Study list: New York DMV Permit Practice Test (Class D)

What do regulation signs normally look like?

Answer: White rectangles with black letters or symbols

Regulation signs are usually white rectangles (some use red or other shapes). Warning signs are yellow diamonds, destination signs are green and service signs are blue.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Signs

Which color and shape do warning signs normally have?

Answer: A yellow diamond with black lettering or symbols

Warning signs alert you to a hazard or special rule ahead and are normally yellow diamonds.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Signs

What color are destination signs that show the direction and distance to places?

Answer: Green with white letters

Green destination signs show direction and distance; blue service signs show rest areas, gas, camping and medical facilities.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Signs

A blue sign with white symbols tells you about:

Answer: Services such as rest areas, gas stations or medical facilities

Blue service signs show where services are located.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Signs

What color are work area signs?

Answer: Orange with black letters or symbols

Orange signs warn of people working on or beside the road. Posted limits there can drop to 25 mph, and flag persons must be obeyed.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Work Area Signs

How low can a posted work area speed limit be?

Answer: As low as 25 mph

Work area limits as low as 25 mph can be posted. Even with no posted limit you must slow down in a work zone.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Work Area Signs

At a STOP sign with no stop line or crosswalk, where must you stop?

Answer: Before entering the intersection, where you can see traffic on the cross road

Your stopping point is the painted stop line when there is one, otherwise the crosswalk; with neither, stop just short of the intersection where you can see cross traffic.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Regulation Signs

What must you do at a YIELD sign?

Answer: Slow down and stop if traffic conditions require it

Slow down, give way to any vehicle or pedestrian already in the intersection or about to enter it, and come to a full stop when needed.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Regulation Signs

A sign shows a symbol crossed out by a red ring and a diagonal bar. What does it mean?

Answer: The action shown is not allowed

The crossed-out symbol, for example a right-turn arrow, marks an action that is prohibited or vehicles that are not allowed on the road.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Other Regulation Signs

The traffic lights at an intersection are out of service. What does New York law require?

Answer: Treat it like a stop sign, then follow the right-of-way rules

If signals are out or not working correctly, stop as at a stop sign and continue according to right-of-way rules unless a traffic officer directs you.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

In New York City, is a right turn on red allowed?

Answer: Only where a sign permits it

Elsewhere in New York State you may turn right on red after a full stop unless prohibited, but in New York City turns on red are not allowed unless a sign permits them.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

Outside New York City, when may you make a left turn on a steady red light?

Answer: When both roads are one-way, after a full stop and yielding

Only when both roads are one-way may you turn left on red, after a full stop and yielding, and only if no sign or marking forbids it.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

What does a flashing red light mean?

Answer: The same as a STOP sign

Come to a complete stop, give way as required, and continue once it is safe.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

May you turn on red at a red arrow?

Answer: No; wait until the red arrow goes off and a green light or arrow comes on

Turning against a red arrow is never allowed, whether right or left.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

Answer: Drive with caution

A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution. A steady yellow means the light is about to turn red.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

What does a yellow arrow mean?

Answer: The protection of a green arrow is ending; be prepared to stop if turning that way

A yellow arrow warns that the protected turn is ending.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Lights

A steady red “X” is lit over a lane. What does it mean?

Answer: Do not drive in this lane

Over-the-lane lights: steady red X means do not drive in the lane, steady yellow X means move out, flashing yellow X means left turns only, and a green arrow means you may use the lane.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Lane Use Control Lights

What does a flashing yellow “X” over a lane mean?

Answer: The lane is for left turns only

A flashing yellow X reserves the lane for left turns.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Lane Use Control Lights

What does an edge line that angles toward the center of the road mean?

Answer: The road is narrower ahead

Edge lines mark where the travel lane ends; one that angles inward warns the road narrows. Driving across an edge line is illegal unless an officer or sign allows it.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Pavement Markings

What color are lines that separate traffic moving in opposite directions?

Answer: Yellow

White lines separate lanes going the same direction; yellow lines separate opposite directions.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Pavement Markings

There is a solid line and a broken line together, and the solid line is on your side. May you pass?

Answer: No, except to turn left into a driveway

With the solid line on your side you may not pass or cross except to turn left into a driveway; from the broken-line side you may pass when safe.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Pavement Markings

What do double solid lines between lanes mean?

