New York Permit Test Practice 2026
The New York permit test is a 20-question multiple-choice knowledge exam administered by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and you must answer at least 14 correctly (70%) to pass, with at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions correct. Questions are drawn from the New York State Driver’s Manual and cover traffic laws, signs, right-of-way, signals, and intoxicated-driving rules covered in the State’s 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course.
What’s on the New York permit test?
New York’s written permit test is 20 questions, multiple choice, with a 70% passing bar - that’s about 14 right out of 20. Questions are pulled from the New York driver handbook and cover traffic laws, road signs, right of way, signals, and a handful of New York-specific rules. New York’s DMV uses just 20 questions and a 70% pass mark - but the question style is unusually scenario-heavy.
It’s mostly factual. You’ll see questions about sign meanings, posted speed limits, signaling distances, and right-of-way order. A smaller block tests practical judgment in everyday driving scenarios.
Generic DMV prep doesn’t cut it for New York. The state’s handbook has rules other states don’t, and the test reflects that. Practice on New York-specific questions or you’ll waste time on material that won’t be there.
Sample questions (free, no signup)
Here are 6 practice questions in the New York format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.
Question 1: How many hours of practice driving should you complete before taking the road test?
- At least 50 hours total
- At least 40 hours total
- At least 30 hours total
Correct answer: At least 50 hours total
Why: Before taking the road test, it is important that you have had at least 50 hours of practice, with at least 15 hours after sunset.
💡 Memory tip: 50 hours = 5 zeroes; practice before your road test.
Question 2: If you are 19 years old and convicted of a DUI in another state, how long will your New York license be revoked?
- At least one year or until age 21, whichever is longer
- Six months minimum
- 90 days minimum
Correct answer: At least one year or until age 21, whichever is longer
Why: According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, if you are under 21 years old and convicted of any alcohol or drug-related violation that occurred out of state, your New York driver license will be revoked for at least one year or until the age of 21, whichever is longer.
💡 Memory tip: One year or until 21. longer of the two.
Question 3: Do out-of-state traffic convictions generally add points to your NY driving record?
- Yes, all out-of-state violations add points
- No, except for Ontario and Quebec violations
- Only if the violation occurred in a neighboring state
Correct answer: No, except for Ontario and Quebec violations
Why: NYS does not record convictions of moving traffic violations by NY drivers in other jurisdictions, except for traffic offenses in Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
💡 Memory tip: Out-of-state tickets? Only Ontario and Quebec add NY points.
Question 4: During what hours are DJ learner permit holders prohibited from driving in all regions of New York?
- 10PM to 6AM
- 9PM to 5AM
- 8PM to 6AM
Correct answer: 9PM to 5AM
Why: DJ learner permit holders are prohibited from driving from 9 PM to 5 AM across all regions of New York, ensuring safety during late-night hours.
💡 Memory tip: 9 PM to 5 AM = night driving ban for DJ permits.
Question 5: Which vehicles require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in New York State?
- Vehicles with GVWR over 26,000 pounds or carrying 15+ passengers
- Any vehicle used for business purposes
- Vehicles with GVWR over 15,000 pounds
Correct answer: Vehicles with GVWR over 26,000 pounds or carrying 15+ passengers
Why: You need a CDL for vehicles with GVWR over 26,000 pounds, vehicles made to carry 15 or more persons in addition to the driver, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards.
💡 Memory tip: 26,000 pounds or 15+ passengers = CDL required.
Question 6: In Long Island, who can supervise a DJ permit holder during daytime hours (5AM-9PM)?
- Only parents, guardians, or driving instructors
- Parents, guardians, driving instructors, or anyone designated in writing by parents
- Any licensed driver over 21
Correct answer: Parents, guardians, driving instructors, or anyone designated in writing by parents
Why: According to the regional restrictions chart, in Long Island during 5AM-9PM, DJ permit holders can be supervised by parents, guardians, driving instructors, or anyone who has been designated in writing by the parent, guardian, or person ‘in loco parentis’.
💡 Memory tip: Long Island, 5AM-9PM: parents, guardians, instructors, or written designees supervise.
New York-specific rules to know
Eight New York-specific rules worth committing to memory before test day. These are the ones that catch first-time testers.
- Fines & penalties - A junior permit must be held for a minimum of six months, excluding any time the permit is suspended or revoked, before a road test can be scheduled.
- License rules - Your New York driver license will be suspended if you fail to answer a ticket for a moving traffic violation in any state except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Virginia or Wisconsin.
- Teen / provisional drivers - In Upstate New York, junior license holders may drive between 9PM and 5AM only when traveling directly to or from work or a school course, event, or activity.
- Teen / provisional drivers - You can drive outside New York State with your learner permit, junior learner permit or junior license if it is allowed by the laws of the other state.
- License rules - Even if you are licensed somewhere else, people under age 16 cannot drive in New York State, regardless of having a valid license from another jurisdiction.
- Driving rule - Most US states, including California and New York, require at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience before you are eligible to take the road test.
- Teen / provisional drivers - With a Junior Learner Permit, you cannot drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless they are members of your immediate family or if your supervising driver is your parent,…
- Driving rule - You should have at least 50 hours of practice total, with at least 15 hours after sunset before taking the road test.
How to schedule your New York permit test
You can typically schedule your New York permit test online through the official New York DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.
This page references rules from the New York Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the New York DMV.
Studying in a neighboring state?
Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Vermont permit test practice, Massachusetts permit test practice, Connecticut permit test practice.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
The New York DMV permit test has 20 questions. You need to answer at least 70% correctly to pass.
What is the passing score for the New York permit test?
You need 70% to pass - that’s roughly 14 out of 20 questions correct.
How old do I have to be to take the New York permit test?
The minimum age in New York is 16. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.
Can I retake the New York permit test if I fail?
Yes. Most New York DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.
Is the DMV Ready app good for New York?
DMV Ready matches the New York format exactly: 20 questions, 70% to pass, content from the New York driver handbook. State-specific questions are tagged for New York so you practice what’s on your test.
Practice unlimited New York questions in DMV Ready
New York format, locked: 20 questions per exam, 70% pass mark. Free version covers daily practice; Premium unlocks unlimited.
Practice in another state
Each state writes its own permit test - same general rules, different specific questions. Pick yours: