New York DMV Permit Practice Test
The New York DMV knowledge test has 20 questions; to pass you need 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. Practice free with questions based on the official New York driver handbook, with every answer explained.
Updated on · Ver en español
DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official New York sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the DMV before your test.
Start a free practice test · Take a full mock exam
New York permit test at a glance
| Agency | New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
|---|---|
| Test questions | 20 |
| Passing score | 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions |
| Minimum permit age | 16 years old |
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
| Supervised driving | 50 hours, including 15 after sunset (DMV recommends 10 in moderate to heavy traffic) |
| Provisional license from | age 16½ |
| Full license | at 17 |
| Test languages | Office tests are given in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean and Russian. |
| Official handbook | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) |
Try 5 New York permit test questions
- How many questions are on the New York DMV knowledge test? 20 / 10 / 30 / 40. Answer: 20. You must get at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions right. The at-home online test uses its own standard: 80% of all questions and 50% of the road-sign questions. To pass: 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.
- In New York, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in New York is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
- What does a red octagonal sign mean? Yield / Stop completely / Slow down / No entry. Answer: Stop completely. The eight-sided red sign is always STOP. Stop completely at the stop line, before the crosswalk or before entering the intersection, then go when it is safe.
- An emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from behind. You should: Speed up to clear the way / Pull to the right edge of the road and stop / Stop in your lane immediately / Keep driving at the same speed. Answer: Pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Pull over to the right edge of the road, clear of intersections, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
- A school bus on a two-lane road has its red lights flashing and stop arm out. You must: Pass slowly on the left / Stop, whether you are behind it or approaching from the front / Stop only if you are behind it / Honk to warn the children. Answer: Stop, whether you are behind it or approaching from the front. On an undivided road, traffic in both directions stops until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted. Rules for divided highways vary by state.
How the New York DMV permit test works
The New York knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 20 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. Every question comes from the official DMV handbook, the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21).
You must get at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions right. The at-home online test uses its own standard: 80% of all questions and 50% of the road-sign questions.
Taken at a DMV office, or online at home on a computer or tablet if you qualify after DMV pre-screening. Under 18, a parent or guardian must supervise the online test, and you still visit a DMV office to get the permit.
If you fail the online test, you can reapply and try again after at least 6 hours.
Office tests are given in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean and Russian.
New York learner's permit requirements
In New York you can apply for a learner's permit at 16. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.
All new drivers must complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course before the road test, unless they complete a 48-hour high school or college driver education program.
Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 15 after sunset (DMV recommends 10 in moderate to heavy traffic).
- Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
- Your Social Security number, if you have one.
- Proof of New York residency.
- A vision screening and the knowledge test.
The DMV publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.
New York graduated driver licensing (GDL)
After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16½.
Junior drivers may carry only one passenger under 21 who isn't immediate family, unless a qualifying supervisor is along. Unsupervised driving is limited to 5 a.m.–9 p.m. upstate (night trips only to work or school), is tighter on Long Island, and junior drivers may not drive in New York City. The senior license comes at 17 with approved driver education, otherwise at 18.
Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 17, provided your record stays clean.
New York rules worth knowing for the test
Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the DMV test asks about them.
- Even with 14 correct answers, you fail unless you get at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions right.
- Junior permit holders may never drive in the five boroughs of New York City between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Passing the online test does not let you drive: you have two years to visit a DMV office, and a minor's parent signs Form MV-263 there.
- A parent or guardian certifies the 50 practice hours on Form MV-262, which you bring to the road test.
What the New York knowledge test covers
Topics follow the chapters of the DMV handbook. These are the ones asked most often:
- Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
- Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
- Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
- Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
- Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.
How to study for the New York permit test
Read the official DMV handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.
Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.
How to get your learner's permit in New York
- Check the minimum age In New York, you can apply for a learner's permit at 16.
- Complete the required course All new drivers must complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course before the road test, unless they complete a 48-hour high school or college driver education program.
- Study the handbook and practice Read the official DMV handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
- Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and New York residency; parental consent if under 18.
- Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.
- Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 6 months. Supervised driving: 50 hours, including 15 after sunset (DMV recommends 10 in moderate to heavy traffic).
- Take the road test From age 16½ you can get a provisional license.
New York permit test FAQ
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
The New York knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must get at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions right. The at-home online test uses its own standard: 80% of all questions and 50% of the road-sign questions.
What score do you need to pass the New York permit test?
You need 14 correct answers (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in New York?
You can apply at 16. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.
How long do you have to hold your permit in New York?
At least 6 months for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 50 hours, including 15 after sunset (DMV recommends 10 in moderate to heavy traffic).
Can I take the New York permit test in Spanish?
Office tests are given in 20 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean and Russian.
What happens if I fail the New York permit test?
If you fail the online test, you can reapply and try again after at least 6 hours.
Is this the official New York DMV test?
No. DMVPermitUSA is independent and not affiliated with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The practice questions follow the same format and topics as the official handbook; the real test is taken with the DMV.
Neighboring states
- New Jersey permit practice test
- Pennsylvania permit practice test
- Vermont permit practice test
- Massachusetts permit practice test
- Connecticut permit practice test
Official sources
- NY DMV — Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Driver Licenses
- NY DMV — Prepare For and Take Your Permit Test
- NY DMV — Take the Online Learner Permit Test
- NY DMV — The Graduated License Law
- NY DMV — Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements
- NY DMV — New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21)
- FHWA — Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)