New York Permit Practice Test — DMV Written Test, 20 Questions

Free 10-question New York permit practice test, then full 20-question tests like the DMV exam, in 2 parts, each question cited to the New York State Driver's Manual.

The exam

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles knowledge test is 20 questions and 14 right is a pass, and at least 2 of the 4 road signs questions have to be right. Everything on it comes out of New York State Driver's Manual. Officially it is the knowledge test; most people call it the written test, or the permit test.

How this works

Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.

You read one law and the reason behind it, then answer a question on that law while it is still fresh. Get it right and you move on; get it wrong and you have found the gap while it is cheap to fix, not on the morning of the exam.

Learning one rule at a time, and proving it immediately, is what turns a manual you skimmed into something you actually know — and it makes studying feel like getting somewhere rather than like waiting to find out.

Ask a question about New York road law

Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from New York State Driver's Manual or New York’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.

Ask a question

New York driving law, answered

New York driving questions, answered

What it costs

  • One payment, once — not a subscription. Nothing renews and there is nothing to cancel, for an exam you sit one time.
  • Free to start: a 10-question test and the first section of cards. No sign-up and no account.
  • Paying opens the rest of the cards, unlimited full-length practice tests, and retests built from exactly the questions you got wrong.
  • Every level up to Prepared — 3 tests passed in a row.
  • Do the work, fail the real exam, and we refund you.

What New York tests

102 concepts, 487 separate rules. Each one is a page of its own.

Questions from the New York test

What do traffic signs tell a driver?

Rules, hazards, directions and services. One set of signs does four jobs at once. A driver who reads them sees the road before they reach it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.29: “Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, special hazards, where you are, how to get where you are going and where services are available.”

What must a driver do at the sign shown?

Stop, then yield before going on. The stop is what buys the look. A driver who rolls through has not seen the cross street yet. New York State Driver's Manual, p.29: “Come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or heading toward the intersection.”

What does the sign shown tell a driver?

A hazard or special rule is ahead. The sign is a heads-up rather than a rule. It buys a driver a few seconds to slow down. New York State Driver's Manual, p.30: “You are approaching a hazardous location or a location where there is a special rule, as shown in the sample signs.”

What does the sign shown tell a driver?

A railroad crossing is ahead. The sign comes well before the tracks so a driver can slow while there is still room. New York State Driver's Manual, p.61: “There is a railroad crossing ahead. Use caution, and be prepared to stop.”

What does the sign shown tell a driver?

People are working on the road. Somebody is standing on that road. The sign is the only warning they get. New York State Driver's Manual, p.30: “SERVICE SIGNS: MEANING: People are at work on or near the roadway and traffic can be controlled by a flag person.”

What does the sign shown show a driver?

Direction and distance to a place. A driver who knows the exit is four miles off does not have to cut across for it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.30: “Orange, with black letters or symbols MEANING: Show the direction and distance to locations.”

What must a driver do where the traffic lights are out of service?

Stop as they would for a stop sign. A dead light is not a free crossing. Everybody stops, then the usual rules decide. New York State Driver's Manual, p.30: “State law requires that if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or do not operate correctly when you approach an intersection, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign.”

When may a driver go in the direction of a red arrow?

After a green light or arrow shows. The arrow is a red light for that one movement. A driver waits for it to go out. New York State Driver's Manual, p.31: “Do not go in the direction of the arrow until the red arrow light is off and a green light or arrow light goes on.”

What must a driver do before turning right on a steady red light?

Come to a full stop and yield. The turn is allowed but the rolling start is not. The stop is what makes the look real. New York State Driver's Manual, p.31: “You can make a right turn at a steady red light after you come to a full stop and yield the right-ofway to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”

What does a steady red X above a lane mean?

The lane may not be used. The light is over the lane rather than beside it. It closes that lane and nothing else. New York State Driver's Manual, p.31: “Do not drive in this lane.”

What does a solid line along the side of the road show?

Where the travel lane ends. The edge line is the last of the road. Past it the surface is not built to be driven. New York State Driver's Manual, p.31: “Edge and Lane Lines Solid lines along the side of the road tell you where its edge is – where the travel lane ends and the shoulder begins.”

What color separates lanes that move in the same direction?

White lines. The color says whether a car can come the other way. That is the whole difference. New York State Driver's Manual, p.32: “Lines that separate lanes of traffic that move in the same direction are white. Lines that separate traffic that moves in opposite directions are yellow.”

When must a driver stop at a painted stop line?

When a sign, light or officer says so. The paint is not the rule by itself. It marks where to stop when something else asks for a stop. New York State Driver's Manual, p.32: “You need only stop at a stop line or crosswalk if required to by a light, sign or traffic officer, or to yield to a pedestrian, in-line skater or scooter at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”

What does a diamond painted on a lane indicate?

A lane reserved for buses and car-pools. The lane is held for vehicles carrying more people. A lone driver in it is a ticket. New York State Driver's Manual, p.33: “This symbol indicates the lane is reserved lanes for buses, HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicles) like car-pools and van-pools, bicycles or other special vehicles.”

What takes precedence over signs, signals and pavement markings?

A traffic officer's directions. An officer can see the crash a signal cannot. Their hand beats the light. New York State Driver's Manual, p.33: “Directions given by traffic officers take precedence over signs, signals or pavement markings.”

Who goes first when a driver reaches an intersection a car is already crossing?

The car already in the intersection. A car halfway through the box has nowhere to go. Letting it finish clears the road fastest. New York State Driver's Manual, p.34: “A driver who approaches an intersection must yield the right-of-way to traffic that is in the intersection.”

What does the law require of a driver making a left turn?

Yielding to oncoming traffic. Judging an oncoming car takes practice. A driver in doubt waits for it to pass. New York State Driver's Manual, p.34: “For any left turn, the law requires you to yield to any traffic headed toward you that is close enough to be a hazard.”

What must a driver do when traffic is backed up past an intersection?

Wait until the traffic ahead clears. A car stuck in the box blocks the cross street for everybody. Waiting costs one light. New York State Driver's Manual, p.35: “You cannot enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you cannot get completely through the intersection.”

To whom must a driver yield when the vehicle is responding to an emergency?

Fire, ambulance and police vehicles. Minutes decide how a call ends. The lane a driver gives up is the time they get back. New York State Driver's Manual, p.35: “Roundabout” in Chapter 8 of this manual.) EMERGENCY VEHICLES You must yield the right-of-way to fire, ambulance, police and other authorized emergency vehicles when they respond to emergencies.”

What does the Move Over Law require of a driver?

Care around stopped emergency vehicles. A trooper beside a stopped car stands a step from the traffic lane. The law buys that step. New York State Driver's Manual, p.35: “This law requires every driver to exercise care to avoid colliding with an authorized emergency or hazard vehicle that is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder or any portion of the highway with its emergency lights activated or one or more amber hazard lights activated or combination of one or more amber hazard lights and one or more blue lights activated.”

What light may a volunteer ambulance member display on a personal vehicle?

A green light. The volunteer in the car beside you is on a call. The light is the only sign of it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.35: “Personal vehicles driven by volunteer fire fighters responding to alarms are allowed to display blue lights and those driven by volunteer ambulance or rescue squad members can display green lights.”

How far ahead must a driver signal a turn or lane change?

100 feet. A signal given at the corner is news nobody can act on. The distance is what makes it useful. New York State Driver's Manual, p.36: “The law requires you to signal a turn or lane change with your turn lights or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.”

What should a driver check for with special care before turning?

Motorcycles on all sides. Most crashes between a car and a motorcycle happen because the driver did not see the bike. New York State Driver's Manual, p.36: “Be alert for traffic on all sides. Take special caution to check for motorcycles.”

Where should a driver position the vehicle before a right turn?

As far to the right as possible. A gap left at the curb invites a cyclist into it. Closing the gap closes the trap. New York State Driver's Manual, p.36: “As you prepare to turn, get as far to the right as possible.”

Which lane does a driver enter turning left from a one-way road into a two-lane one-way road?

Its left lane. Both roads run one way, so the left lane is the closest one. The turn stays short and tight. New York State Driver's Manual, p.36: “If the road you enter has two lanes, you must turn into its left lane.”

What is a U-turn?

A turn to go the opposite way. Naming it matters because the rules for it are their own. Turning around is not a lane change. New York State Driver's Manual, p.37: “U-TURNS A “U-turn” is any turn you make so you can proceed in the opposite direction.”

Where is a three-point turn used?

On a narrow two-way street. A narrow street has no room for a U-turn. Three moves do what one cannot. New York State Driver's Manual, p.37: “Unless prohibited, a three-point turn can be used to turn around on a narrow, two-way street.”

On which side does a driver usually pass another vehicle?

On the left. One habit for the whole state means a driver knows which side a fast car will come up. New York State Driver's Manual, p.39: “The law requires that we drive on the right side of the road.”

Which lane is normally used to pass other vehicles?

The left lane. Traffic that stays right leaves one lane free for the faster car. Everyone knows where to look. New York State Driver's Manual, p.39: “The left lane is normally used to pass other vehicles.”

What should a driver do before pulling into the left lane to pass?

Look over the left shoulder. A whole car fits in the gap a mirror misses. Turning your head is the only way to see it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.39: “Before you pull into the left lane, look quickly over your left shoulder, through the back side window, to make sure there is no vehicle close behind you in the left lane.”

When may a driver pass a vehicle on the right?

When it is making a left turn. The turning car has left the lane. Going around it on the right is the only way past. New York State Driver's Manual, p.39: “When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.”

What should a driver do while another vehicle passes them on the left?

Slow slightly and hold the lane. Speeding up stretches the pass into oncoming traffic. Easing off ends it sooner. New York State Driver's Manual, p.40: “If another vehicle passes you on the left, decrease your speed slightly and stay centered in your lane.”

Who must stop when a school bus flashes its red lights?

Traffic from either direction. Children cross in front of the bus where a driver cannot see them. The stop is the whole rule. New York State Driver's Manual, p.40: “When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus.”

What is the minimum fine for a first offense of passing a stopped school bus?

$250. The fine is written to sting the first time. The road beside a bus is not worth the saving. New York State Driver's Manual, p.40: “The fine when you pass a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years.”

What must a driver know besides how to parallel park?

Where parking is illegal. The road test checks it because city driving needs it. The signs decide where it is legal. New York State Driver's Manual, p.42: “Parallel parking takes skill and is part of every road test.”

What should a driver do first after parking on a hill?

Set the parking brake. Gravity works on a parked car all night. The brake and the gear are what hold it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.42: “After you park on a hill, make sure to set your parking brake.”

What should a driver do first to pull out of a parallel parking space?

Straighten the wheels and back up. Straight wheels and a little room behind are what let the front end swing out cleanly. New York State Driver's Manual, p.43: “Manual | 43 vehicle behind you and turn your wheels away from the curb. obey a traffic sign, signal or officer or to prevent conflicts with other vehicles.”

Into how many legal categories is parking divided?

Three categories. The three signs are not the same sign. Knowing which is which decides what you may do. New York State Driver's Manual, p.43: “What people understand as “parking” is legally divided into three categories: parking, standing and stopping.”

How close to a fire hydrant may a driver park?

No closer than 15 feet. A fire crew needs the hydrant in seconds. A parked car costs them the whole approach. New York State Driver's Manual, p.43: “Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.”

Where is parking or standing banned on a residential street?

In front of a driveway. A blocked driveway traps whoever is behind it. It is the most common complaint there is. New York State Driver's Manual, p.43: “In front of a driveway.”

When may a driver use a space reserved for people with disabilities?

When the permit holder is aboard. The space belongs to the person rather than the car. Without them aboard it is a violation. New York State Driver's Manual, p.44: “You can park in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or vehicle plates for persons with disabilities and only when the person who received the permit or vehicle plates is in the vehicle.”

Why does the manual ask a driver to drive defensively?

Even good drivers make errors. Equipment fails and weather turns. Driving as though it will is what leaves room to cope. New York State Driver's Manual, p.45: “Most drivers are good drivers. But even the best drivers make errors now and then.”

How should a driver sit behind the wheel?

Upright with both hands on it. A slouched driver sees less road and reaches the wheel worse. Both matter in a swerve. New York State Driver's Manual, p.45: “You should sit in a comfortable but vertical position and keep both hands on the steering wheel.”

What counts as a distraction while driving?

Anything that takes attention away. A car covers half a football field in three seconds. That is how long a glance takes. New York State Driver's Manual, p.45: “A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving.”

What does aggressive driving begin with?

Speeding, which leads to the rest. It begins with speed and the rest follows. A fast car has to weave to stay fast. New York State Driver's Manual, p.45: “Aggressive driving includes speeding, which often leads to following too closely, frequent or quick lane changes without a signal”

What is road rage?

An angry, hostile state of mind. It is a state of mind rather than a driving mistake. That is why it ends in a courtroom. New York State Driver's Manual, p.46: “Road rage is an angry, hostile state, which can increase into violent criminal actions or attempts of violent action that result from the operation of a motor vehicle.”

How fast may a driver go where no speed limit is posted?

55 mph. A road with no sign still has a ceiling. It is the number to fall back on. New York State Driver's Manual, p.47: “If no limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph (88 km/h).”

What share of crashes are rear-end collisions?

4 in 10. Tailgating is the most common crash there is. The gap is the cheapest fix for it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.47: “Four of every 10 crashes involve rear-end collisions, normally because a person is following too closely (tailgating).”

Why does New York require adults to wear seat belts?

They save lives in crashes. A person not belted becomes a flying object and a danger to everybody else in the car. New York State Driver's Manual, p.48: “Seat belts save lives and can prevent serious injuries in traffic crashes.”

What must restrain a child under the age of four?

An approved child safety seat. A belt made for an adult crosses a small child at the neck. The seat moves it off. New York State Driver's Manual, p.48: “A child under the age of four (4) must be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat”

How are air bags meant to be used?

Together with a seat belt. The belt holds you in place so the bag can catch you. Without it you arrive at the wrong angle. New York State Driver's Manual, p.49: “Air bags are meant to work WITH seat belts, not to replace them.”

What happens to a speeding fine in a work zone?

It is doubled. The lane shifts and the surface breaks up whether a crew is out or not. New York State Driver's Manual, p.49: “That is why when you speed in work zones, ticket fines double, even when the workers or work vehicles are not there.”

Which way does traffic move around a roundabout?

Counterclockwise. Nothing crosses anything head-on in a circle. That is why it replaces a crossroads. New York State Driver's Manual, p.50: “Motor Vehicles The modern roundabout is a type of circular intersection with yield control of entering traffic where traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island.”

What should a driver do on the approach to a roundabout?

Pick the lane the signs show. The lane is chosen before the circle, not in it. Changing lanes inside is where it goes wrong. New York State Driver's Manual, p.50: “When approaching the roundabout, follow the lane designation signs and choose the proper lane for multi-lane approach roadways, slow down and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.”

What does fatigue do to a driver?

Slows reaction and judgment. Fatigue works like a drink does. It costs the same seconds in the same places. New York State Driver's Manual, p.51: “If you are tired when driving you are slower to react, and not as aware as you should be and your judgment will be impaired.”

How often should a driver plan a stop on a long trip?

Every 100 miles. A stop resets the body before it gets tired. Waiting until you feel it is too late. New York State Driver's Manual, p.52: “Schedule regular stops for every 100 miles or two hours.”

What is it to use a hand-held phone while driving in New York?

A traffic infraction. A hand on a phone is a hand off the wheel and a mind off the road. Both at once. New York State Driver's Manual, p.52: “In New York State, it is a traffic infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-held mobile telephone while driving.”

What does New York law say about texting while driving?

It is illegal to send or read. Reading a message takes the eyes off the road for about five seconds. That is a city block. New York State Driver's Manual, p.52: “In New York State, it is illegal to use portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and smart phones, to send or receive text messages or e-mails while driving.”

How often must a vehicle on public highways be inspected?

Once a year. A yearly check catches what a driver never looks at. Brakes and tires fail slowly. New York State Driver's Manual, p.53: “No person shall operate or park a vehicle on public highways unless it has been inspected at least once a year, but that does not mean it is the only time you should have safety equipment checked.”

What does it mean when brakes pull to one side?

They are wet or need repair. Brakes rarely fail all at once. The pull to one side is the warning before they do. New York State Driver's Manual, p.53: “BRAKES - Brakes that pull to one side may be wet or may need to be adjusted or repaired.”

What share of New York motor vehicle deaths involve impaired driving?

40 percent. It is the largest single cause on the list. Almost half of the deaths trace back to it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.54: “In New York State, more than 40 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involve impaired driving. But the facts and statistics do not tell the whole story.”

What does alcohol do to a driver's judgment of speed and distance?

It changes it. It slows the driver down and speeds the risk-taking up. The two work against each other. New York State Driver's Manual, p.54: “Alcohol delays your reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, changes your judgment of speed and distances, often makes you less inhibited and makes you more prone to take chances.”

Which drugs can make driving a criminal offense in New York?

Illegal and some prescribed ones. The law follows the impairment rather than the label on the bottle. New York State Driver's Manual, p.54: “It can be a criminal offense to drive while impaired by the effect of drugs, alcohol or the combination of alcohol and drugs”

How many kinds of alcohol or drug driving offense can a driver be arrested for?

Six kinds. There is a charge for each level of impairment. None of them is a warning. New York State Driver's Manual, p.55: “In New York State, you can be arrested for any of these offenses: aggravated driving while intoxicated (Agg-DWI), driving while intoxicated (DWI)”

What does a person's BAC depend on?

Amount, time and body weight. Three things set the number and none of them is how sober a person feels. New York State Driver's Manual, p.55: “How much time passes between drinks.”

What samples can a chemical test use to measure BAC?

Blood, breath, urine or saliva. Four samples can carry the answer. A breath test is simply the quickest one. New York State Driver's Manual, p.56: “Chemical tests use blood, breath, urine or saliva to measure the BAC of a person.”

What is the legal purchase age for alcohol in New York State?

Age 21. The age is the base the zero tolerance rule is built on. New York State Driver's Manual, p.57: “Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under Age 21 The legal purchase and possession age for beverages containing alcohol in New York State is 21.”

Who does the open container law apply to?

The driver and the passengers. The rule covers the passenger as well as the driver. An open bottle is enough. New York State Driver's Manual, p.57: “It is also a traffic infraction for a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle on a public highway, street or road to consume marijuana/cannabis.”

How does New York treat repeat dangerous driving convictions?

With one of the toughest policies. New York treats the second and third time as a pattern rather than as bad luck. New York State Driver's Manual, p.56: “Drivers with repeat dangerous driving convictions in New York State face one of the toughest licensing policies in the nation.”

For how long must an ignition interlock be installed after a DWI conviction?

12 months. The device follows the driver for a year. It is ordered rather than offered. New York State Driver's Manual, p.59: “Courts must order all persons convicted of driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated”

When should a driver plan how to get home safely?

Before they start drinking. Nobody plans well after the first drink. The plan has to be made before it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.59: “The time to consider them, and how to prevent them, is before you become impaired or intoxicated.”

What is a grade crossing?

Where tracks meet a roadway. Naming it an intersection settles how to treat it. You look before you enter. New York State Driver's Manual, p.60: “RAILROAD CROSSINGS GRADE CROSSINGS A grade crossing is the point at which train tracks intersect with a roadway and is considered an intersection.”

When may a driver cross at an active grade crossing?

When gates are up and lights off. A gate on the way up is a gate that may come back down. Wait for it to finish. New York State Driver's Manual, p.60: “When approaching marked, or active, grade crossings, do not proceed until the gates are completely raised and the lights are off.”

How far from the tracks must a driver stop at a signaled crossing?

15 feet. A train overhangs its rails by a few feet. The gap keeps the car outside that. New York State Driver's Manual, p.61: “Railroad Crossing Signals Pavement Markings Flashing red lights, lowered crossing gates and/or a bell at a railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.”

What should a driver do first if their car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming?

Get out and away from the tracks. The car can be replaced. Getting out is the only part that cannot wait. New York State Driver's Manual, p.66: “Manual STALLING ON RAILROAD TRACKS - If a train approaches, release your seat belt, leave the vehicle and get as far away as you can from the tracks.”

What is an expressway?

A divided one-way highway. Nothing crosses the lanes and nothing comes the other way. The ramps are the only doors. New York State Driver's Manual, p.62: “Manual EXPRESSWAY DRIVING “Expressway” means any divided highway where traffic moves in one direction on two or more lanes.”

What should a driver do before every expressway lane change?

Signal and check the shoulder. Closing speeds are high out here. A car in the blind spot arrives fast. New York State Driver's Manual, p.62: “As you drive on the expressway, make sure to signal all lane changes and check over your shoulder to make sure you will not cut off any vehicles behind you.”

What share of driving decisions are based on what a driver sees?

90 percent. Driving is almost entirely a looking job. Night takes most of the looking away. New York State Driver's Manual, p.62: “About 90% of your decisions are based on what you see.”

Below what visibility must headlights be on?

1,000 feet. The lights are as much about being seen as about seeing. All three rules follow from that. New York State Driver's Manual, p.63: “The law requires you to use your headlights from one-half hour after the sun sets to one-half hour before the sun rises, when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (300 m) and when you use your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow or sleet.”

What does the manual name as slippery besides rain, snow and ice?

Wet leaves on the road. It takes very little water to break the grip. Wet leaves are as bad as ice. New York State Driver's Manual, p.63: “FOG OR SNOW A bit of rain, snow or ice makes roads slippery.”

When should snow tires go on the vehicle?

Before the first storm. The first storm is the worst time to discover the tires are bald. New York State Driver's Manual, p.64: “Make sure your vehicle has good snow tires. Put them on the vehicle before the first storm.”

How many skid recovery methods does the manual give?

One, for all vehicles. One method covers every car on the road. There is nothing to remember per vehicle. New York State Driver's Manual, p.64: “The best method to recover from a skid is the same for all vehicles.”

In which months do two-thirds of deer-vehicle collisions happen?

October through December. Three months carry most of the year's deer crashes. They are the months to expect them. New York State Driver's Manual, p.64: “Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during the months of October, November and December.”

What is the most important rule in a driving emergency?

Do not panic. A second is enough to choose. Panic is what spends it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.65: “The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic.”

What should a driver try first when the brake pedal goes to the floor?

Pump it to build pressure. There is often pressure left to pump up. The gear and the hand brake are the backups. New York State Driver's Manual, p.65: “BRAKE FAILURE - If your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor, try pumping it to increase pressure.”

What should a driver do when the wheels drop off the pavement?

Ease off and return gently. Snatching the wheel throws the car across the road. Easing back keeps it in the lane. New York State Driver's Manual, p.65: “If your wheels move off the pavement, do not suddenly steer or swerve back onto the pavement.”

How should a person leave a car that has gone into water?

Through a window. The door lets the water in all at once. The window is the way out. New York State Driver's Manual, p.66: “A vehicle will normally float for a while, and you should have time to remove yourself before it starts to sink.”

What does the law require of a driver around pedestrians?

Extra care to avoid a collision. A person on foot has nothing between them and a bumper. The care has to come from the car. New York State Driver's Manual, p.67: “Pedestrians are at high risk in traffic. The law requires you to be extra careful to avoid a collision with them.”

Where do pedestrians have the right of way?

At every crosswalk, painted or not. Paint does not make the crosswalk. The corner is a crosswalk whether it is painted or not. New York State Driver's Manual, p.68: “Be responsible: Pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks.”

Which way do bicyclists travel on the road?

The same way as motor vehicles. A bike belongs in the lane. It is traffic rather than something in the way of traffic. New York State Driver's Manual, p.68: “Bicyclists have the right to share the road and travel in the same direction as motor vehicles.”

Where must a bicyclist ride where there is no bicycle lane?

Near the right curb or shoulder. Riders keep right so traffic can get by. The lane is the first choice where there is one. New York State Driver's Manual, p.69: “Ride in a bicycle lane, if available. Where there is none, they must remain near the right curb or edge of the road or on a right shoulder of the road, to prevent interference with other traffic.”

What standing does a bicyclist have on the road?

The same as a motor vehicle. A rider is a road user with the same standing. They are owed the same courtesy. New York State Driver's Manual, p.69: “People on bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as people behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.”

Who is responsible for safe operation around skaters and scooters?

The motor vehicle operator. They have no brakes worth the name and no shell. The responsibility sits with the car. New York State Driver's Manual, p.70: “Motor vehicle operators are responsible for safe and lawful operation of the vehicles they drive.”

What rights do motorcyclists have on the road?

The same as other drivers. A motorcycle is a vehicle with the same standing. The lane belongs to it too. New York State Driver's Manual, p.70: “Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles, and must follow the same traffic laws as pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters.”

Why are motorcycles less visible than other vehicles?

They are smaller from every side. A small object is easy for the eye to skip. That is where the crashes start. New York State Driver's Manual, p.71: “Motorcycles, when compared to other highway users, are smaller.”

Why may a motorcyclist suddenly change lane position?

To avoid gravel or a sewer cover. What a car rolls over can put a bike on its side. The rider has to move for it. New York State Driver's Manual, p.73: “The motorcyclist may quickly change speed or lane position to avoid loose gravel, debris, seams or grooves in the pavement, sewer or access covers or small animals.”

How many classes of moped does New York have?

Three classes. Which class a moped is decides where it may go and what the rider needs. New York State Driver's Manual, p.73: “Limited use motorcycles, often called mopeds, are low speed, two- or three-wheeled vehicles for limited use on public highways.”

In what share of fatal car and truck crashes does the car driver contribute to the cause?

60 percent. The car driver usually causes it and usually pays for it. Both halves are worth knowing. New York State Driver's Manual, p.74: “In more than 60 percent of all fatal crashes that involve cars and big trucks, the car driver, not the truck driver, contributes to the cause of the traffic crash.”

How does passing a large vehicle compare with passing a car?

It takes more time and space. A trailer is many car lengths long. Getting around it takes far more road. New York State Driver's Manual, p.75: “When you pass When you pass a large vehicle, it takes a longer time and requires more space than when you pass a car.”

What must display the slow-moving vehicle symbol?

Farm and animal-drawn vehicles. A tractor moving far slower than the traffic behind it needs a warning a driver can read early. New York State Driver's Manual, p.76: “Manual SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES The “slow-moving vehicle” symbol, a reflective orange triangle, must be displayed on the back of vehicles drawn by animals, most farm vehicles, and construction equipment.”

What does state law allow all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles to do?

Cross many roads legally. They are allowed to cross even though they are not road vehicles. Drivers should expect them. New York State Driver's Manual, p.76: “State law allows all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles to legally go across many state highways and local roadways.”

How must horse riders travel along a road?

Single file near the right edge. A horse is a road user with rights. It also keeps right, the same as a bicycle. New York State Driver's Manual, p.76: “Horse riders are subject to, and protected by, the rules of the road.”

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against New York State Driver's Manual, published by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-09-15.