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New York permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21).
Study for the New York knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise New York questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Questions on the test
- 20Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Correct answers to pass
- 14Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Road-sign part
- 2 of 4 rightOfficial source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 16 At 16 you can apply for a learner permit (junior class DJ).Manual p. 11, The learner permit and road test
- What to bring
- 5 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the New York manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
A BAC of .08 or higher is evidence of intoxication (DWI).
Manual p. 55 - 0.02
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
Under the Zero Tolerance Law, a driver under 21 with a BAC of .02 to .07 has the license suspended for six months.
Manual p. 21 - 2 seconds
- 100 feet
- 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Manual p. 63 - 200 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Use low beams within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead, even if it is in a different lane.
Manual p. 63 - 15 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
In New York you may not park, stop or stand within 15 feet of a fire hydrant unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle.
Manual p. 43 - 20 feet
School bus with red lights flashing
Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights, even on the opposite side of a divided highway.
Manual p. 40 - 15 feet
Stopping at a railroad crossing
Stop at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks when red lights flash, gates lower or a bell rings.
Manual p. 61 - 6 months
How long you hold the permit
A junior learner permit must be held in valid status for at least six months before taking the road test.
Manual p. 14 - 50 hours
Supervised practice
Before the road test you should have at least 50 hours of supervised practice, with at least 15 hours after sunset.
Manual p. 13 - 21 or older
Your supervising driver
A learner permit holder must be supervised by a driver at least 21 years old, licensed for the vehicle, and seated in the front seat.
Manual p. 11 - 20/40
Vision standard
You need 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts.
Manual p. 10, Vision and knowledge tests
Your New York DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual p. 8, When you apply for your first license
- Manual p. 8, Proof of name
- Manual p. 10, Proof of age
- Manual p. 8, Proof of identity and age
- Manual p. 8, Proof of identity and age
Fees
Tests at the office
Rules and fees can change. Check with the New York DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the New York permit test?
The New York knowledge test has 20 questions. To pass you need 14 correct answers.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in New York?
At 16 you can apply for a learner permit (junior class DJ).
What documents do I need for a New York learner permit?
A completed Application for Driver License (MV-44). Proofs of your name worth at least six points (for example a valid U.S. passport, 4 points), with at least one showing your signature. Under 21, a parent can sign form MV-45. Proof of your date of birth, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy). Your Social Security number. All proofs must be in English or come with a certified English translation.