New York Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Driving while intoxicated (DWI)

A BAC of .08 percent or more is legal evidence of intoxication — driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Correct answer: About 350 feet

Headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. "Driving within the range of your headlights" means driving slowly enough to stop within that distance.

Correct answer: 16 years old

You must be at least 16 to apply for a learner permit at a DMV office. Students can take the written test online a little earlier, but the permit itself is issued at 16.

Correct answer: No more than one foot from the curb

In your final parallel-parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot from the curb.

Correct answer: 11 or more points

If you accumulate 11 or more points within a 24-month period, DMV will notify you that your driver license is being suspended. Points count from the date of the violation, not the conviction.

Correct answer: Yield and let that vehicle finish before you enter

A driver approaching an intersection must yield to traffic already in it. Let the vehicle already turning complete its move before you enter.

Correct answer: No more than 55 mph

When no limit is posted, you may drive no faster than 55 mph — and often common sense calls for slower.

Correct answer: Yes — you must yield at all crosswalks and intersections, marked or unmarked

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks and intersections, whether they are marked or unmarked.

Correct answer: Be prepared to stop — the light is about to turn red

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely rather than trying to beat the light.

Correct answer: Yellow and diamond-shaped, with black symbols

Warning signs are normally yellow diamonds with black letters or symbols. They tell you a hazard or special rule is ahead.

Correct answer: On the left

The law requires you to drive on the right, so you normally pass on the left. Passing on the right is allowed only in certain limited situations.

Correct answer: Aggravated driving while intoxicated (Agg-DWI)

A BAC of .18 percent or higher is evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated, which carries the toughest penalties.

Correct answer: Whenever you use your windshield wipers for rain, snow, or sleet

The law requires headlights whenever weather conditions make you use your wipers, and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Daytime running lights do not qualify.

Correct answer: A junior operator license, with a minimum age of 16

Class DJ is the Junior Operator license (minimum age 16). Drivers under 18 hold junior credentials and are subject to New York’s graduated licensing restrictions.

Correct answer: Toward the curb or side of the road, so the vehicle will not roll into traffic

Turn your wheels toward the curb or edge of the road so that, if the vehicle rolls, it moves away from traffic rather than into it.

Correct answer: 3 points

Speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 3 points. The penalty climbs steeply: 11–20 over is 4, 21–30 over is 6, and more than 40 over is 11 points.

Correct answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right

When two vehicles reach an intersection at about the same time and are at right angles — with no signals, or both stopped at STOP signs — the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Correct answer: 25 mph

Unless another limit is posted, the speed limit in New York City is 25 mph.

Correct answer: Always — even if the traffic signals or right-of-way rules are in your favor

A special right-of-way law requires you to always yield to a blind pedestrian crossing with a guide dog or white/metal cane, even when the signals favor you.

Correct answer: The same as a STOP sign — stop, yield, then go when safe

A flashing red light means exactly what a STOP sign means: come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way, and proceed when it is safe.