New York DMV permit practice test
The New York permit test (the New York DMV written permit test) has 20 multiple-choice questions, and you need 14 right to pass (70%). At least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions must be among your right answers. Passlane runs practice tests in exactly this format inside ChatGPT, written from the New York State Driver's Manual with every answer cited to its section and page.
Updated · The Open Apps, Inc.
The New York test format
| Test | New York DMV written permit test |
|---|---|
| Questions | 20 |
| Correct answers to pass | 14 (70%) |
| Road signs | 4 sign questions; at least 2 must be right |
| Time limit | None published; Passlane's mock test allows 20 minutes |
| Study from | New York State Driver's Manual (PDF of April 2026) |
The manual says: answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, including two of the four questions about road signs.
Key numbers from the New York State Driver's Manual
These come up again and again. Each links to the page of the handbook that states it.
| Rule | Answer | Handbook |
|---|---|---|
| Passing the written test | Answer at least 14 of 20 correctly, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions | Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, PDF p. 10 |
| Blood alcohol, drivers under 21 | Any measurable amount from .02 to .07 | Chapter 9: Alcohol & Other Drugs, PDF p. 57 |
| Speed limit when none is posted | 55 mph | Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, PDF p. 47 |
| New York City speed limit | 25 mph | Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, PDF p. 47 |
| Following distance | The two-second rule | Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, PDF p. 47 |
| Low beams behind another vehicle | 200 feet | