the car on your right.

18. 17. A school bus stops with its red lights flashing on your side of the road. What must you do?

    1. Pass slowly and carefully
    2. Stop at least 20 feet away and wait
    3. Honk to warn the children
    4. Pass only if no children are visible

    Correct answer: b. You must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights and stay stopped until the lights turn off.

19. 18. You are at a crosswalk and a blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is crossing. What must you do?

    1. Drive around them quickly
    2. Stop and give them the right-of-way
    3. Honk to let them know you are there
    4. Flash your headlights

    Correct answer: b. Blind pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Stop, stay stopped, and do not honk — it can confuse them.

20. Questions 19–25: Speed Limits

21. 19. What is the speed limit in New York City unless a sign says something different?

    1. 15 mph
    2. 30 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 35 mph

    Correct answer: c. In New York City the speed limit is 25 mph unless a sign shows a different limit.

22. 20. What is the speed limit in a school zone in New York?

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

    Correct answer: a. School zones have a 15 mph speed limit. Slow down to protect children.

23. 21. What is the maximum speed limit on most New York State highways unless posted?

    1. 45 mph
    2. 55 mph
    3. 65 mph
    4. 70 mph

    Correct answer: b. The maximum speed limit in New York State is 55 mph unless a sign shows a different number (some roads allow 65 mph).

24. 22. You are driving in heavy rain. The speed limit sign says 55 mph. What should you do?

    1. Keep driving 55 mph — the sign is the law
    2. Slow down below the limit because conditions are dangerous
    3. Drive faster to get through the rain quickly
    4. Turn on your high beams and keep your speed

    Correct answer: b. The speed limit is for good conditions only. In rain, snow, or fog, you must slow down to a safe speed.

25. 23. What happens to fines for speeding in a work (construction) zone in New York?

    1. Fines are the same as anywhere else
    2. Fines are lower in work zones
    3. Fines are doubled
    4. There are no fines in work zones

    Correct answer: c. Speeding fines are doubled in work zones to protect workers. Slow down and obey the posted work-zone speed limit.

26. 24. What is the lowest speed you should drive on a highway with a 55 mph limit?

    1. 25 mph
    2. 30 mph
    3. Do not drive so slowly that you block traffic — stay near the normal flow unless conditions require slower
    4. There is no rule about driving too slowly

    Correct answer: c. Driving much slower than traffic is dangerous. Some highways post a minimum speed. Keep up with the safe flow of traffic.

27. 25. You are on a road with no posted speed limit outside a city or town in New York. What is the limit?

    1. 35 mph
    2. 45 mph
    3. 55 mph
    4. 65 mph

    Correct answer: c. In New York, the state speed limit is 55 mph where no other limit is posted (except 25 mph in New York City).

28. Questions 26–32: Parking Rules

29. 26. How close can you park to a fire hydrant in New York?

    1. Within 5 feet
    2. Within 10 feet
    3. No closer than 15 feet
    4. Right next to it if the curb is not painted

    Correct answer: c. You cannot park, stop, or stand within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver stays in the car to move it in an emergency.

30. 27. How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park?

    1. 10 feet
    2. At least 20 feet
    3. 30 feet
    4. 50 feet

    Correct answer: b. You may not park or stand within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

31. 28. How far from a railroad crossing can you park your car?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 30 feet
    3. No closer than 50 feet
    4. 100 feet

    Correct answer: c. You cannot park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

32. 29. How far from a STOP sign, YIELD sign, or traffic light must you park?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. At least 30 feet
    4. 50 feet

    Correct answer: c. Do not park or stand within 30 feet of a traffic light, STOP sign, or YIELD sign.

33. 30. When you parallel park, how close to the curb must your wheels be?

    1. Within 2 feet of the curb
    2. Within 1 foot (12 inches) of the curb
    3. Touching the curb exactly
    4. It does not matter

    Correct answer: b. After parallel parking, your wheels must be no more than one foot (12 inches) from the curb.

34. 31. You park facing downhill on a hill with a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?

    1. Toward the curb
    2. Away from the curb
    3. Keep them straight
    4. It does not matter

    Correct answer: a. Facing downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb. If the car rolls, the curb will stop it. Also set the parking brake.

35. 32. You park facing uphill on a hill with a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?

    1. Toward the curb
    2. Away from the curb
    3. Keep them straight
    4. Turn them left no matter what

    Correct answer: b. Facing uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb. If the car rolls back, the curb will catch the wheel. Also set the parking brake.

36. Questions 33–40: Alcohol and Drug Laws

37. 33. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and older in New York?

    1. 0.05%
    2. 0.08%
    3. 0.10%
    4. 0.15%

    Correct answer: b. It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you are 21 or older.

38. 34. What is the BAC limit for drivers under age 21 in New York?

    1. 0.02% — the "zero tolerance" law
    2. 0.08%, the same as adults
    3. 0.05%
    4. There is no limit for drivers under 21

    Correct answer: a. New York has a zero tolerance law: drivers under 21 can lose their license with a BAC of just 0.02%.

39. 35. A police officer asks you to take a breath test for alcohol. You refuse. What can happen?

