Test Format

20

Total questions

70%

Passing score

14/20

Min. correct

Multiple choice

Eligibility & Fees

Permit age	16
License age	17 (with driver ed) / 18 (without)
Permit fee	$80 (covers permit, road test, and license; combined NY DMV fee)
License fee	Included in $80
Permit holding period	6 months minimum
Supervised hours	50 hours total (15 at night)

⚠ Memorize this — New York-specific

In NYC: NO right turn on red lights unless a sign specifically permits — the opposite of the rest of NY State.

💡 Pro tip

NY has the shortest test (20 questions) — but if testing in NYC, expect "no right on red" scenario questions.

Top 5 Questions to Know

1. 1. Inside New York City, when may you turn right on a red light?

   Answer: Only when a posted sign specifically permits the turn.

   In New York City (all five boroughs), turning right on a red light is prohibited by default — the opposite of the rest of New York State and most of the US. You may only turn right on red where a sign...

2. 2. In New York State, who must wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle?

   Answer: All operators and passengers, regardless of age.

   New York's motorcycle helmet law (VTL §381) requires all operators and passengers on motorcycles to wear a DOT-approved helmet on any public road. NY was the first state to enact a universal motorcycl...

3. 3. On dry pavement at 55 mph in New York, the total stopping distance (reaction + braking) for an average passenger car is approximately:

   Answer: 300 feet — roughly the length of a football field.

   At 55 mph on dry pavement, a car needs approximately 300 feet to fully stop from the moment the driver notices a hazard — roughly 55 feet of reaction distance plus 245 feet of braking. On wet pavement...

4. 4. When parallel parked on a New York street, your vehicle's wheels must be no more than what distance from the curb?

   Answer: 12 inches.

   New York requires parallel-parked vehicles to be within 12 inches of the curb. Parking farther than that creates a hazard for passing vehicles and can earn a parking ticket. The 12-inch rule is standa...

5. 5. What does this sign indicate?

   Answer: Come to a complete stop

   A stop sign means you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.

Top Reasons Drivers Fail the Road Test

• ✗ Rolling stops at stop signs
• ✗ Failing to check blind spots before lane changes
• ✗ Exceeding speed limit (even by 1–2 mph)
• ✗ Not signaling early enough before turns
• ✗ Improper lane changes