Free New York DMV Practice Test (2026)

New York · Checked October 2026

Practice for the New York permit test with a learning path built around the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles rules: a New York-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

Start learning About the New York test

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New York permit test at a glance

Questions20

To pass14 correct (70%)

Min. permit age16

AgencyDMV

The Class D/DJ written test has 20 multiple-choice questions; you must answer at least 14 correctly, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. It is given in 20 languages (including English and Spanish), and applicants under 18 can take it online after DMV pre-screening, but must then wait 3 business days before finishing at a DMV office or they will have to retake it there.

Tip: Start with module 1, “New York laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to New York, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

New York traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	New York rule	Source
Zero Tolerance (under 21)	Drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 to .07 have their license suspended for 6 months and must pay a $100 suspension termination fee plus a $125 civil penalty. A second violation means revocation for at least one year or until age 21, whichever is longer.	dmv.ny.gov
Drunk and impaired driving	Driving with a BAC of .08 or more is DWI (minimum 6-month revocation), .18 or more is Aggravated DWI (minimum 1-year revocation), and more than .05 up to .07 can be charged as DWAI (90-day suspension).	dmv.ny.gov
Implied consent / chemical test refusal	By driving in New York you are considered to have agreed to a chemical test. Refusing leads to license revocation of at least one year (even if you are found not guilty of the alcohol charge) and a $500 civil penalty.	dmv.ny.gov
Handheld phones and texting	Talking on a handheld phone or texting while driving is illegal; a first offense can bring a fine of up to $200 and 5 points. Junior and probationary drivers get a 120-day suspension for a first conviction. Hands-free phones are allowed.	dmv.ny.gov
Seat belts (primary enforcement)	New York is a primary enforcement state: police can stop you just for a missing seat belt. The driver and passengers 16 and older face fines of up to $50, and the driver can be fined $25 to $100 and get 3 points for each unbelted passenger under 16.	dmv.ny.gov
Child safety seats	Children under 4 must ride in a federally approved child safety seat (rear-facing until age 2 or the seat's limit), and children 4 to 7 must use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt.	dmv.ny.gov
Move Over Law	Slow down for any emergency or hazard vehicle stopped with its lights on; on parkways, interstates and other multi-lane controlled-access roads you must also move out of the lane next to it if you can do so safely.	dmv.ny.gov
Speed limits and headlights	If no limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph; in New York City the limit is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is under 1,000 feet, and whenever you use your wipers for rain, snow or sleet.	dmv.ny.gov

New York learner permit and teen license rules

With a junior learner permit (Class DJ) you must hold the permit at least 6 months before you can take the road test.
You need at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 15 hours after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian on form MV-262.
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 with a license valid for the vehicle, and the only front-seat passenger must be the supervisor.
Before the road test you must finish the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278) or a high school/college driver education course (MV-285).
Rules depend on the region: with a permit you may drive only 5 AM to 9 PM in New York City and Long Island; upstate you may drive 9 PM to 5 AM only with a parent, guardian or driving instructor.
With a junior license you may carry no more than one passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family; junior license holders may not drive in the five boroughs of New York City at all.
Junior restrictions end at 18, or at 17 if you completed approved driver education and get a senior (Class D) license.

How to get your New York learner's permit

Study Chapters 4 to 11 of the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) and take the free online practice quizzes.
Use DMV's online pre-screening tool to see which proofs you need and fill out the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID (MV-44); you need proofs of identity worth 6 points, proof of age and your Social Security number.
If you are under 18 you can take the permit test online after pre-screening; otherwise take it at a DMV office (it is offered in 20 languages).
Visit a DMV office with your documents, pass the vision test (20/40 in at least one eye, with or without glasses) and the written test, and pay the fee: $80 for ages 16 to 16 and a half ($90 if you live in the MCTD counties).
Practice at least 50 hours (15 after sunset) with a supervising driver 21 or older and complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course or driver education.
After holding your permit at least 6 months, schedule your road test and bring your permit, form MV-262 and your course certificate.

Sample New York-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our New York module. Each one is based on the official New York State Driver's Manual and Practice Tests (MV-21) or New York law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. To pass the New York Class D written test, how many questions must you answer correctly?

15 of 25, including 3 road-sign questions
14 of 20, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions
16 of 20, with no road-sign minimum
30 of 40, including 5 road-sign questions

Show answer

Correct answer: 14 of 20, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions. The manual says you must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, and at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions must be right. Source: dmv.ny.gov

2. In New York, how old must the supervising driver of a learner permit holder be?

Show answer

Correct answer: 21. The supervising driver must be at least 21 and have a license valid for the type of vehicle being driven. Source: dmv.ny.gov

3. How much supervised practice must a junior permit holder certify on form MV-262 before the road test?

At least 50 hours, including 15 hours after sunset
At least 40 hours, including 10 hours at night
At least 60 hours, including 10 hours at night
At least 30 hours, with no night requirement

Show answer

Correct answer: At least 50 hours, including 15 hours after sunset. A parent or guardian certifies on MV-262 that you completed at least 50 hours of practice, with at least 15 hours after sunset. Source: dmv.ny.gov

4. If you are under 18, how long must you hold your New York learner permit before you can take the road test?

30 days
3 months
6 months
12 months

Show answer

Correct answer: 6 months. A junior permit must be held in valid status for at least six months (not counting any time it was suspended or revoked) before the road test. Source: dmv.ny.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the New York rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed New York exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the New York permit test online?

Yes, if you are under 18. Use DMV's pre-screening tool, take the test online, and then wait at least 3 business days before visiting a DMV office to get your permit; if you go sooner, you must retake the test in the office.

Can I drive in New York City with a junior license?

No. Class DJ and MJ junior license holders cannot drive within the five boroughs under any circumstances. A 17-year-old who completed approved driver education and has a senior Class D license can drive anywhere in the state.

Do I have to take the 5-hour course?

Yes, unless you completed a high school or college driver education course. You need the Pre-Licensing Course certificate (MV-278) or a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285) on file before you can schedule your road test.

What happens if I get a ticket with a junior permit or license?

One serious violation (3 or more points) or two other violations means a 60-day suspension. A first phone or texting conviction means a 120-day suspension.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles does not publish its exam. Our New York module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and exam simulation is free, with no sign-up.

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Official New York sources

Every New York fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website or New York law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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