New York DMV Practice Test
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles publishes the format for the New York knowledge test: 20 questions, 70% to pass — checked 2026-08-01. Practice it below, free, with no signup and every answer sourced.
New YorkNew York State Department of Motor VehiclesChecked 2026-08-01Official source
New YorkNew York State Department of Motor VehiclesChecked 2026-08-01Official source
DMV Prep practice configurationNot an official exam format
New YorkNew York State Department of Motor VehiclesNew York State Driver's Manual and Practice Tests (MV-21 (5/23))Checked 2026-06-07Open the official New York handbook
Before you go for the real New York test
| Minimum permit age | 16 |
|---|
New YorkNew York State Department of Motor VehiclesNY DMV — Get Your Learner Permit and First Driver LicenseChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Sample New York permit test questions
Orange-colored signs indicate:
- A. School zones
- B. Recreational areas
- C. Railroad crossings
- D. Construction zones
Show answer
D. Construction zones — Orange signs warn about construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for changing lane patterns.
Universal ruleMUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General)Traffic Signs — GeneralChecked 2026-08-01Read the source
Report a problemIn New York City, the default citywide speed limit on most streets is:
- A. 20 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 30 mph
- D. 35 mph
Show answer
B. 25 mph — New York City reduced its default citywide speed limit to 25 mph in 2014 — the lowest of any major U.S. city. This applies to all streets without a different posted limit. School zone speed limits within NYC can be as low as 20 mph when school is in session.
New YorkNew York State Driver ManualChapter 3 — Safe Driving TechniquesChecked 2026-06-09Read the source
Report a problemIn New York, the maximum BAC for a driver under 21 to avoid a Zero Tolerance violation is:
- A. 0.08%
- B. Any detectable amount
- C. 0.01%
- D. 0.02%
Show answer
D. 0.02% — New York's Zero Tolerance Law prohibits drivers under 21 from driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. A conviction results in license suspension, fines, and a required drinking-driver program.
New YorkNew York State Driver's ManualChapter 11 — Alcohol and DrugsChecked 2026-06-07Read the source
Report a problemIn most New York City school zones, the speed limit when children are present is:
- A. 30 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 15 mph
Show answer
B. 20 mph — As of 2026, most New York City School Slow Zones are posted at 20 mph during school days — NYC DOT's standard threshold. A phased rollout begun in 2026 is converting zones to 15 mph, with full citywide coverage targeted by 2029; 15 mph is also the statutory floor set by state law. Outside NYC, school zone limits vary and are set by local authorities — always obey posted signs.
New YorkNew York State Driver's ManualChapter 3 — Signs, Signals, and MarkingsChecked 2026-06-07Read the source
Report a problemAt a traffic circle (rotary) in New York, who has the right of way?
- A. Vehicles already circulating inside the circle
- B. Vehicles entering the circle
- C. The vehicle on the right
- D. Vehicles going straight through
Show answer
A. Vehicles already circulating inside the circle — In New York, vehicles already inside a traffic circle have the right of way. Entering drivers must yield to circulating traffic before merging. This is the opposite of older rotary rules and is consistent with modern roundabout design. Never enter until there is a safe gap.
New YorkNew York State Driver's ManualIntersectionsChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problem
Questions last verified 2026-06-07 · Reviewed by the DMV Prep editorial team · Editorial policy
Before the New York knowledge test
These learner's permit requirements are separate from the written knowledge test score above. Use them to plan your application and supervised-driving timeline.
What to bring to the knowledge test:
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of Social Security number
Requirements last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: NY DMV — Get Your Learner Permit and First Driver License ↗. See the complete New York permit requirements.
What is different about New York
Rules that are set by New York rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit age: 16 here. The most common minimum permit age is 15 (25 of 50 states we have verified).
- Passing score: 70% here. The most common passing score is 80% (15 of 26 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in this New York DMV practice test?
This practice test uses 20 questions and a 70% study target — at least 14 correct answers. Confirm the current official exam format with the state licensing agency.
What score should I target for the New York written test?
Use 70% as the practice target on this site. The readiness dashboard tracks consistent performance; the state agency remains the source for current official requirements.
Is this New York practice test really free?
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these New York practice questions come from?
Questions use New York State Driver's Manual and Practice Tests and other handbook or regulatory references, and are not copied from live exams. Citation scope and recency are being revalidated across the bank.
Can I study for the New York permit test in Spanish?
Yes — try the New York practice test in Spanish. The DMV Prep app includes all 3,671+ questions in Spanish.
