New York DMV practice test
40 practice questions written from the official handbook, New York State Driver's Manual, MV-21, PDF rebuilt 2026-04-21. The mock test asks 20 questions and needs 14 correct, like the real test.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 20 questions and needs 14 correct to pass.
The real New York test
The New York written test asks 20 questions. You need at least 14 correct, and 2 of the 4 road sign questions must be correct.
Rule source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), chapter 1.
Official handbook
New York State Driver's Manual
Read the handbook (PDF, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05 from an Internet Archive copy, because the agency site refused the download. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Questions you must answer correctly on the NY Class D written test | 14 of 20, including 2 of the 4 road sign questions | 10 |
| Following gap measured by the two-second rule | Two seconds | 47 |
| Following gap in bad weather or behind large trucks | Three to four seconds | 47 |
| Points within 24 months that get your licence suspended | 11 or more | 22 |
| Points for driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted limit | 4 | 22 |
| Points for driving 31 to 40 mph over the posted limit | 8 | 22 |
| Points for driving more than 40 mph over the posted limit | 11 | 22 |
| Points for failing to stop for a school bus | 8 | 22 |
| Points for reckless driving | 5 | 22 |
| Points for improper cell phone use | 5 | 22 |
| BAC that makes a DWI a minimum six-month revocation | .08 | 20 |
| BAC range for driving while ability impaired | .05 to .07 | 20 |
| BAC that makes an aggravated DWI revocation | .18 | 20 |
| BAC range that suspends a driver under 21 for six months | .02 to .07 | 21 |
| What a DMV-approved crash prevention course can do | Reduce up to 4 points and 10 percent of insurance | 22 |
| How far back you must stop from a school bus | At least 20 feet | 40 |
| Speed limit in New York City unless another limit is posted | 25 mph | 47 |
| Restraint for a child aged 4 to 7 | Federally approved child restraint (booster) with lap and shoulder belt | 48 |
| Restraint for a passenger aged 8 to 15 | A seat belt, one person per belt | 48 |
| Fine for a driver who fails to buckle up | Up to $50 | 48 |
| Minimum tyre tread depth required by New York law | 2/32nds of an inch | 53 |
Questions about the New York test
How many questions are on the New York DMV written test?
The real New York knowledge test asks 20 questions. The New York written test asks 20 questions. You need at least 14 correct, and 2 of the 4 road sign questions must be correct.
How many questions do I need to pass the New York written test?
You need 14 of 20 correct (70%) to pass.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 40 practice questions from the official handbook, New York State Driver's Manual, MV-21, PDF rebuilt 2026-04-21. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the New York DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
New York State Driver's Manual, MV-21, PDF rebuilt 2026-04-21, published by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 40 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.How many of the 20 questions on the New York Class D written test must you answer correctly?
Licensing and the Written Test
- 14
You must get at least 14 of 20 right, and you must get 2 of the 4 road sign questions right. Handbook: Vision and Knowledge Tests, page 10.
- 2.You pass the road sign portion of the written test but fail the rest. What happens?
Licensing and the Written Test
- You must return and take the whole test again
The sign questions are a separate requirement, so failing them fails the test even with 14 or more overall. Handbook: Vision and Knowledge Tests, page 10.
- 3.What is the basic following gap the New York manual recommends using the two-second rule for?
Following Distance
- Two seconds
Pick a sign, tree or overpass, and count one thousand one, one thousand two as the vehicle ahead passes it. Handbook: Allow Yourself Space, page 47.
- 4.You are counting to a stationary object and reach it at one thousand two. What does that tell you?
Following Distance
- You are following too closely
If you reach the object before you finish the count, you are following too closely. Handbook: Allow Yourself Space, page 47.
- 5.In bad weather, or when following a large truck, how much further ahead should you stay?
Following Distance
- Three to four seconds
The manual says to increase the count to at least three or four seconds for additional space. Handbook: Allow Yourself Space, page 47.
- 6.How many points within 24 months get your New York licence suspended?
Points and Penalties
- 11 or more
If you get 11 or more points within 24 months, DMV notifies you that your licence will be suspended. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 7.How many points does New York assign for driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted limit?
