Driving emergencies — New York Permit Test
Driving emergencies on the New York permit test — 4 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.
The rules
The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic, and in most emergencies a driver will have a second or two to think before they act.
A second is enough to choose. Panic is what spends it.
The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic.
A thumping sound can be a warning that a blowout is about to occur, so a driver who hears it should get safely off the road and check their tires.
The tire gives warning before it lets go. The thump is that warning.
TIRE BLOWOUT - A thumping sound can be a warning that a blowout is about to occur.
If a tire blows out a driver should hold the steering wheel tightly and slowly take their foot off the gas pedal, and should not brake until the vehicle is controlled.
Braking on a burst tire pulls the car sideways. Letting it slow first keeps it straight.
If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel tightly and slowly take your foot off the gas pedal.
If a vehicle suddenly will not respond when a driver steers, they should slowly take their foot off the gas pedal, turn on their emergency lights and keep their foot off the brake pedal while it is safe to do so.
A balanced car keeps going straight. Braking is what sends it somewhere else.
If your vehicle suddenly will not respond when you steer, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal, turn on your emergency lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal while it is safe to do so.
On the test
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.”
How this works
Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.
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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.