NY Permit Practice Test

How to use this NY practice test

1. Take the 20 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the New York State Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 70 percent or better, book the real test.

NY practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable NY practice test with answer key

All 20 questions, NY exam length

Every question below comes from the New York question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A New York sign has a red circle and slash over a symbol. What does that design communicate?

   1. A service area is available ahead
   2. A recommended route for the pictured vehicle
   3. The road surface is likely to be slippery
   4. The pictured action is not allowed or the vehicle is restricted
   Show answer

   The pictured action is not allowed or the vehicle is restricted. A red circle with a slash is a regulatory sign design that indicates the pictured action is not allowed or that some vehicles are restricted Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. How many questions are on New York's written knowledge test for a passenger vehicle license?

   1. 20
   2. 15
   3. 25
   4. 40
   Show answer

   20. The New York written test asks 20 questions. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. Where is parking prohibited under New York's general parking rules?

   1. In a legal metered space during its posted hours
   2. In or within a crosswalk
   3. On a road shoulder where parking is expressly permitted
   4. In a marked space outside its restricted hours
   Show answer

   In or within a crosswalk. New York prohibits parking in a crosswalk because the vehicle blocks the pedestrian path and can hide people from approaching drivers. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. You have a green light and want to turn left in New York. What must you do before turning?

   1. Turn immediately because green gives absolute priority
   2. Yield only to vehicles displaying a left-turn signal
   3. Yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right
   4. Wait for the vehicle behind you to pass first
   Show answer

   Yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. A green signal permits movement but does not give a left-turning driver an unrestricted path across opposing traffic. Full explanation in Test 2

5. 5. Unless a different sign is posted, what is the speed limit in New York City?

   1. 30 mph
   2. 25 mph
   3. 35 mph
   4. 55 mph
   Show answer

   25 mph. New York City has a 25 mph speed limit unless another limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 2

6. 6. At what BAC does a New York driver enter the DWI category?

   1. .05 or higher
   2. .10 or higher
   3. .08 or higher
   4. .18 or higher only
   Show answer

   .08 or higher. The New York DWI category begins at a BAC of .08 or higher. The . Full explanation in Test 3

7. 7. What technology may New York school districts and municipalities use on school buses to identify passing vehicles?

   1. Automatic speed governors
   2. License-plate stickers
   3. Stop-arm cameras
   4. Interior passenger cameras
   Show answer

   Stop-arm cameras. New York law authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses. Full explanation in Test 3

8. 8. A red circle with a slash over a U-shaped arrow means the driver must not:

   1. Turn left at the next intersection
   2. Make a U-turn at that location
   3. Pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road
   4. Enter a railroad crossing
   Show answer

   Make a U-turn at that location. The crossed-out U-shaped arrow identifies a no U-turn restriction, so the driver must continue without reversing direction at that point. Full explanation in Test 4

9. 9. What should a driver anticipate after seeing the yellow traffic-signal symbol?

   1. A traffic signal ahead
   2. A streetlight outage
   3. A police checkpoint
   4. A railroad gate inspection
   Show answer

   A traffic signal ahead. The yellow diamond with a traffic-light symbol warns that a signalized intersection is ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

10. 10. When a New York warning sign is paired with a recommended-speed sign, what should the driver do?

    1. Accelerate to clear the warning zone quickly
    2. Maintain the posted limit regardless of the advisory
    3. Stop immediately even when the roadway is clear
    4. Reduce speed as advised for that area
    Show answer

    Reduce speed as advised for that area. A yellow and black recommended-speed sign paired with a warning sign advises reduced speed in that area. Full explanation in Test 5

11. 11. How early must a New York driver signal a turn or lane change?

    1. At least 25 feet before the maneuver
    2. Only after beginning to turn
    3. At least 500 feet before every maneuver
    4. At least 100 feet before the maneuver
    Show answer

    At least 100 feet before the maneuver. New York requires a turn or lane-change signal at least 100 feet before the maneuver. Full explanation in Test 5

12. 12. What minimum revocation period can apply after driving an uninsured vehicle?

    1. At least one year
    2. At least 30 days
    3. At least six months
    4. No revocation if no crash occurred
    Show answer

    At least one year. A conviction for driving an uninsured vehicle, or allowing another person to drive one, can revoke the license or driving privilege for at l Full explanation in Test 5

13. 13. You miss your intended expressway exit. What does the manual advise?

    1. Back up on the exit ramp to reach it
    2. Stay on the expressway until the next exit
    3. Cross the median immediately if traffic is light
    4. Stop in the travel lane and wait for a gap
    Show answer

    Stay on the expressway until the next exit. If a driver enters an expressway in the wrong direction or misses the intended exit, New York advises staying on the expressway until the ne Full explanation in Test 6

14. 14. What does a red octagonal STOP sign require in New York?

    1. A rolling stop if the intersection is clear
    2. A stop only when another vehicle is visible
    3. A yield without stopping when no line is painted
    4. A full stop and yielding before proceeding safely
    Show answer

    A full stop and yielding before proceeding safely. The octagonal shape identifies a STOP sign, and New York requires a complete stop before the stop line when one is present. Full explanation in Test 6

15. 15. How close to a railroad crossing may a New York driver park?

    1. No closer than 15 feet
    2. No closer than 20 feet
    3. No closer than 50 feet
    4. No closer than 100 feet
    Show answer

    No closer than 50 feet. You cannot park your vehicle within 50 feet, about 15 meters, of a railroad crossing, and you may never stop or stand on the tracks themselv Full explanation in Test 7

16. 16. What information do New York warning signs normally provide?

    1. Mandatory parking fees and payment methods
    2. Advance notice of hazards or changing road conditions
    3. Destination names and route distances only
    4. Proof that a road is closed to all traffic
    Show answer

    Advance notice of hazards or changing road conditions. New York describes warning signs as normally yellow diamonds with black letters or symbols. Full explanation in Test 7

17. 17. When may a New York driver turn right at a steady red light?

    1. After a full stop, when the way is clear and no sign or marking prohibits the turn
    2. Immediately after slowing if no vehicle is close
    3. Only after waiting for a green arrow in every location
    4. Whenever the driver is turning from a one-way street
    Show answer

    After a full stop, when the way is clear and no sign or marking prohibits the turn. A steady red signal does not make a right turn automatic, but New York permits the movement after a complete stop when traffic and pedestria Full explanation in Test 8

18. 18. What portable-device activity does New York prohibit while driving?

    1. Sending or receiving a text message or email
    2. Using a hands-free telephone at any time
    3. Listening to a lawfully mounted navigation prompt
    4. Checking the vehicle's outside mirrors
    Show answer

    Sending or receiving a text message or email. New York prohibits using a portable electronic device to send or receive text messages or emails while driving. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. What kind of information is normally shown by a blue New York service sign?

    1. A mandatory traffic-control command
    2. A warning about an upcoming curve
    3. A destination route and distance only
    4. Services available to road users
    Show answer

    Services available to road users. Blue signs identify services available along the roadway, such as facilities that help travelers. Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. A New York driver is beside the broken line in a solid-and-broken pair. What may be done?

    1. Pass only after crossing the solid line first
    2. Never cross because any paired line prohibits passing
    3. Pass when safe and without interfering with traffic
    4. Change lanes without checking opposing traffic
    Show answer

    Pass when safe and without interfering with traffic. In a solid-and-broken pair, the line next to your vehicle determines the permission. Full explanation in Test 9