Learner permits, junior licenses and the written test

Key points

1. To pass the written test you must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, including at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “you must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked, but you must correctly answer two of the four questions about road signs”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

2. The written test covers the rules of the road, safe driving techniques, road signs and the laws about alcohol and drug use while driving.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “examines knowledge of the rules of the road, safe driving techniques, road signs and the laws about alcohol and drug use while driving”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

3. To pass the vision test you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “To pass the vision test, you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

4. While you practice, your supervising driver must be at least 21, hold a license valid for your vehicle and sit in the front seat with you.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, has a license valid for the type of vehicle you are driving, and is seated in the front seat with you when you are driving”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

5. A junior license holder may not carry more than 1 passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “You cannot drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless they are members of your immediate family”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

6. A junior permit must be held in valid status for at least 6 months before you can take the road test.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “Your permit must be held, in valid status for a minimum of six months in order to take the road test.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

7. Junior drivers must have at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including at least 15 hours after sunset.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “you completed at least 50 hours of practice driving, including at least 15 hours after sunset”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

8. Most new drivers must also complete an approved 5 hour Pre-Licensing Course and pass a road test.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “Most drivers must also complete an approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course and pass a road test.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

9. At 17 you can get a senior license if you hold a junior license and completed a state approved high school or college driver education course.

   Source: Chapter 1

   “If you are 17, you are eligible for a senior driver license (Class D or M) if you have a junior driver license and have completed a state-approved high school or college driver education course.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

10. Tell the DMV about a new address within 10 days, by mail or online through MyDMV.

    Source: Chapter 1

    “If you change your address you must notify DMV within 10 days by mail, on a Change-of-Address Form (MV-232), or online through MyDMV.”
    New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. What is required to pass New York's 20-question written test?

   1. At least 10 total correct and all four sign questions correct
   2. At least 14 total correct with no sign requirement
   3. At least 16 total correct, regardless of sign answers
   4. At least 14 total correct and at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions correct
   Show answer

   At least 14 total correct and at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions correct. New York uses two passing checks for the written test. The applicant must answer at least 14 of 20 questions correctly and must also answer at least two of the four road-sign questions correctly. A strong overall score cannot erase a weak sign result, while getting two signs right is not enough if the total is below 14. Treat the exam as a total-score requirement plus a separate sign checkpoint when reviewing practice results.

2. 2. When practicing with a New York learner permit, how old must the supervising licensed driver be at minimum?

   1. At least 18 years old
   2. At least 21 years old
   3. At least 16 years old
   4. At least 25 years old
   Show answer

   At least 21 years old. A learner permit driver must practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. The supervisor also needs a license valid for the type of vehicle being driven and must sit in the front seat. The 18-year-old choice is too low, even though some license classes have lower minimum ages. A 16-year-old cannot satisfy the general supervision rule, and 25 adds an age requirement the manual does not state. Before practice begins, check both the supervisor's age and the vehicle-class license. The practical cue is front-seat supervision by a properly licensed adult aged 21 or older.

3. 3. For how long must a New York junior driver's permit remain valid before the road test?

   1. At least 30 days
   2. At least three months
   3. At least one year
   4. At least six months
   Show answer

   At least six months. A junior driver's permit must be held in valid status for a minimum of six months before the applicant can take the road test. Thirty days and three months fall short of the stated holding period. One year is longer than the manual's minimum and therefore is not required merely to become eligible for the test. This is a permit-stage requirement, separate from the supervised practice hours that must also be documented. Keep the timeline cue simple: six valid months before the junior road test.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Driver Licenses. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.