New York Permit Practice Test (2026)
Free New York permit practice questions, each answer cited to the official New York handbook. No sign-up, no ads.
The real test at a glance
- Questions
- 20
- To pass
- 14/20
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) undated, checked 2026-11.
Free 10-question sample test
Tap an answer to see if you are right, with the reason and the handbook page.
1. What is the minimum age for a Class DJ junior operator license?
- 16 years old
- 15 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old
Answer
A. Class DJ, the junior operator license, starts at age 16.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 6
2. After you become a permanent New York resident, how soon must you get a New York license?
- Within 30 days
- Within 10 days
- Within 90 days
- Within one year
Answer
A. New residents must get a New York license within 30 days of establishing residence.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 6
3. What must you do at this sign?
- Slow down and go on through if no one is coming close
- Stop only if other traffic is close to the intersection
- Stop only when a stop line is painted on the road
- Come to a full stop, yield, then go when it is safe
Answer
D. Come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way, and go only when it is safe.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 29
4. What does a steady red light tell you?
- Slow down and be ready to stop before the line
- Stop, and do not go until the light is green
- Stop only if there are cars coming from the side
- Go on through if the whole intersection is clear
Answer
B. A steady red light means stop until the light turns green.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 31
5. You approach an intersection where a car is already turning left inside it. Who goes first?
- The car already in the intersection
- You, because your light is green
- The faster driver
- The driver who signals first
Answer
A. Yield to traffic that is already in the intersection and let it finish.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 34
6. How far ahead must you signal a turn or lane change?
- At least 100 feet
- At least 25 feet
- At least 50 feet
- At least 300 feet
Answer
A. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 36
7. Is it always safe to drive at the posted speed limit?
- Yes, it is always safe in any case
- Yes, if other drivers are going faster
- Always, because limits already allow for weather
- No, it is often wise to stay below it
Answer
D. Often it is common sense to keep your speed below the limit, such as on slippery roads.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 47
8. On which side do you normally pass another vehicle?
- The left
- The right
- Either side
- The shoulder
Answer
A. We drive on the right side and usually pass on the left.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 39
9. After you parallel park, how near the curb must your wheels be?
- No more than 3 feet (90 cm)
- No more than 2 feet (60 cm)
- No more than 5 feet (150 cm)
- No more than one foot (30 cm)
Answer
D. In your final position, your wheels must be no more than one foot from the curb.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 42
10. You back your car out of a driveway with children nearby. What should you do first?
- Rely on your mirrors to see behind
- Turn on your hazard lights and back out
- Get out and check behind your vehicle
- Back out very slowly and carefully
Answer
C. When children are near, check behind the vehicle on foot before you back into or out of a driveway.
From the handbook: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 67
What's on the test
- Permit and license rules: You must be at least 16 for a junior license (Class DJ).
- Road signs: Regulation signs are normally white rectangles with black letters or symbols.
- Signals and markings: Steady red means stop.
- Right of way: Yield to traffic already in the intersection.
- Turns and lanes: Signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
- Speed: Obey the posted limit.
- Passing: Pass on the left in most cases.
- Parking: Park parallel with your wheels no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.
- Sharing the road: Pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks.
- Alcohol and drugs: Alcohol slows reaction time and weakens judgment, beginning with the first drink.
- Safe driving: Distractions include anything that takes your attention off driving.
- Emergencies and weather: At a railroad crossing, wait until the gates are up and lights are off.
- New York rules to know: New residents must get a New York license and registration within 30 days.
Signs worth knowing
Stop sign
You must come to a full stop here.
Yield sign
You must let other traffic and pedestrians go first.
No Right Turn sign
You may not turn right here.
Do Not Pass sign
You may not pass other vehicles on this stretch of road.
Speed limit sign
This is the highest speed allowed on this road in good conditions.
No Turn on Red sign
You may not turn when the light is red.
Winding Road sign
The road ahead has several curves in a row.
Pedestrian Crossing sign
People may be crossing the road here.
Narrow Bridge sign
The bridge ahead is narrower than the road.
Road Work Ahead sign
There is road work or construction ahead.
Five things to remember
- To pass the vision test you need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts. (New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 10)
- A STOP sign is red with white letters. Come to a full stop, yield, and go when it is safe. Stop before the stop line or crosswalk. (New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 29)
- A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign. A flashing yellow light means drive with caution. (New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 31)
- At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. (New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 34)
- For a right turn, get as far right as you can and turn into the right lane. Do not swing wide. (New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), PDF p. 36)
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
20. The real test has 20 questions: you need 14 right, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.
What score do you need to pass the New York permit test?
14/20.
Is Turnlane free?
Yes to start: all lessons, all signs and 20 practice questions a day are free. A one-time Pass Pack unlocks unlimited practice. There are no ads and no subscription.
Turnlane is not affiliated with any state agency. Questions are written from the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) undated; the official test may differ. Always check the current handbook.