Free New York DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Get ready to pass your New York DMV written test on the first try. Our free New York permit practice tests are based directly on the official New York Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and New York-specific regulations. With 14 correct answers required out of 20 questions (70% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.
Take the New York DMV Permit Practice Test Now
25 questions drawn from the New York driver handbook, 70% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More New York tests are listed below.
New York DMV Practice Test 1
Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the New York driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.
- 25 questions
- 70% to pass (18 correct)
- About 15 minutes
- Explanation after every answer
Ways to practice
Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.
Also try: the New York cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.
New York Permit Practice Tests
171 unique questions in the New York bank (8 New York-specific) - practice until you are confident
More New York Practice Tests
Official New York Driver's Handbook
The DMV writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.
New York Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)
Free printable version: 100+ New York questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the DMV test facts on the cover. Or print a 20-question test, the length of the real test. How to study with the New York PDF · All state PDFs →
New York Junior Learner Permit (Class DJ) for under 18; Learner Permit (Class D) for 18+ Test: Quick Facts
Verified against Department of Motor Vehicles publications - last reviewed September 2026.
| Official permit name | Junior Learner Permit (Class DJ) for under 18; Learner Permit (Class D) for 18+ |
|---|---|
| Questions on the test | 20 |
| Passing score | 14 of 20 correct (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 Road Signs questions |
| Wrong answers allowed | 6 (no more than 2 of the 4 Road Signs questions) |
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Under-21 alcohol limit | 0.02% BAC or higher |
| Permit / test fee | $80.00-$90.00 for ages 16-16.5 (combined learner permit + driver license fee; varies by age and MCTD residency, $64.25-$102.50 across all ages) |
| Online testing | Yes - an online knowledge test option is available. |
| Driver's education | No - driver education is not required for the learner permit. |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours incl. 15 after sunset (Class DJ/MJ, certified on form MV-262 before the road test) |
| Permit holding period | 6 months (under 18) before scheduling the road test |
| Testing agency | Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
Sample New York Permit Test Questions
Three of the New York-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The New York bank behind the tests above holds 171 unique questions.
1. Under New York's Zero Tolerance law, a driver under 21 commits a violation with a BAC of:
- A. 0.02 to 0.07 (correct)
- B. 0.08 or higher only
- C. 0.05 to 0.10
- D. 0.10 or higher only
Why: New York's Zero Tolerance law makes any measurable BAC of 0.02 to 0.07 a violation for drivers under 21, leading to a six-month license suspension.
2. A New York junior (Class DJ) license holder may not drive with more than:
- A. One non-family passenger under 21 (correct)
- B. Two non-family passengers under 21
- C. Three non-family passengers under 21
- D. Four passengers of any age
Why: New York junior license holders may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 unless the passengers are members of the immediate family.
3. A New York junior driver convicted of a texting or cell phone violation has their license suspended for:
- A. 120 days (correct)
- B. 30 days
- C. 60 days
- D. 1 year
Why: A texting or cell phone conviction suspends a New York junior permit or license for 120 days.
New York Permit Test Study Guide (2026)
A free New York DMV written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Department of Motor Vehicles handbook.
Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026
New York's DMV exam is shorter than most - just 20 questions - but it still leans on right-of-way, the cell-phone and seat-belt laws, and the graduated-license rules for younger drivers. From the grid of New York City to the suburbs of Long Island and the roads near Buffalo and Rochester, our New York practice permit test mirrors that real 20-question format so you know precisely what's coming.
What to Expect on the New York Permit Test
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In New York the exam has 20 multiple-choice questions; to pass you need 14 of 20 correct (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 Road Signs questions. You must be at least 16 years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official New York driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the DMV asks.
Topics Covered on the NY Written Test
- Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
- Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
- Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
- Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
- Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
- Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances
How to Prepare for the New York Permit Test
The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official New York Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The DMV writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 80% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.
Official New York DMV Information
For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can also read the official New York driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.
New York Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the New York DMV written test?
The New York DMV written knowledge test has 20 questions. To pass you need 14 of 20 correct (70%), including at least 2 of the 4 Road Signs questions.
How many passengers can a new driver in New York carry?
New York junior license: one non-family passenger under 21. New York junior license holders may not drive with more than one passenger under 21 unless the passengers are members of the immediate family. (Ch. 1, Junior Operator Restrictions - Driving with a Junior License, p. 16)
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in New York?
A driver under 21 in New York violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of 0.02% or higher - far below the 0.08% adult limit.
How many questions can you miss on the New York permit test?
You can miss up to 6 of the 20 questions (14 correct, 70%), but your correct answers must include at least 2 of the 4 Road Signs questions.
What is the New York learner's permit officially called?
New York issues the Junior Learner Permit (Class DJ) for under 18; Learner Permit (Class D) for 18+. It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.
How much does the New York permit cost?
The published fee is $80.00-$90.00 for ages 16-16.5 (combined learner permit + driver license fee; varies by age and MCTD residency, $64.25-$102.50 across all ages). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Department of Motor Vehicles website before your visit.
Can I take the New York permit test online?
Yes - an online knowledge test option is available.
Is driver's education required for a New York permit?
No - driver education is not required for the learner permit.
How long do I have to hold my New York permit?
Minimum holding period: 6 months (under 18) before scheduling the road test. Required supervised practice: 50 hours incl. 15 after sunset (Class DJ/MJ, certified on form MV-262 before the road test).
Sources & Methodology
Every New York question on this page is written from the official New York driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Department of Motor Vehicles publications. Last reviewed: September 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.
Chad Henry – Reviewer
After 25 years of teaching driver education
Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.
Last reviewed: September 2026
- https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/mv21.pdf
- https://dmv.ny.gov/
- https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-learner-permit
- https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/prepare-for-and-take-your-permit-test
- https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/fees-refunds
- https://dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-1-driver-licenses
- https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/complete-pre-licensing-requirements
- https://dmv.ny.gov/younger-driver/graduated-license-law-and-restrictions-drivers-under-18
Study Guides to Help You Pass
All articles →Hand signals for the permit test: left, right, stop, and when the law requires them
The three driver hand signals every permit test asks about, which arm to use, and when 14 state handbooks say you must or may use them.
Traffic Laws10 Driving Rules That Change at the State Line (With the Handbook Page for Each)
Ten permit-test rules that differ by state - hydrant distance, school bus stops, Move Over speeds, headlights - with a handbook page for each.
Test InfoWhat's on the motorcycle permit test, and how it differs from the car test
What the motorcycle knowledge test covers, where its questions come from, the gear and SEE rules it asks about, and how states give or waive it.
Practice Permit Tests in Other States
Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from New York? Jump straight to another state's free DMV-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.
Start Your New York Permit Test Prep Now
Free, unlimited practice. No registration required.
Take New York Practice Test 1 - Free