New York Permit Test (DMV Written Test) Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many New York Permit Test (DMV Written Test) practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original New York Permit Test (DMV Written Test) practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the New York Permit Test (DMV Written Test) exam like?+
About 20 questions, and you need 14/20 (70%)% to pass. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Traffic Signs & Signals
What does a red, eight-sided (octagonal) sign always mean?
- a.Road work ahead
- b.Slow down and yield
- c.Come to a full stop
- d.No parking allowed
Answer: c
Explanation: An octagonal red sign is always a STOP sign; you must come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk, then proceed when it is safe.
- 2. Traffic Signs & Signals
A steady yellow traffic light means:
- a.Stop only for pedestrians
- b.Speed up to clear the intersection
- c.The signal is broken
- d.The light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely
Answer: d
Explanation: A steady yellow signal warns that the light is changing to red; stop if you can do so safely rather than trying to beat the red.
- 3. Traffic Signs & Signals
A flashing red traffic signal means:
- a.The road ahead is closed
- b.Slow down but you may continue without stopping
- c.Proceed only if turning right
- d.Stop, then proceed when it is safe, as at a STOP sign
Answer: d
Explanation: A flashing red light is treated like a STOP sign: come to a full stop, yield to other traffic and pedestrians, then go when it is safe.
- 4. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
When you enter a roundabout in New York, you must:
- a.Yield to traffic already in the circle and enter to the right (counterclockwise)
- b.Enter to the left, moving clockwise
- c.Stop fully before entering even if the circle is empty
- d.Yield to vehicles waiting to enter behind you
Answer: a
Explanation: Traffic in a roundabout flows counterclockwise; entering drivers yield to vehicles already circulating and merge when there is a safe gap.
- 5. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
A pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk ahead of you. You must:
- a.Proceed because vehicles always have priority
- b.Sound your horn so they hurry
- c.Stop and yield the right of way to the pedestrian
- d.Continue if you can pass in front of them
Answer: c
Explanation: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk; stop and let them finish crossing safely before you proceed.
- 6. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
When you share the road with a bicyclist, you should:
- a.Pass as closely as possible to save time
- b.Assume they will always yield to you
- c.Expect them to ride on the sidewalk only
- d.Give them room and pass at a safe distance
Answer: d
Explanation: Bicyclists have the right to use the road; pass them slowly and leave a safe distance, and check for them before turning or opening a door.
- 7. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
New York law requires all front-seat occupants and which other passengers to wear a seat belt?
- a.Only passengers over 21
- b.Only the driver
- c.No one is required to
- d.Every passenger, including those in the back seat, plus properly restrained children
Answer: d
Explanation: New York requires seat belts for the driver, front-seat passengers and all back-seat occupants, with children secured in appropriate child-restraint or booster systems by age and size.
- 8. Speed & Driving Conditions
The 'basic speed rule' in New York means you must:
- a.Match the speed of the fastest car
- b.Drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions
- c.Never drive below 40 mph
- d.Always drive the posted limit exactly
Answer: b
Explanation: Under the basic speed rule you must never drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for conditions such as rain, fog, traffic or road surface, even when at or below the posted limit.
- 9. Speed & Driving Conditions
If your car begins to skid on a slippery road, you should:
- a.Accelerate to regain control
- b.Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
- c.Turn the wheel sharply the opposite way
- d.Brake hard and hold the wheel straight
Answer: b
Explanation: To recover from a skid, take your foot off the accelerator, avoid slamming the brakes, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- 10. Alcohol, Drugs & NY Points and Junior License
Under New York's Zero Tolerance law, a driver under age 21 can be penalized for driving with a BAC as low as:
- a.0.05%
- b.0.02%
- c.0.10%
- d.0.08%
Answer: b
Explanation: New York's Zero Tolerance law lets police charge drivers under 21 who have a BAC of 0.02% to 0.07%, which can lead to license suspension.