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New York permit practice test

Every question is written from the official New York State Driver's Manual, and every answer shows the section it comes from, so you can check it yourself.

The New York knowledge test has 20 questions. You need 14 right to pass. The real New York test also has 4 road-sign questions, and you need 2 of them right. This practice covers the written rules. Test format source

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Sample questions

At an intersection with no signs or signals, you and a driver on the cross street stop at the same moment. The other driver is on your right and both of you will go straight. Who goes first?

  1. The driver on your right
  2. The driver on your left
  3. Whoever entered the intersection first
Show the answer

The driver on your right. When drivers stop at the same time at an uncontrolled intersection, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.

From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)

What is the normal shape and color of a warning sign?

  1. A white rectangle with red letters
  2. An orange circle with black letters
  3. A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols
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A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols. Signs that alert you to a hazard or a special rule ahead are diamond-shaped and yellow.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

In New York State, when is a left turn allowed at a steady red light?

  1. Only when both the road you leave and the road you enter are one-way
  2. From any road at all, as long as no cars are coming either way
  3. Never; New York bans every left turn on a red light, without exception
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Only when both the road you leave and the road you enter are one-way. After a full stop, you may turn left on red when the turn takes you from one one-way road onto another.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Traffic Lights (page 31)

What is the lowest blood alcohol content (BAC) that New York treats as evidence of intoxication?

  1. .02 percent
  2. .05 percent
  3. .08 percent
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.08 percent. Above .05 percent is evidence of impairment, .08 percent or higher is evidence of intoxication, and .18 percent or more supports a charge of aggravated DWI.

From the handbook: Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs > Alcohol, Other Drugs and the Law (page 55)

A school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. What must traffic from both directions do?

  1. Stop before reaching the bus
  2. Stop only if traveling in the same direction
  3. Slow to 10 mph and pass with care
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Stop before reaching the bus. Flashing red lights on a stopped school bus halt traffic from either direction, even in front of the school or in its parking lots.

From the handbook: Chapter 6: How to Pass > School Buses (page 40)

In New York City, what is the speed limit when no other limit is posted?

  1. 20 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 40 mph
Show the answer

25 mph. New York City has a default speed limit of 25 mph that is not always signed. Some cities also set limits below 55 mph without posting every block.

From the handbook: Chapter 8: Defensive Driving > Speed (page 47)

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