Permit questions

You must not park within ____ feet of a railroad crossing.

50 feet You must not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing.

In New York State, you are considered legally impaired if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above

0.05%. New York State law considers you legally impaired if your BAC is above 0.05% and legally intoxicated if your BAC is 0.08% or above. In New York State, unlike some other states, it is against the law to drive if you are legally impaired even if you aren't legally intoxicated. If you are found to be driving with a BAC of 0.18% or above, you can be charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (aggravated DWI), for which the penalties will be more severe if you're convicted.

New York State law requires you to signal at least ________ before you turn.

100 feet ahead New York State law requires you to signal a turn or lane change at least 100 feet ahead. You may use either hand signals or your vehicle's turn lights. A good safety tip is to start to signal before you start to brake for the turn.

In New York State, the maximum speed limit is _______ except where otherwise posted.

50 mph In New York State, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph except where otherwise posted.

You must not drive on the railroad sign

A red slash inside a red circle means "no." This sign means that you are not allowed to drive on the railroad tracks.

You are planning to turn right at the next intersection. You should start to signal

100 feet before you turn Under New York State law, you must continuously signal a turn or lane change for at least the last 100 feet (about 30 m) before you perform the maneuver. A good safety tip is, when possible, signal your intention to turn before you begin to brake or make the turn. [Chapter 5 - Intersections and Turns, New York State DMV Driver's Manual], [NY VTL § 1163]

In New York State, vehicles approaching from either direction must stop at least _________ from a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.

20 feet New York State law requires vehicles approaching from either direction to stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, even in front of the school or in a school parking lot. This law applies to all roadways in New York State. In New York State, unlike many other states, you must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

In New York City, the speed limit is _______ except where otherwise posted.

25 mph Some cities have relatively low speed limits that are not always posted. In New York City, for example, the speed limit is 25 mph except where otherwise posted.

Dim your headlights to low beam when you are within ________ of an oncoming vehicle.

500 Feet High beams let you see farther than low beams, but they can blind the driver of a nearby vehicle. In New York State, you must use low beams whenever you're within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead of you.

You may not make a U-turn wherever other drivers would be unable to see your vehicle from ________ in either direction.

500 feet You may not make a U-turn wherever other drivers would be unable to see your vehicle from 500 feet away in either direction. Also, you may not make a U-turn in a school zone, on a limited-access highway, or wherever a "No U-Turn" sign is posted. [NY VAT § 1161]

In a roundabout, traffic circulates in

A counterclockwise direction A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic circulates counterclockwise around a central island. When entering a roundabout, you must yield the right-of-way to the traffic in the roundabout and drive in a counterclockwise direction.

You may make a U-turn

Across a double yellow line. You may cross a double solid yellow line to turn left, either to leave the road or start a U-turn. You may not make a U-turn on a limited-access expressway, in a school zone, in a New York City business district, near the top of a hill, on a curve, or anywhere else that your vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers within 500 feet. Of course, you may not make a U-turn wherever a "No U-Turn" sign is posted.

In New York State, which occupants of a vehicle must wear seat belts or suitable child restraints?

All rear-seat occupants under 16 and all front-seat occupants New York State law requires all passengers under the age of 16 to wear seat belts or suitable child restraints. Also, all front-seat occupants (including the driver) must wear seat belts. Still, even adults in the rear seat should consider wearing seat belts. A study conducted in 2015 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that unrestrained rear-seat occupants were nearly eight times as likely to sustain a serious injury in a crash as restrained rear-seat occupants.

You have parked next to a curb, facing uphill. Which way should you point your front wheels?

Away from the curb When you parallel park facing uphill, you should point your wheels away from the curb and then roll back slowly so that the rear part of the right front wheel rests against the curb. If your brakes fail, the curb will block your vehicle from rolling backward. Make sure you still set your parking brake and leave your transmission in the correct gear (Park for an automatic transmission or first gear for maximum forward torque with a manual transmission).