    1. Nothing — you have the right to refuse with no penalty
    2. Your license can be taken away (revoked) for refusing
    3. You only pay a small fine
    4. The officer must let you go home

    Correct answer: b. Under the implied consent law, refusing a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) leads to license revocation and a civil penalty.

40. 36. Can you get a DWI for driving under the influence of drugs (not alcohol)?

    1. No — DWI is only for alcohol
    2. Yes — driving impaired by drugs, including prescription drugs, is also illegal
    3. Only for illegal drugs, not prescription drugs
    4. Only if you cause a crash

    Correct answer: b. Driving while impaired by any drug — illegal drugs or prescription medicine that affects you — is against the law.

41. 37. How many points are added to your license for a DWI or DWAI conviction in New York?

    1. 3 points
    2. 6 points
    3. 11 points
    4. No points — only a fine

    Correct answer: c. A DWI or DWAI conviction adds 11 points to your driving record. Eleven points in 18 months can suspend your license.

42. 38. Is it legal to have an open bottle or can of alcohol in the car while driving?

    1. Yes, for passengers only
    2. No — open containers of alcohol are not allowed in the car
    3. Yes, as long as the driver is not drinking
    4. Yes, on highways only

    Correct answer: b. New York's open container law bans open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle. Keep them closed and out of reach.

43. 39. Your friend had several drinks and wants to drive home. What is the safest choice?

    1. Let them drive slowly on back roads
    2. Have them drink coffee and wait 20 minutes
    3. Take their keys and find a sober driver or another way home
    4. Let them drive with the windows open for fresh air

    Correct answer: c. Only time sobers a person up — coffee and fresh air do not help. A sober driver is the only safe choice.

44. 40. If you are convicted of DWI in New York, which of these penalties can you face?

    1. A warning letter only
    2. License suspension or revocation, fines, and possible jail time
    3. Just a higher insurance bill
    4. Community service only

    Correct answer: b. DWI is a serious crime. Penalties include losing your license, large fines, and possible jail time.

45. Questions 41–50: Defensive Driving and Sharing the Road

46. 41. What is the safe following distance behind the car in front of you in good weather?

    1. 1 second
    2. At least 2 seconds (the "two-second rule")
    3. 5 car lengths no matter the speed
    4. 10 seconds

    Correct answer: b. Keep at least 2 seconds between you and the car ahead. In rain, snow, or fog, leave even more space.

47. 42. When should you use your headlights?

    1. Only after 10 p.m.
    2. From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and when you cannot see clearly
    3. Only on highways
    4. Only when it is raining hard

    Correct answer: b. Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time visibility is poor.

48. 43. Is it legal to hold and use a handheld cell phone while driving in New York?

    1. Yes, at any time
    2. Yes, if you are stopped at a red light
    3. No — handheld phone use while driving is illegal
    4. Yes, for short calls only

    Correct answer: c. New York bans handheld cell phone use while driving. Use hands-free only, or pull over to a safe place to call or text.

49. 44. Who must wear a seat belt in New York?

    1. Only the driver
    2. Only front-seat passengers
    3. The driver and all passengers — seat belts are required
    4. Only children under 16

    Correct answer: c. New York law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts, in the front and back seats.

50. 45. You are driving next to a large truck. Where is the truck's biggest blind spot?

    1. Directly in front of the truck
    2. Behind and to the sides of the truck — the "no zones"
    3. Trucks have no blind spots because of big mirrors
    4. Only on the left side

    Correct answer: b. Trucks have large blind spots ("no zones") on the sides and directly behind. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

51. 46. When passing a bicycle on the road, what should you do?

    1. Honk to warn the cyclist
    2. Pass as close as possible to save time
    3. Slow down and give the bicycle plenty of space when you pass
    4. Speed up to pass quickly

    Correct answer: c. Bicycles have the same right to the road. Slow down, leave safe space, and pass only when it is safe.

52. 47. What should you do if your car starts to skid on ice or snow?

    1. Slam on the brakes hard
    2. Take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go
    3. Turn the steering wheel sharply the other way
    4. Put the car in neutral and close your eyes

    Correct answer: b. In a skid, ease off the gas, do not brake hard, and steer smoothly in the direction you want the car to go.

53. 48. When is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right?

    1. Never — passing on the right is always illegal
    2. When the vehicle ahead is turning left and the road has room to pass safely
    3. When you are in a hurry
    4. On any two-lane road

    Correct answer: b. You may pass on the right when the car ahead is making a left turn and there is enough safe space — but never drive off the road to do it.

54. 49. What does "defensive driving" mean?

    1. Driving as fast as traffic allows
    2. Watching for danger, expecting mistakes by other drivers, and being ready to react
    3. Always driving in the left lane
    4. Honking to warn other drivers

    Correct answer: b. Defensive driving means staying alert, looking ahead, keeping space around your car, and expecting the unexpected.

55. 50. If you accumulate 11 or more points on your New York license within 18 months, what happens?

    1. Nothing — points do not matter
    2. You pay a small fee and keep driving
    3. Your driver license may be suspended
    4. You must retake the permit test only

    Correct answer: c. In New York, 11 or more points in 18 months can lead to license suspension. Drive safely to keep your record clean.

Good luck on your permit test! Keep studying the official NY DMV manual at dmv.ny.gov.