26 New York DMV Permit Test

Below are 50 high-probability questions and answers based on the 2026 NY Driver’s Manual and the recently updated Point System (effective early 2026).

🚦 NY DMV 2026: Top 50 Questions & Answers
Road Signs & Signals
Q: What does a pentagon-shaped sign indicate?

A: School zone or school crossing.

Q: What do you do at a flashing red light?

A: Stop completely, yield the right-of-way, and go when it is safe (treat it like a Stop sign).

Q: A round yellow sign with an "X" and "RR" means what?

A: Railroad crossing ahead.

Q: What does a diamond-shaped yellow sign represent?

A: A warning of specific road conditions or hazards ahead.

Q: Can you turn right on red in New York City?

A: No, unless a sign specifically permits it. (Outside NYC, it is allowed after a full stop).

Q: What does a red and white triangular sign mean?

A: Yield the right-of-way.

Q: What does a steady yellow light mean?

A: The light is about to turn red; prepare to stop.

Q: A green arrow shown with a red light means?

A: You may cautiously go in the direction of the arrow.

Q: What does a "No Standing" sign mean?

A: You can stop only to load or unload passengers.

Q: What does a "No Parking" sign mean?

A: You can stop only to load/unload passengers or merchandise.

New 2026 Laws & Point System
Q: As of 2026, how many points lead to a license suspension?

A: 11 points accumulated within a 24-month period.

Q: What is the penalty for using a handheld cell phone (2026 update)?

A: 6 points on your license (up from 5).

Q: How many points is passing a stopped school bus?

A: 8 points.

Q: What is the "Move Over Law"?

A: You must move over a lane or slow down for stopped emergency, construction, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Q: What is the penalty for a first-time chemical test refusal?

A: 1-year license revocation and a $500 civil penalty.

Right-of-Way & Intersections
Q: Two cars reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Who yields?

A: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Q: When turning left, who must you yield to?

A: All oncoming traffic.

Q: You are entering a roundabout. Who has the right-of-way?

A: Traffic already inside the roundabout.

Q: What must you do if an emergency vehicle with sirens approaches?

A: Pull over to the right and stop.

Q: When can you pass a vehicle on the right?

A: When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn or on a one-way street with multiple lanes.

Defensive Driving & Safety
Q: What is the "Two-Second Rule"?

A: The minimum following distance under ideal conditions (though 3-4 seconds is safer).

Q: What should you do if your tires blow out?

A: Hold the steering wheel firmly and ease off the gas. Do not brake hard.

Q: If your car starts to skid, which way do you steer?

A: In the direction the rear of the car is sliding.

Q: At what distance should you signal before a turn?

A: At least 100 feet.

Q: When must you use headlights?

A: One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

Q: What beams should you use in fog?

A: Low beams.

Q: How do you check your "blind spot"?

A: By turning your head to look over your shoulder.

Q: What is "Hydroplaning"?

A: When tires lose contact with the road and ride on a thin film of water.

Q: How much space should you give a cyclist when passing?

A: At least 3 feet of "buffer" space.

Q: When parking uphill with a curb, which way do you turn the wheels?

A: Away from the curb (Left).

Alcohol & Drugs
Q: What is the legal BAC limit for drivers over 21?

A: 0.08%.

Q: What is the "Zero Tolerance" law?

A: Drivers under 21 cannot have a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

Q: What is "Implied Consent"?

A: By driving in NY, you agree to take a chemical test for alcohol/drugs if requested by police.

Q: Does coffee or a cold shower sober you up?

A: No, only time can lower your BAC.

Q: What is the penalty for a DWI conviction (2026)?

A: A $750 Driver Responsibility Assessment fee.

Speed Limits & Pavement Markings
Q: What is the speed limit in NYC unless otherwise posted?

A: 25 mph.

Q: What does a solid white line mean?

A: It marks the right edge of the road or separates lanes; you should stay in your lane.

Q: What do double solid yellow lines mean?

A: No passing allowed in either direction.

Q: A broken white line means?

A: You may change lanes if it is safe.

Q: What is the "No-Zone"?

A: The blind spots around large trucks and buses.

Miscellaneous Rules
Q: When must you stop for a school bus with red lights flashing?

A: Always, regardless of which side of the road you are on.

Q: What do you do if your brakes fail?

A: Pump the pedal to build pressure; if that fails, use the emergency brake.

Q: Can you pass on the left if there is a solid yellow line on your side?

A: No.

Q: How should you look for traffic when backing up?

A: Turn your head and look through the rear window.

Q: When are roads most slippery?

A: Just as it begins to rain.

Q: What is the purpose of a rumble strip?

A: To alert tired or distracted drivers they are drifting out of their lane.

Q: If you miss your exit on an expressway, you should?

A: Go to the next exit; never back up.

Q: You must yield to pedestrians even if...?

A: They are crossing against the light or outside a crosswalk.

Q: What is the "Aggravated Unlicensed Operation" (AUO) point value?

A: 11 points.

Q: When should you use your horn?

A: Only to warn other drivers or pedestrians of a possible hazard.

Pro Study Tip: The DMV randomly selects questions. Focus heavily on Chapter 4 (Traffic Control) and Chapter 5 (Intersections/Turns), as these make up 60% of the exam.
New York DMV Written Test 2026 (50 MUST KNOW Questions) This video provides a narrated walkthrough of the 50 most common questions you'll face on the test, including detailed explanations of the 2026 rule changes.