Ace Your 2025 New York Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You'll Likely See

The first official step toward getting your New York driver's license is passing the DMV's written learner permit test. This 20-question exam is your initial checkpoint to prove you have a fundamental grasp of New York's traffic laws, signs, and safe driving principles. To pass, you need to answer at least 14 questions correctly, and you must get at least two of the four road sign questions right.

While the entire test is based on the New York State Driver's Manual, the best way to prepare and calm your nerves is to test your knowledge beforehand. We've compiled 15 practice questions that reflect the style and content you'll encounter on the actual NYS DMV permit test. Below each question, you'll find the correct answer and a detailed explanation.

New York DMV Permit Practice Test

Question 1: In New York State, what is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for a driver 21 years of age or older to be considered Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)?

a) 0.10% b) 0.05% c) 0.08% d) 0.02%

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In New York, a driver 21 or older is legally considered intoxicated if their BAC is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, NY has a "Zero Tolerance" law, meaning a BAC of 0.02% or higher can lead to suspension.

Question 2: This road sign means: (Image of a red, downward-pointing triangle)

a) Stop b) Warning c) No Passing d) Yield

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A downward-pointing triangular sign is the universal shape for a "Yield" sign. It means you must slow down and be prepared to stop to let any vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists pass before you proceed.

Question 3: Under New York's GDL, a driver with a junior learner permit in Upstate NY may not drive between what hours?

a) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. b) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. c) 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. d) Midnight and 6 a.m.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Graduated Driver License (GDL) law includes a nighttime driving curfew for junior permit holders. In Upstate New York (all counties except those in NYC and Long Island), you may not drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by your parent, guardian, or a certified driving instructor.

Question 4: When approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing on a divided highway, you must:

a) Stop, no matter which direction you are traveling. b) Slow down to 15 mph and pass with caution. c) Stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. d) Proceed as normal, as you are on a divided highway.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: New York State law requires all drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, regardless of the direction of travel or whether the road is divided. The only exception is if the bus is on the other side of a physical barrier or median. Fines and penalties for illegally passing a school bus are severe.

Question 5: What is the purpose of the "two-second rule"?

a) To time how long it takes to stop. b) To ensure you have a safe following distance. c) To know how long to signal before a turn. d) To judge the speed of oncoming traffic.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The two-second rule is a simple method to avoid tailgating. Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object (like a sign or tree). Then, count "one-thousand one, one-thousand two." If you pass the same object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. In bad weather, this should be increased to three or four seconds.

Question 6: This road sign means: (Image of a round, yellow sign with a black "X" and "RR")

a) Stop Ahead b) Yield Ahead c) Hospital Ahead d) Railroad Crossing Ahead

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The round, yellow sign with a black "X" and the letters "RR" is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. When you see this sign, you should slow down, look, and listen for a train.

Question 7: A driver with a junior license (Class DJ) in Nassau or Suffolk County may drive unsupervised to/from:

a) A friend's house. b) A movie theater. c) Their place of employment. d) Any recreational event.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: On Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), a junior license holder has specific restrictions. They are permitted to drive unsupervised directly between their home and their place of employment, a state-approved cooperative work-study program, or a college course.

Question 8: If your car starts to hydroplane, you should:

a) Slam on the brakes. b) Turn the steering wheel sharply. c) Ease your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go. d) Accelerate to gain traction.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road and ride on a film of water. If this happens, do not brake or turn suddenly. Take your foot off the accelerator and make small, gentle steering adjustments until your tires regain traction.

Question 9: What is the "Implied Consent" law?

a) You implicitly consent to let others merge in front of you. b) You implicitly consent to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are driving impaired. c) You implicitly consent to follow the speed limit. d) You implicitly consent to a search of your vehicle if stopped.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: By driving a vehicle in New York State, you have automatically given your consent to have a chemical test performed if you are arrested for an alcohol or drug-related driving violation. Refusing the test leads to an immediate license suspension and a civil penalty, even if you are not convicted of the DWI.

Question 10: In New York State, you must use your headlights when visibility is less than:

a) 500 feet. b) 1,000 feet. c) 1,500 feet. d) 2,000 feet.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Headlights are required from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and at any other time when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. They are also required when using your windshield wipers for precipitation.

Question 11: This road sign means: (Image of a five-sided, pentagon-shaped sign, typically yellow or fluorescent green)

a) Stop b) Yield c) School Zone or School Crossing d) No Passing Zone

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The pentagon (five-sided) shape is used exclusively for signs related to school zones and school crossings. When you see this sign, you should slow down and watch for children.

Question 12: You are at a red light. A police officer is in the intersection and signaling for you to proceed. What should you do?

a) Wait for the green light. b) Honk to get the officer's attention. c) Obey the officer's instructions and proceed with caution. d) Pull over to the side of the road.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In any situation where traffic signals and a law enforcement officer's directions are in conflict, you must always obey the officer. Their instructions override the signals.

Question 13: What is the minimum number of hours of supervised driving practice required before you can take your road test?

a) 20 hours b) 30 hours c) 40 hours d) 50 hours

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Before you can schedule your road test in New York, a parent or guardian must certify that you have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 15 of those hours being after sunset.

Question 14: Parallel parking is a required maneuver on the NYS road test. How far can you be from the curb for a passing score?

a) Within 6 inches. b) Within 12 inches. c) Within 18 inches. d) As long as you don't hit it.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: While not an official written test question, it's critical knowledge. For the road test, your parallel parked vehicle should be within one foot (12 inches) of the curb.

Question 15: If you accumulate 11 or more points on your driving record within an 18-month period, what may happen?

a) You receive a warning letter. b) Your insurance rates may increase. c) The DMV may suspend or revoke your driver license. d) All of the above.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: While B is a likely consequence, the direct action from the DMV for reaching 11 points in 18 months is that they may call you to a hearing, which could result in a license suspension or revocation. Therefore, "All of the above" is the most complete answer reflecting all potential outcomes.

How to Guarantee Success

These questions are just a sample. To be fully prepared, you must read and study the New York State Driver's Manual. Focus on the chapters covering GDL laws, traffic signs, rules of the road, and the effects of alcohol. Combine diligent study with practice tests, and you'll be ready to ace your permit test on the first try.