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Am I Ready for the New York Permit Test?
12-question diagnostic · 4 easy, 4 medium, 4 hard · Updated July 12, 2026
Twelve questions, deliberately mixed: four easy, four medium, four of the hardest in our verified New York bank. The real test needs 70% — but a diagnostic this short needs a margin, so read your result like this: 10+ of 12, you're ready to book; 8–9, you're close — drill the 25 hardest first; below that, work the full test ladder before test day.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher is evidence of what offense?
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Correct answer: Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
A BAC of .08 percent or more is legal evidence of intoxication — driving while intoxicated (DWI).
2. About how far ahead do your headlights let you see, so you must be able to stop within that distance?
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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.
3. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner permit at a New York DMV office?
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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.
4. After you finish parallel parking, how close to the curb must your wheels be?
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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.
5. A BAC of .18 percent or more is evidence of which more serious offense?
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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.
6. A blind pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog is about to cross. When must you yield?
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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.
7. In New York, a BAC of more than .05 percent (up to .07) is evidence of what?
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Correct answer: Driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI)
A BAC of more than .05 percent is legal evidence that your ability to drive is impaired — the DWAI offense. Intoxication (DWI) begins at .08.
8. During what hours does the law require you to use your headlights?
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Correct answer: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
Use your headlights from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise, and any time visibility is reduced.
9. You are about to pass on a two-way road. How close can an oncoming vehicle be before you must not start the pass?
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Correct answer: You must not pass if you cannot return to your lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet
Do not pass on the left if you cannot safely return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.
10. Does a 12-ounce beer affect you differently than a shot of liquor or a glass of wine?
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Correct answer: No — a standard serving of each contains about the same amount of alcohol
A 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1½ ounces of liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol. None is "safer" to drink before driving.
11. A yellow diamond warning sign is paired with a smaller yellow-and-black sign showing a number. What does that number mean?
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Correct answer: A recommended (advisory) speed for that hazard
A yellow-and-black sign under a warning sign gives a recommended speed for the hazard ahead — for example, a safe speed for a sharp curve. It is advice, not the posted legal limit.
12. New York law requires bicycle helmets for riders and passengers of which ages?
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Correct answer: Ages 1 through 13
Bicyclists and their passengers ages 1 through 13 must wear an approved helmet. Adults should follow any local helmet laws.
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