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New York DMV Exam Simulator
The real format: 20 questions · pass at 70% · Updated July 12, 2026
This is the dress rehearsal: exactly 20 questions, the real 70% passing bar (miss more than 6 and you fail) — the same rules New York applies on test day. That 70% bar is tied with 2 other states for the lowest passing standard in the country.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. You are stopped in an intersection waiting to turn left while oncoming traffic clears. How should your front wheels be pointed?
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Correct answer: Straight ahead until you begin your turn
Keep your wheels straight while you wait. If your wheels are turned left and you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
2. Another driver is following you too closely (tailgating). What is the best response?
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Correct answer: Move to another lane if you can, or slow down and let them pass
If you are tailgated, change lanes or reduce speed and let the driver go by. Do not brake suddenly — it can startle them and lead to a crash or road rage.
3. How many bicyclists may ride side-by-side in a single lane?
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Correct answer: No more than two
Bicyclists may never travel more than two side-by-side in a single lane.
4. A steady red arrow is showing for your direction. What may you do?
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Correct answer: Wait — you may not go or turn until the red arrow ends and a green appears
A red arrow means do not go in the arrow’s direction until it turns off and a green light or arrow appears. A turn on red is not permitted at a red arrow.
5. 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.
6. On a two-way roadway, how close to a railroad crossing does the law prohibit passing on the left?
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Correct answer: Within 100 feet
You cannot pass on the left when you are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.
7. What does New York's "Implied Consent" law mean?
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Correct answer: By driving in New York, you have already agreed to take a chemical test if lawfully arrested
Under Implied Consent, driving in New York means you have consented to a chemical test of your breath, blood, urine, or saliva if you are arrested for an alcohol- or drug-related offense.
8. If your rear wheels start to skid, which way should you steer?
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Correct answer: In the direction the vehicle is trying to go — if the rear slides left, steer left
To recover from a rear-wheel skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. If the rear slides right, steer right.
9. How many of the 20 written-test questions must you answer correctly to pass?
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Correct answer: At least 14
The written test has 20 questions and you must answer at least 14 correctly (70%) to pass.
10. How close to a fire hydrant may you park, stop, or stand?
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Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet
You cannot park, stop, or stand within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
11. How many points in an 18-month period trigger a Driver Responsibility Assessment?
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Correct answer: 6 points
Six or more points in any 18-month period requires you to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100 per year for three years, plus $25 per year for each additional point.
12. A pedestrian is legally crossing in a crosswalk. What must you do?
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Correct answer: Yield — slow down or stop as needed to let them cross
Drivers must yield to pedestrians who legally use crosswalks, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked. Always take care to avoid pedestrians and bicyclists.
13. New York is a "primary enforcement" seat belt state. What does that mean?
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Correct answer: A police officer can stop you just because you or a passenger is not buckled up
As a primary enforcement state, New York allows an officer to pull you over solely because someone in the vehicle is not wearing a seat belt.
14. 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.
15. At a steady red light (with no sign prohibiting it), when may you make a right turn?
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Correct answer: After a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians
Outside New York City, you may turn right on a steady red after coming to a full stop and yielding — unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
16. In a work zone, a flag person signals you to stop, but the traffic light is green. What must you do?
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Correct answer: Obey the flag person and stop
Directions from a flag person (or any traffic officer) take precedence over signs and signals. You must obey the flag person even against a green light.
17. You are approaching a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it. May you pass?
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Correct answer: No — do not pass when your view ahead is blocked
Never pass on the left when you approach a curve or hilltop on a two-way road and cannot see whether the way ahead is clear.
18. What happens if you refuse a chemical test after being arrested for an alcohol-related offense?
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Correct answer: Your license is suspended at arraignment and can be revoked even if you are found not guilty
Refusing the test suspends your license when you are arraigned, and a DMV hearing can revoke it even if you are later found not guilty of the underlying charge.
19. On a slippery road, how should you brake if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS)?
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Correct answer: Keep firm, even pressure on the brake pedal
With ABS, keep steady, even pressure on the pedal. Only vehicles without ABS should pump the brakes carefully.
20. Besides scoring 14 of 20 overall, the written test has a special rule about road signs. What is it?
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Correct answer: You must correctly answer 2 of the 4 road-sign questions
Four of the 20 questions are about road signs. You must get at least 2 of those 4 correct in addition to reaching 14 correct overall — miss that and you fail even with a passing total.
📱 The app version simulates even more of test day: both age formats, section scoring where New York uses it, and question-by-question review after. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad — free to start, $29.99 once.