Points and Penalties
- 4
The point table gives 3 points for 1 to 10 mph over, 4 for 11 to 20, and 6 for 21 to 30. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 8.How many points does New York assign for driving 31 to 40 mph over the limit?
Points and Penalties
- 8
The point table gives 8 points for 31 to 40 mph over and 11 points for more than 40 mph over. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 9.What is the point value for driving more than 40 mph over the posted limit in New York?
Points and Penalties
- 11
More than 40 mph over carries 11 points, the same value as a DWI. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 10.How many points does failing to stop for a school bus carry?
Points and Penalties
- 8
The point table lists failed to stop for school bus at 8 points. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 11.Which violation carries 5 points in New York?
Points and Penalties
- Reckless driving
Reckless driving, speed contests, improper cell phone use and texting all carry 5 points. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 12.Using a cell phone improperly in New York costs how many points?
Points and Penalties
- 5
Improper cell phone use and texting with a portable electronic device each carry 5 points. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 13.What can a DMV-approved crash prevention course do for you?
Points and Penalties
- Reduce up to four points and save up to 10 percent on insurance
A course can reduce up to four points and up to 10 percent of insurance, but cannot prevent a mandatory suspension. Handbook: The Point System, page 22.
- 14.At what blood alcohol content does New York treat a driver as intoxicated with a minimum six-month revocation?
Alcohol and Drugs
- .08
A DWI at .08 brings a minimum six-month revocation, .18 brings a minimum one-year revocation. Handbook: Mandatory Suspension or Revocation, page 20.
- 15.What BAC range is driving while ability impaired in New York?
Alcohol and Drugs
- .05 to .07
A BAC of more than .05 up to .07 is a DWAI with a 90-day suspension, .08 or more is a DWI. Handbook: Mandatory Suspension or Revocation, page 20.
- 16.Which BAC brings a minimum one-year revocation as an aggravated DWI in New York?
Alcohol and Drugs
- .18
An aggravated DWI at .18 of one percent brings a minimum one-year revocation. Handbook: Mandatory Suspension or Revocation, page 20.
- 17.You are 19 and have a BAC of .04. What happens under New York's Zero Tolerance Law?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Your licence is suspended for six months
A driver under 21 with a BAC from .02 to .07 has the licence suspended for six months. Handbook: Zero Tolerance Law, page 21.
- 18.You are 19 and get a second Zero Tolerance violation. What is the sanction?
Alcohol and Drugs
- Revocation for one year or until you turn 21, whichever is longer
A second Zero Tolerance violation revokes the licence for a year or until age 21, whichever is longer. Handbook: Zero Tolerance Law, page 21.
- 19.What is the speed limit in New York City unless another limit is posted?
Speed Limits
- 25 mph
Some cities have limits below 55 mph that are not always posted; in New York City the limit is 25 mph unless posted. Handbook: Speed, page 47.
- 20.Some New York highways have minimum speed limits. Why?
Speed Limits
- To make traffic move smoothly and avoid a dangerous condition
Driving below a minimum speed interferes with traffic flow and creates a dangerous condition. Handbook: Speed, page 47.
- 21.How far back from a school bus should you stop when you pull over in a parking lot or on a road?
School Buses
- At least 20 feet
You should stop at least 20 feet away from the bus, and in parking lots you must stop before you reach it. Handbook: Sharing the Road with School Buses, page 40.
- 22.What should you do when a school bus begins flashing yellow warning lights?
School Buses
- Decrease speed and be prepared to stop
The yellow flashers tell you the bus is about to stop, so slow down and be ready to stop. Handbook: Sharing the Road with School Buses, page 40.
- 23.Once you have stopped for a school bus, when may you drive again?
School Buses
- When the bus starts moving again, or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals you
You cannot drive again until the bus starts moving or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals you to proceed. Handbook: Sharing the Road with School Buses, page 40.
- 24.The New York stop-arm camera penalty for a first violation of passing a stopped school bus is:
School Buses
- $250
The manual lists $250 for a first violation, $275 for a second within 18 months and $300 for a third. Handbook: Vehicle Owners, page 23.
- 25.When may you turn right at a steady red light in New York?
Traffic Signals
- After a full stop, yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign, signal or marking prevents it. Handbook: Traffic Signals, page 31.
- 26.A steady red light shows a green arrow. What may you do?
Traffic Signals
- Go only in the direction of the arrow, and only if the intersection is clear
With a green arrow and a red light you may go only toward the arrow and only when the intersection is clear. Handbook: Traffic Signals, page 31.
- 27.You are in New York City and see a red light. May you turn right?
Traffic Signals
- Only if a sign that permits it is posted
Turning on a red light is not allowed in New York City unless a sign that permits it is posted. Handbook: Traffic Signals, page 31.
- 28.The driver of a school bus carrying students is turning at a red light. What do they do?
Traffic Signals
- They cannot turn right on any red light
The manual states that the driver of a school bus containing students cannot turn right on any red light. Handbook: Traffic Signals, page 31.
- 29.You are about to enter a traffic circle or rotary. Who do you yield to?
Right-of-Way
- Drivers already in the circle
A driver approaching a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in it. Handbook: Turning and Intersections, page 35.
- 30.Traffic is backed up on the road ahead of you near an intersection. What should you do?
Right-of-Way
- Wait until traffic ahead clears so you do not block the intersection
You cannot enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side, so wait until it clears. Handbook: Turning and Intersections, page 35.
- 31.New York's Move Over Law applies when an emergency or hazard vehicle is stopped with:
Move Over Law
- Emergency lights, amber hazard lights, or amber plus blue lights activated
Drivers must reduce speed for vehicles with emergency lights, amber lights, or a combination of amber and blue lights activated. Handbook: Move Over Law, page 35.
- 32.What must you do when you encounter a stopped authorised emergency vehicle in the Move Over Law?
Move Over Law
- Reduce speed on all roads and move over when it is safe to do so
The law requires every driver to reduce speed on all roads and move over when it is safe. Handbook: Move Over Law, page 35.
- 33.New York is a primary enforcement seat belt state. What does that mean?
Seat Belts and Child Passengers
- An officer can ticket you just because a belt is not worn
Primary enforcement lets an officer issue a ticket for a seat belt violation, and it applies to visitors too. Handbook: Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags, page 48.
- 34.How must a child aged 4 to 7 be restrained in New York?
Seat Belts and Child Passengers
- In a federally approved child restraint with a lap and shoulder belt
A child from 4 to 7 must be in an appropriate federally approved child restraint used with a lap and shoulder belt. Handbook: Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags, page 48.
- 35.How must passengers aged 8 to 15 be restrained in New York?
Seat Belts and Child Passengers
- One person per seat belt
Passengers 8 to 15 must be properly restrained by a seat belt, one person per belt. Handbook: Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags, page 48.
- 36.What fine can a New York driver get for failing to buckle up?
Seat Belts and Child Passengers
- Up to $50
The driver can face a fine of up to $50 for failing to buckle up. Handbook: Seat Belts, Child Safety Seats, and Air Bags, page 48.
- 37.What minimum tyre tread depth does New York law require?
Vehicle Condition
- 2/32nds of an inch
The law requires at least 2/32nds of an inch of tread, and wear bars show when to replace a tyre. Handbook: Vehicle Condition, page 53.
- 38.You hear a whine when you make a sharp turn and the headlights seem dim. What should you do?
Vehicle Condition
- Check the lights, lenses and alignment
Keep lights clean and correctly aimed, because broken lenses cause dangerous glare; a whine on a sharp turn can mean a failing alternator. Handbook: Vehicle Condition, page 53.
- 39.Your licence is suspended for exactly 90 days. What must you pay before it comes back?
Fees and Penalties
- A non-refundable $50 suspension termination fee
A licence suspended for a set period is not returned until a non-refundable $50 termination fee is paid. Handbook: Fees and Civil Penalties, page 22.
- 40.Your suspension is under the Zero Tolerance Law. What extra costs apply?
Fees and Penalties
- A $125 civil penalty and a $100 suspension termination fee
A Zero Tolerance suspension carries a $125 civil penalty and a $100 termination fee on top of the usual fee. Handbook: Fees and Civil Penalties, page 22.