Answer: You cannot pass or change lanes, except to turn left into or out of the road

Double solid lines prohibit passing and lane changes; crossing is allowed only for a left turn into or out of a driveway or similar entrance.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Pavement Markings

What does a diamond symbol painted in a lane indicate?

Answer: A reserved lane, such as for buses or high-occupancy vehicles

Diamond lanes are reserved for buses, HOVs, bicycles or other special vehicles when the posted conditions apply.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Pavement Markings

Your light is green, but a traffic officer signals you to stop. What must you do?

Answer: Stop: directions from traffic officers take precedence over signals

Officers, fire police, highway flag persons, school crossing persons and school bus drivers can direct traffic, and their directions override signs, signals and markings.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, Traffic Officers

You and an oncoming driver arrive at an intersection together. You are turning left and they are going straight. Who must yield?

Answer: You must yield to the oncoming driver

A driver turning left must yield to traffic going straight or turning right from the opposite direction.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Right-of-Way

Two drivers on crossing roads come to their STOP signs simultaneously. Who must yield?

Answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right

At uncontrolled intersections, or when drivers at right angles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Right-of-Way

You are leaving a parking lot onto a street. What must you do?

Answer: Stop, then give way to pedestrians and to traffic on the street

A vehicle entering a road from a driveway, private road or parking lot must stop and yield to road traffic and pedestrians.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Right-of-Way

Your light is green, but cars are stacked up beyond the intersection, so you could not clear it. What should you do?

Answer: Wait until you can get completely through before entering

Do not enter an intersection unless you can get all the way through; blocking it causes gridlock.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Right-of-Way

On a two-way road, an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from the other direction. What must you do?

Answer: Move to the right side of the road and stop

Emergency vehicles from any direction, oncoming ones included, require you to move right and stop. Clear an intersection first if you are in one.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Emergency Vehicles

On a multi-lane parkway, you approach a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle with lights flashing on the shoulder. What does the Move Over Law require?

Answer: Reduce speed and move out of the adjacent lane if it is safe

Slow down on every road; on multi-lane parkways, interstates and similar controlled-access highways, also change out of the neighboring lane when it is safe.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Move Over Law

A personal vehicle shows a flashing blue light. Who is likely driving it?

Answer: A volunteer firefighter responding to an alarm

Blue lights mark volunteer firefighters and green lights volunteer ambulance members. These are not authorized emergency vehicles, but you should yield as a courtesy when safe.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Blue, Green and Amber Lights

How far before a turn or lane change does New York law require you to signal?

Answer: At least 100 feet

Use your turn signals or arm signals 100 feet or more before the turn, ideally before braking.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, Turns

A U-turn is illegal at any spot where your car is not visible to other drivers from what distance?

Answer: 500 feet in either direction

U-turns are banned near hilltops, curves or anywhere you cannot be seen from 500 feet, in New York City business districts, on limited-access expressways and in school zones.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, U-Turns

Is a U-turn allowed in a school zone in New York?

Answer: No, it is prohibited

New York prohibits U-turns in school zones.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns, U-Turns

On a two-way road, you may not pass on the left within how many feet of a railroad crossing?

Answer: 100 feet

No passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, or of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct with an obstructed view, or before a curve or hilltop you cannot see past.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass, How to Pass on the Left

You must not pass if you cannot return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within how many feet?

Answer: 200 feet

Only pass when you can return safely before any oncoming vehicle is within 200 feet of you.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass, How to Pass on the Left

A vehicle ahead has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. May you pass it?

Answer: No, never

If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk for someone crossing, you may not pass it.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass

Another vehicle is passing you on the left. What should you do?

Answer: Slow down slightly and stay centered in your lane

Ease off slightly and keep your lane position; resume normal speed once the vehicle is safely ahead.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass, Being Passed

A stopped school bus is flashing its red lights. How far away should you stop?

Answer: At least 20 feet

Traffic from either direction must stop, ideally at least 20 feet from the bus, and wait until it moves or the driver or an officer signals you on.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass, School Buses

Across a divided highway, a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing. In New York, must you stop?

Answer: Yes, you must stop

New York requires drivers to stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights even across a divided highway, on every road in the state.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6: How to Pass, School Buses

After parallel parking, how far from the curb may your wheels be?

Answer: No more than one foot

Once parked, keep your wheels within a foot of the curb.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, How to Park

After parking on a hill, which way should you turn your wheels?

Answer: Toward the curb or roadside

Set the parking brake, shift into Park (first gear in a manual), and point the wheels at the curb or roadside so a rolling car would not enter traffic.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, How to Park on a Hill

What does a NO STANDING sign allow?

Answer: A brief stop to pick up or drop off passengers, with the driver staying in the vehicle

NO PARKING allows a temporary stop for merchandise or passengers; NO STANDING allows only a passenger stop with the driver staying in; NO STOPPING allows stopping only to obey traffic controls or avoid conflicts.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, Parking Regulations

How close to a fire hydrant may you park, stop or stand (unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle)?

Answer: No closer than 15 feet

Keep 15 feet from hydrants, unless a licensed driver stays in the car ready to move it in an emergency.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, Parking Regulations

Parking or standing is not allowed within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?

Answer: 20 feet

Keep 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection, 30 feet from a traffic light, STOP or YIELD sign, and 50 feet from a railroad crossing.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, Parking Regulations

What is the closest you may park or stand to a traffic signal, STOP sign or YIELD sign?

Answer: 30 feet

New York bans parking and standing closer than 30 feet to a STOP sign, a YIELD sign or a traffic light.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, Parking Regulations

How close to a railroad crossing may you park?

Answer: No closer than 50 feet

You cannot park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, Parking Regulations

If no speed limit is posted, what is the fastest you may drive in New York State?

Answer: 55 mph

With no posted limit the maximum is 55 mph, and you can be ticketed below the limit if your speed is not reasonable for conditions.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Speed

Unless another limit is posted, what is the speed limit in New York City?

Answer: 25 mph

Some cities have lower unposted limits; New York City’s is 25 mph unless signs say otherwise.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Speed

Which rule does the New York manual give for a safe following distance in normal conditions?

Answer: The two-second rule

Count two seconds after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object; increase to three or four seconds in bad weather or behind large trucks.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Allow Yourself Space

Who is responsible for making sure passengers under 16 are properly restrained?

Answer: The driver

The driver must ensure each passenger under 16 uses a seat belt or proper child restraint, and faces a $25 to $100 fine and three points per violation.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats and Air Bags

A child under the age of four must ride in:

Answer: A federally approved child safety seat

Children under 4 need a federally approved child safety seat, rear-facing until age 2 or the seat’s limit; ages 4 to 7 need a booster seat with lap and shoulder belt.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats and Air Bags

How far should the center of your chest be from the air bag cover?

Answer: At least 10 inches

Keep at least 10 inches between your chest and the air bag cover, with hands at 3 and 9 o’clock. Never put a rear-facing infant seat in front of a passenger air bag.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats and Air Bags

What happens to speeding fines in work zones?

Answer: They double, even when workers are not present

Speeding ticket fines double in work zones even if no workers or work vehicles are there. Flaggers have the same authority as signs.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, How to Drive Safely in Work Zones

When entering a roundabout, who has the right-of-way?

Answer: Traffic already in the roundabout

Look left, yield to circulating traffic, then travel counterclockwise. Roundabouts are designed for speeds of 30 mph or less.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Roundabouts

On a long trip, how often does the manual suggest scheduling stops?

Answer: Every 100 miles or two hours

Plan stops every 100 miles or two hours, drive with a companion, and if drowsy pull off safely for a 15 to 45 minute nap.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Drowsy and Fatigued Driving

Which phone use is legal for a New York driver while driving?

Answer: Using a hands-free phone

Speaking into or listening to a hand-held phone while driving is a traffic infraction, and texting or e-mailing is illegal. A hands-free phone may be used at any time.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Using a Cellular or Mobile Telephone

A driver with a junior license is convicted for the first time of using a hand-held phone while driving. What is the penalty to the license?

Answer: A 120-day suspension

Junior and probationary drivers lose their license for 120 days on a first conviction, and face revocation of a year or more for another conviction within six months after it is restored.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Penalties for Texting, Electronic Device Use

How often must a vehicle driven or parked on New York public highways be inspected?

Answer: At least once a year

Vehicles must be inspected at least once a year; follow the owner’s manual for routine maintenance in between.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Vehicle Condition

What minimum tire tread depth does New York law require?

