NY DMV Permit Test: 2026 Guide

The New York DMV Learner Permit Test has 20 questions, and you need 14 correct answers (70%) to pass. The test fee is $64.25 - $102.25. The questions are based on the New York State Driver's Manual. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 20-question New York practice test.

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NY DMV Permit Test at a glance

Official name	New York DMV Learner Permit Test
Questions	20
Pass mark	14 of 20 correct (70%)
Test fee	$64.25 - $102.25
Time	Approx. 20-30 minutes
Online option	Under 18: you can take the permit test online. Students at least 15 years 11 months old can also take it through a school in the DMV Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA) program.
Official handbook	New York State Driver's Manual
Official page	New York licensing office
Free practice test	20 questions with answers

Getting Your Learner Permit in NY: Your 4-Step Checklist

Step 1: Are You Eligible?
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must pass a vision screening.
Step 2: What ID Do I Need?

You must satisfy the 6 Points of ID Verification, which typically includes a birth certificate, a Social Security card, and proof of residency.
Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?

The fee for the permit and license varies by age and location, typically ranging from $64.25 to $102.25.
Step 4: Understanding the Test Format

The permit test has 20 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 14 questions correctly, and you must correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 questions about road signs.
Step 5: Learner Permit Rules & Restrictions
While driving with a Learner Permit, rules vary by region but generally include:
- Must be accompanied by a supervising driver age 21 or older.
- No driving in a DMV road test area.
- Strict curfews (no driving 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) apply, especially in NYC and Long Island.

Free New York practice questions

The first 10 questions of New York Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 20 questions.

1. Why is driving at night more dangerous?
Show answer

Answer: c) Limited visibility.
Driving at night.
- It is more dangerous because the distance you can see ahead or to the side is reduced. Drive at relatively lower speed.
2. When should you switch to low beam headlights?
Show answer

Answer: a) When you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Switch to low beam:
- When you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle.
- When you are within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you, even if the vehicle ahead is in a different lane.
3. If your front wheels start to skid:
Show answer

Answer: d) Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral
If your front wheels start to skid:
- Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral or push in the clutch, but do not try to immediately steer.
- As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return.
4. What is No Zone area?
Show answer

Answer: a) Blind spots behind as well as on both sides of the vehicle.
Large vehicles: Blind spots.
- They have larger blind spots on both sides and behind them than cars do. Tractors with long hoods can have a blind spot of 20 feet in front of the vehicle. You should avoid these no zones.
5. Which of these is illegal while passing a horse?
Show answer

Answer: d) Sound your horn.
- It is illegal to sound your horn when you approach or pass a horse.
6. What is the recommended action for drivers who are not involved in a crash and come across a crash scene?
Show answer

Answer: b) Do not stop unless involved or emergency help has not arrived.
- Do not stop at a crash scene unless you are involved or emergency help has not arrived.
7. Traffic lights are installed at intersections to:
Show answer

Answer: a) Control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic lights.
- Installed at intersections to control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
- Arranged in either vertical lines or horizontal lines.
8. Double solid white lines indicate:
Show answer

Answer: a) Lane barrier.
Double solid white lines.
- Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction.
- Indicates a lane barrier.
- Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.
- Can be used between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane.
- You may also see these in or near freeway on and off ramps.
9. This sign means:
Show answer

Answer: c) Passing is prohibited.
Do not cross pass.
- The distance you can see ahead is so limited that passing another vehicle is hazardous and you may not pass.
10. Where should you typically turn when making a right turn, unless signs direct otherwise?
Show answer

Answer: d) Right lane.
Right turn.
- Get as far to the right as possible.
- Do not make wide, sweeping turns.
- Unless signs direct you to do otherwise, turn into the right lane of the road you enter.

Take the full 20-question New York practice test

NY DMV Permit Test: common questions

How many questions are on the NY DMV Permit Test?

The New York DMV Learner Permit Test has 20 questions.

How many questions can you miss on the NY DMV Permit Test?

You need 14 of 20 correct (70%), so you can miss up to 6 questions.

How much does the NY DMV Permit Test cost?

The New York test fee is $64.25 - $102.25. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.

How long does the NY DMV Permit Test take?

Approx. 20-30 minutes.

Can you take the NY DMV Permit Test online?

Under 18: you can take the permit test online. Students at least 15 years 11 months old can also take it through a school in the DMV Online Knowledge Test Application (OKTA) program.

What should I study for the NY DMV Permit Test?

Study the New York State Driver's Manual; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free New York Practice Test 1 has 20 questions with answers and explanations.

Is the FlashPath New York practice test free?

Yes. Practice Test 1 (20 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 180 more New York practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.

What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?

If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the NY DMV Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.

Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.

New York guides

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Road test and rules

The FlashPath app

FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the New York DMV Learner Permit Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 200 New York questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).