PermitoNew York permit practice test
Here are 10 practice questions written for New York, based on the New York driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.
This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).
Question 1
You press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor. What should you try first?
- Jerk the parking brake all the way up
- Pump the pedal, then use the parking brake gently
- Shift into reverse to slow down
- Turn off the ignition and coast
Show answer
Answer: B. Pump the pedal, then use the parking brake gently
If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, pump it, then apply the parking brake gently and shift to a lower gear. A hard pull on the parking brake can cause a skid.
Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions
Question 2
Leaving the scene of a crash that caused only property damage is a crime in New York.
- True
- False
Show answer
Answer: B. False
Leaving the scene of a crash with only property damage is a traffic violation. Leaving the scene of a crash with an injury or a death is a crime.
Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
Question 3
Two people of equal weight drink at once: one a 12-ounce beer, the other a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Who has the higher BAC?
- The liquor drinker, since liquor is stronger than beer
- Neither, because each drink holds about the same alcohol
- The beer drinker, since it takes longer to finish
- The beer drinker, since beer has more liquid
Show answer
Answer: B. Neither, because each drink holds about the same alcohol
A 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of liquor hold about the same alcohol. BAC depends on how much alcohol you take in, how fast, and your weight, not on the type of drink.
Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Question 4
A BAC at what level or higher is evidence of aggravated DWI?
- 0.10 percent, an older DWI level
- 0.15 percent, still below aggravated
- 0.12 percent, well above the DWI level
- 0.18 percent, the aggravated level
Show answer
Answer: D. 0.18 percent, the aggravated level
A BAC of 0.18 percent or higher is evidence of aggravated DWI. This charge carries a higher fine and a longer minimum revocation than a regular DWI, because the driver is far more impaired.
Sources: VTL 1192; Driver handbook, Chapter 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Question 5
What is the minimum tire tread depth New York allows?
- 1/32 of an inch, a nearly bald tire
- 2/32 of an inch of tread depth
- 4/32 of an inch, a typical new-tire figure
- 6/32 of an inch, the depth of a new tire
Show answer
Answer: B. 2/32 of an inch of tread depth
Tires must have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread. Worn tires grip poorly on wet roads, and the wear bars or a penny test show when tread is too low.
Question 6
Before passing on the left, you must be able to return to your lane before an oncoming vehicle is within what distance?
- 50 feet, the rail parking distance
- 100 feet, the signal distance
- 200 feet from your car
- 500 feet, the U-turn sight line
Show answer
Answer: C. 200 feet from your car
A driver may not pass on the left unless the car can return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet. Two cars close very fast on a two-lane road.
Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 6: Passing
Question 7
A 17-year-old with a junior license on Long Island wants to drive alone at 4 PM to meet friends. What is the rule?
- Allowed, as long as he carries no passengers
- Allowed, because 4 PM is inside the daytime window
- Allowed, if he carries a note from a parent
- Not allowed, solo trips have set purposes
Show answer
Answer: D. Not allowed, solo trips have set purposes
On Long Island, even by day a junior driving alone is limited to trips between home and work, work-study, certain courses, or farm work. A parent or driving teacher must ride along for other trips.
Question 8
The signals at a railroad crossing start flashing as you approach. How far from the tracks should you stop?
- At least 50 feet from the tracks
- Right at the edge of the tracks
- At least 5 feet from the tracks
- At least 15 feet from the tracks
Show answer
Answer: D. At least 15 feet from the tracks
When railroad crossing signals are active, stop at least 15 feet from the tracks. Stopping any closer can put your car in the swing of the train.
Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions
Question 9
A junior permit holder in Albany wants to practice at 10 PM with her 25-year-old licensed neighbor. What is the rule?
- Allowed, because any licensed adult over 21 can supervise upstate
- Allowed, since upstate has no night rules for permits
- Not allowed, because junior permit holders cannot drive after dark
- Not allowed, because at that hour upstate the supervisor must be a parent, guardian, or driving teacher
Show answer
Answer: D. Not allowed, because at that hour upstate the supervisor must be a parent, guardian, or driving teacher
Upstate, from 9 PM to 5 AM, a junior permit holder needs a parent, guardian, driver education teacher, or driving school instructor in the car. A neighbor is fine by day but not at night.
Question 10
You drive down a street near the ferry ramp in New York City. No speed sign is posted. What is the limit?
- 40 mph near the water
- 30 mph, as in many cities
- 25 mph citywide
- 35 mph on a wide street
Show answer
Answer: C. 25 mph citywide
The speed limit in New York City is 25 mph unless a different limit is posted. Some streets have signs for lower speeds.
More New York practice
Practice the rest in the app
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