Answer: 2/32 of an inch

Tires need at least 2/32 inch of tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head on a penny placed head-first in a groove, the tire is too worn.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, Vehicle Condition

In New York, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher is evidence of:

Answer: Intoxication

Above .05% indicates impairment, .08% or more indicates intoxication, and .18% or more indicates aggravated DWI.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Alcohol, Other Drugs and the Law

At what BAC is there evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated (Agg-DWI)?

Answer: .18% or more

Agg-DWI begins at a BAC of .18%, with tougher penalties than DWI.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Alcohol, Other Drugs and the Law

Under New York’s Zero Tolerance law, what happens to a driver under 21 found with a BAC of .02 to .07?

Answer: The license is suspended for six months

A first Zero Tolerance violation brings a six-month suspension plus a $100 termination fee and $125 civil penalty; a second brings revocation for at least one year or until age 21.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under Age 21

You are arrested for an alcohol-related violation and refuse a chemical test. What happens?

Answer: Your license is suspended at arraignment, and revoked if a DMV hearing confirms the refusal

Under Implied Consent, refusing means a suspension at arraignment and a revocation once a DMV hearing confirms it, whatever the verdict on the alcohol charge.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Chemical Tests

What is the only effective way to lower your BAC?

Answer: Not drinking, and letting time pass

Coffee, exercise and cold showers do not change your BAC. For a 150-pound male, the body takes about an hour to remove one drink.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Your BAC

Under Leandra’s Law, drunk driving with a child passenger can be a felony when the child is younger than what age?

Answer: 16

With a passenger younger than 16, the offense can be a class E felony with up to four years in prison. DWI convictions also require an ignition interlock.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs, The Ignition Interlock Program and Leandra’s Law

Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. Which way should everyone run?

Answer: At roughly a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, heading toward the oncoming train

Get everyone out and away from the tracks, then call the number on the Emergency Notification System sign. Running in the train’s direction of travel risks being hit by debris.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, Stalling on Railroad Tracks

When does New York law require headlights?

Answer: From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, below 1,000 feet visibility, and when wipers are needed

Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is under 1,000 feet, and when you use wipers for rain, snow or sleet. Daytime running lights do not count.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, Night Driving

Your headlights must be on low beam within how many feet of a vehicle ahead of you?

Answer: 200 feet

Use low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead, even in another lane.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, Night Driving

Your rear wheels start to skid to the left. Which way should you steer?

Answer: Left, toward where the vehicle is trying to go

Steer in the direction the rear is sliding, and be ready to correct the other way. With ABS keep even pressure; without ABS pump carefully.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, How to Drive in Winter

When may tires with metal studs be used in New York State?

Answer: From October 16 through April 30

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

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, How to Drive in Winter

When practicing with a learner permit, your supervising driver must be at least how old?

Answer: 21

The supervisor must be at least 21, hold a license valid for the vehicle, and sit in the front seat. In New York City and on Long Island, junior permit holders have extra limits: the supervisor must be a parent or guardian, someone acting in place of a parent, a driver education teacher or a driving school instructor (on Long Island from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., also anyone the parent names in writing).

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, The Learner Permit

With a junior license, how many passengers under 21 who are not immediate family may you carry?

Answer: No more than one

Junior drivers may carry no more than one passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family, and everyone must wear a seat belt.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, Junior Operator Restrictions

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

Answer: 20/40 in one or both eyes, glasses or contacts allowed

One or both eyes must see at 20/40 or better, with or without glasses or contact lenses.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, Vision and Knowledge Tests

How many speeding or misdemeanor traffic convictions within 18 months lead to a revocation of six months or more?

Answer: Three

Three such violations inside 18 months (counted by the dates of the violations) mean revocation for at least six months.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 2: How to Keep Your License, Speeding and Other Violations

What happens if you drive an uninsured vehicle in New York?

Answer: Your license is revoked for at least one year

Operating, or allowing someone else to operate, an uninsured vehicle brings a revocation of at least one year.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 2: How to Keep Your License, No Insurance

Within how many days must you tell the DMV about a change of address?

Answer: 10 days

Report an address change to the DMV within 10 days by mail or online.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 1: Driver Licenses

You are in a crash causing $1,000 or more in damage to one person’s property. Within how many days must you report it to the DMV?

Answer: 10 days

File form MV-104 with the DMV within 10 days for any crash with injury, death, or $1,000 or more in property damage to any one person. Reporting to your insurer is not enough.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21), Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash, Reports to DMV