A chemical test measures your

Blood alcohol content A chemical test is used to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). [Chapter 9 - Alcohol and Other Drugs, New York State DMV Driver's Manual]

the road ahead curves right, then left

This sign indicates a double curve ahead. The road ahead curves to the right and then to the left. (If there were a triple curve ahead, a winding road sign would be posted instead.) Slow down, keep right, and do not pass.

Before changing lanes, you shouldn't' t

Flash your headlights to alert other drivers Flashing your headlights is the visual equivalent of sounding your horn: It's a warning signal. Normally, you wouldn't sound your horn just to change lanes, and neither should you flash your headlights. What you should do is Look for vehicles in your blind spot, be sure there is enough rom for your vehicle in the next lane, and glance over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear

If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks when a train is approaching, what should you do?

Get everyone out of the vehicle and far away. If your vehicle gets stuck on a railroad track when a train is approaching, don't spend any time trying to free your vehicle. Instead, get everyone including yourself out of your vehicle and walk quickly at about a 45-degree angle to the tracks in the direction from which the train is approaching. That way, if your vehicle is hit, you and your passengers will not be struck by flying debris. Call 911 or the telephone number on the railroad crossing sign.

If a tire blows out while you're driving, what should you do?

Hold the steering wheel firmly If a tire suddenly blows out, hold the steering wheel firmly and ease your foot off the gas pedal. Brake gently to a stop only after your vehicle is back under your control.

Rest ahead sign

This sign indicates a rest area open on the right.

hydroplaning.

In heavy rain, your vehicle's tires can ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road. On a wet road, at speeds of up to 35 mph, modern tires will usually channel water away to maintain contact with the road. However, in deep water at higher speeds, the channeling action of the tires becomes less effective and the tires start to ride on a layer of water like water skis. This is called "hydroplaning." At 50 mph or above, hydroplaning may result in a total loss of braking and steering control. To prevent hydroplaning, slow down.

What is the correct hand signal for a left turn?

Left arm straight out. The correct hand signal for a left turn is left arm straight out

An intersection where the traffic lights are not working must be treated

Like a four-way stop If the traffic signal that you are approaching is not working, treat it like a stop sign. That is, come to a complete stop and then follow the rules for yielding the right-of-way. If none of the traffic signals at the intersection are working, treat the intersection like a four-way stop.

To pull out of a parallel parking space next to a curb, what should you do FIRST?

Make sure your wheels are straight To pull out of a parallel parking space, you need to reverse to make some space in front of you. However, if you don't straighten your front wheels first, the curb may block your vehicle from reversing.

At a railroad crossing, when can you go around a lowered railroad gate?

Never It is dangerous and illegal to go around a lowered railroad crossing gate. The gate is lowered because a train is approaching. Even if you've seen a train pass, another train may be approaching.

Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur in the months of

October, November, and December Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur in the months of October, November, and December. That's breeding season (for the deer). Drive with caution when you see a deer crossing sign.

When may you park in a space with a handicapped sign?

Only if you or your passenger (-s) have a permit or vehicle plates for the disabled In New York State, it is illegal for any vehicle to park, stop, or stand in a space reserved for the disabled unless it has vehicle plates for the disabled; a New York State Parking Permit for the Disabled (MV-664) issued by a city, town, county, or village; or a similar vehicle plate or permit issued by another state. The person who received the plates or permit must be inside the vehicle.

You have parked next to a curb on a level street. Which way should you point your front wheels?

Parallel to the curb When you parallel park on a level street, your front wheels should be parallel to your rear wheels. If you're parked next to a curb, your front wheels should be parallel to the curb.

Flashing arrow panel

Sequential arrow panels may be used in work zones around the clock. This one indicates that the lane is closed ahead and you should move into the lane to your left.

Service sign

Service signs have white letters or symbols on a blue background. This service sign shows the location of a gas station.

When approaching a flashing yellow light at an intersection, you should

Slow down and proceed with caution Flashing yellow signals are used to alert drivers to potential hazards. If you see a flashing yellow signal at an intersection, slow down and proceed with caution.

__________ separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

Solid or broken white lines A white line separates two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. If it's a broken line, you may cross it to pass or change lanes; if it's a solid line, you should not do so except in special situations.

You are on a divided highway. You approach a school bus that has stopped with flashing red lights on the opposite side of the highway. What should you do?

Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing In many states, you may pass a school bus that is stopped with flashing red lights on the opposite side of a divided highway. In New York State, however, you must stop and remain stopped, just as if the school bus were stopped on an undivided roadway.

What shouldn't you do to prevent fatigue on a long trip

Take medications to stay awake Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the-counter or prescribed) that may impair your driving abilities. Stimulants may make you feel more alert temporarily, but they can shorten your attention span. Plus, when the stimulant wears off, it may leave you feeling even more fatigued and drowsy than before you took the stimulant. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are taking. [Chapter 8 - Defensive Driving, New York State DMV Driver's Manual]

Under New York State law, it is illegal to ____ while driving.

Talk, listen and text on a handheld mobile phone Under New York State law, it is illegal to have a conversation on a handheld mobile phone while driving. The penalties include five license points and a fine of up to $200.

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) depends on

The amount of alcohol you've consume Different types of drinks do not affect you differently. It is the amount of alcohol you consume, not whether it is in beer, wine, or liquor that raises your blood alcohol content (BAC) and impairs your driving abilities. [Chapter 9 - Alcohol and Other Drugs, New York State DMV Driver's Manual]

As you approach an intersection that is not controlled by signs or signals, you notice a bicycle on the roadway to your left has arrived before you. Who is given the right-of-way?

The bicycle, because it arrived first Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers. At an uncontrolled intersection (i.e., one without signs or signals), the vehicle that arrives first is given the right-of-way. In this case, you must yield to the bicycle because it arrived at the intersection before you did.

Vehicles traveling in either direction can make left turns

The center lane is reserved for making left turns (or U-turns, when they are permitted) and can be used by vehicles traveling in either direction. On the pavement, left-turn arrows for traffic in one direction alternate with left-turn arrows for traffic in the opposite direction. These lanes are marked on each side by solid and broken (dashed) yellow lines.

When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, you should start your turn in

The left lane When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, start your turn in the left lane and turn into the lane just to the right of the centerline.

Whenever you drive a vehicle equipped with airbags, keep both hands on the steering wheel at

The nine o'clock and three o'clock positions Whenever you drive a vehicle equipped with airbags, keep your hands on the opposite sides of the steering wheel: the nine o'clock and three o'clock positions. The driver's-side airbag deploys at very high speed out of the steering wheel. If your hands are higher on the steering wheel than nine o'clock and three o'clock, the deploying airbag could push your hands into your face, injuring you.

A flagger ahead

This construction or work zone sign indicates a flag person (flagger) ahead. Flaggers are often located in highway or street work zones. They use red flags or STOP/SLOW paddles to guide traffic safely

Drivers must not make a right turn.

This is a traffic regulatory sign. A red slash inside a red circle means "no." This sign means that a right turn is not allowed here.

Object marker sign

This is an object marker sign, which is used to notify drivers of objects in the roadway or very close to the edge of the roadway. The stripes point downward toward the safe side of the roadway. This sign indicates that you should keep right to pass the object.

a stop sign.

This is, of course, a stop sign, the only type of sign that is octagonal (eight sided). A stop sign has the word "STOP" printed in white on a red background. At a stop sign, you must stop before the stop line or crosswalk if any. Then yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

A roundabout sign

This sign indicates a roundabout, a circular intersection in which traffic circulates counterclockwise around a central island. Compared with conventional four-way intersections, roundabouts have fewer traffic delays and fewer accidents.

a school zone.

This sign indicates a school zone ahead. Schoolchildren may be crossing the road ahead, so slow down and proceed with caution. You may also need to stop for them, so be ready.

Keep Left to Divider Ahead

This sign indicates a traffic island or divider ahead. Keep left of this obstacle.

freeway interchange sign

This sign is a freeway interchange sign. This sign indicates that you are approaching an interchange.

Road ahead curves left

This sign means that the road ahead curves in the direction of the arrow.

A divided highway starts ahead.

This sign warns drivers that the road will split into a divided highway ahead. A physical barrier or median will form between opposing lanes. Keep right.

a winding road ahead.

This sign warns of a winding road ahead. (A winding road is a road with at least three curves.) This road will curve right and left; you should slow down.

Steep descent ahead

This sign warns that there is a steep descent ahead. Check your brakes. Watch out for slowly descending vehicles such as trucks. Use low gear to reduce wear on your brakes even if your vehicle has an automatic transmission.

Right Lane Ends Ahead

This warning sign indicates that the right lane ends ahead. All traffic in the right lane must merge left.

When are you allowed to cross a double solid yellow line?

To turn left to leave a road, to make a U-Turn, or if traffic officer directs you to do so You may not cross a double solid yellow line to pass or change lanes unless a traffic officer instructs you to. But you can cross it to turn left or make a U-turn.

If your rear wheels start to skid, what should you do?

Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If your rear wheels start to skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they are sliding right, steer right. The rear wheels may overshoot and start to skid in the opposite direction. If so, turn the steering wheel in that direction also. This procedure, called "steering into the skid," should get your vehicle back under your control.

At an intersection, a stop sign accompanied by a sign that says "4-way" means

Vehicles from all four directions approaching the intersection must stop At an intersection, a stop sign accompanied by this sign means that the intersection is a four-way stop. Each approaching roadway has a stop sign accompanied by a "4-Way" sign.

In New York State outside of New York City, when can you make a left turn at a red light?

When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street In New York State outside of New York City, you can turn left on a red light when you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless signs prohibit it. You must still come to a complete stop and yield to all pedestrians and traffic before you turn. Note: The laws on this are different in some other states. A few states (e.g., Michigan) also allow you to turn left on red from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Still other states (e.g., South Dakota) prohibit left turns on red altogether. When traveling out of state, always check the local traffic laws.

Work zones

Work zones can be hazardous to drive in as well as to work in. In New York State, unlike some other states, the fines for speeding in work zones are doubled whether or not workers or work vehicles are there. Note: Some work zones can change location, such as when workers are painting road markings or patching potholes. Obey all work zone signs until you see a work zone sign stating that the work zone has ended.

Where there are both a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, are you allowed to pass another vehicle?

Yes, but only if the broken line is on your side Where there are both a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may pass another vehicle only if the broken line is on your side.

You arrive at an intersection that is not controlled by signs or signals. At the same time, a truck on the roadway to your left reaches the intersection. Who should be given the right-of-way?

You When vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection (i.e., one without signs or signals) at about the same time, each vehicle must yield to its right. In this case, the truck must yield to you because you are to the right of the truck.

You are driving on a divided highway. The right edge of the roadway is painted yellow. What does this mean?

You are driving the wrong way If the yellow edge of the roadway is on your right, you are probably driving in the wrong direction. The left edge should be painted yellow, and the right edge should be painted white. Wrong-way accidents tend to be head-on collisions, which are often fatal. For safety, pull over to the shoulder (which may be on your left in this situation) as soon as you can safely do so.

You want to turn onto a roadway at which a red sign with a white circle and white dash within the circle is posted. What does it mean?

You are not allowed to enter this road way This is a Do Not Enter sign. It indicates that you cannot enter the roadway at which the sign is posted. You will see such signs at roadway openings you are not to enter or where you would be driving the wrong way on a one-way roadway. You will see them at exit ramps, in crossovers on divided roadways, and at numerous locations on one-way roads.

What does a flashing yellow "X" signal above your lane indicate?

You may only make left turns from this lane Lane use control signals are special overhead signals indicating which lanes of a roadway may be used in different directions at various times. A flashing yellow "X" indicates that this lane can only be used to make left turns.

You must not park within ____ feet of a fire hydrant

You must not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

A lane marked with a diamond symbol is

a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane A lane marked with white diamond symbols is a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, reserved for certain types of vehicles or vehicles carrying multiple occupants. Check for signs indicating which types of vehicles may use the lane and at what times they may use it.

To turn around on a narrow, two-way street, you may make

a three-point turn. If the street is too narrow for you to make a U-turn, you can turn your vehicle around by making a three-point turn. This maneuver will also put you in the opposite direction. You may make a three-point turn only when the street is narrow, there is good visibility, the traffic is light on both sides of the street, the turn is permitted there, and there is no other option.

Exit ramps

allow vehicles to leave expressways. There is often a lower speed posted at an exit ramp.

If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should

avoid eye contact. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, don't challenge the driver. Don't make eye contact. Avoid name calling and rude gestures. Such actions have sometimes led to actual violence. For your own safety, stay in your vehicle. Keep driving but slow down and change lanes to encourage the aggressive driver to pass you.

When entering a roundabout, rotary, or traffic circle, you must yield the right-of-way to

both pedestrians and vehicles already in the circle. Pedestrians and vehicles that are already in an intersection have the right-of-way. And a rotary or roundabout is a circular intersection. When entering a roundabout, rotary, or traffic circle, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles already in the circle. Note: In New York City, effective January 19, 2022, you must stop - not just yield - for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and you must remain stopped until the pedestrian has crossed. This new rule applies to both controlled and uncontrolled intersections.

Before every lane change, you should

check your blind spots, check your mirrors, and signal your intentions. Before every lane change, you should signal your intentions. (New York State law requires you to signal at least 100 feet in advance.) Then check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to check your blind spots.

To enter an expressway, you should

enter the expressway at or near the speed of expressway traffic Enter the expressway at or near the speed of traffic. Remember that in New York State, the speed limit on some rural interstate expressways is 65 mph. Expressway traffic has the right-of-way. However, do not stop before merging into expressway traffic unless absolutely necessary.

Drinking coffee after drinking alcohol

has no effect on your blood alcohol content The only way to reduce your blood alcohol content (BAC) is to wait long enough for your body to break down and eliminate the alcohol from your system. Neither coffee, food, exercise, nor cold showers can reduce your BAC or reduce the effects of alcohol. They can help you stay awake, but they cannot sober you up. [Chapter 9 - Alcohol and Other Drugs, New York State DMV Driver's Manual]

You must NOT pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing

is making a right turn. You must not pass a vehicle on the right if it is making or about to make a right turn. The passing lane must be clear.

On multilane roads, the _________ lane is intended to be used for passing slower vehicles.

leftmost On multilane roads, the leftmost lane is intended to be used for passing slower vehicles. Slower vehicles should keep right.

For better visibility in fog, rain, or snow, use

low-beam headlights. High beams let you see farther ahead. However, they can reflect off fog, rain, or falling snow, causing glare and making it even harder for you to see. Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow.

Are you allowed to turn on a red arrow?

no, not in the direction indicated by the arrow You are never allowed to turn on a red arrow. You must stop and remain stopped until the red arrow goes off and a green arrow or steady green light comes on.

When there are double solid lines next to your lane, you are

not allowed to pass or change lanes.

In New York State, when you park alongside a curb, your wheels must not be more than ________ from the curb.

one foot In New York State, you must be parked within one foot of the curb. (Note: In some other states, you're allowed to park within 18 inches of the curb. When traveling out of state, always check the local traffic laws.)

At an intersection, a steady yellow traffic light indicates that you must

prepare to stop for a red light. A steady yellow traffic light is a warning that the traffic light will soon turn red. Prepare to stop for a red light. (Never speed up to try to "beat the light" before it turns red.) But if there's a vehicle right behind you, don't stop suddenly and risk getting rear-ended. If you cannot stop safely, proceed with caution through the intersection.

In New York City, turning on a red light is

prohibited unless a sign permits it New York City is the only major city in the United States in which right turn on red is prohibited unless a sign permitting it is posted. Left turn on red is also prohibited.

You must _________ for an emergency vehicle using flashing lights, a siren, or an air horn that is approaching you from either direction.

pull over to the right and stop You must yield the right-of-way to fire, ambulance, police, and other authorized emergency vehicles when they are responding to emergencies. You must pull over to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle even if it is approaching you from the opposite direction. However, if you're in an intersection when the emergency vehicle approaches, do NOT stop in the intersection. Proceed through the intersection and then immediately pull over.

When you see a triangular road sign, you must

reduce your speed and yield. A yield sign is triangular in shape. It indicates that you must slow down and yield to approaching traffic.

Work zones usually have

reduced speed limits Work zones usually have reduced speed limits posted. Watch for work zone signs.

If you're on a two-way road outside of New York City, you may turn _______ on a red light after you stop and yield to pedestrians and approaching traffic.

right Except in New York City, New York State law allows you to turn right on a red light unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted there. You may also turn left on a red light if you are turning from a one-way road onto another one-way road. You must still come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and approaching vehicles before you turn.

If another driver is tailgaiting you, the best course of action is to

slow down and pull off the road if necessary. If you're being tailgated, move into another lane if possible, or pull over to let the tailgater pass. Don't hit the brakes to warn the tailgater. This could make a difficult situation even more dangerous. And don't try to increase your speed in an attempt to appease or outdistance the tailgater. No speed is too fast for some tailgaters.

If another vehicle is passing you on the left, you should __________ until the vehicle has safely passed you.

slow down slightly and stay centered in your lane If another vehicle is passing you on the left, slow down slightly and stay centered in your lane until the vehicle has safely passed and is ahead of you. Only then should you resume your usual speed.

When you're in a roundabout, you should NOT

stop before you're ready to exit In a roundabout, traffic circulates counterclockwise at a relatively slow but consistent speed. When driving in a roundabout, don't stop your vehicle.

When making a right turn, you should turn into

the right lane For a right turn, turn from the right lane of the road you are on into the right lane of the road you are entering, unless signs or pavement markings indicate otherwise. Avoid swinging left as you turn right.

If two vehicles approaching from opposite directions reach an intersection at about the same time,

the vehicle turning left must yield to the vehicle going straight or turning right.

For an adequate space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, you should use the

two-second rule. Four out of every ten crashes are rear-end collisions. And the main cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating (following too closely). For an adequate space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Manual recommends the two-second rule: At least two seconds should elapse from when the vehicle ahead of you passes some stationary object to when you reach that same object. Under poor or hazardous driving conditions, increase your space cushion to three or even four seconds.

Warning signs

usually diamond shaped with black letters or symbols on a yellow background.

At a railroad crossing, flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates, or ringing bells mean that

you must stop at least 15 feet from the railroad tracks. At a railroad crossing, flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates, or ringing bells mean that a train is about to pass or is passing. You must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail of the tracks. (Trains are at least six feet wider than the tracks they run on, so you don't want to be too close.) Remain stopped until the lights or bells have stopped and the crossing gates are fully raised.

You may NOT pass a vehicle on the left if

your lane has a solid yellow center line. You may not pass a vehicle on the left if your lane has a solid yellow center line. Even if your lane has a broken yellow center line, you may not pass on the left if you would be unable to return to the right lane before reaching a solid yellow line for that lane.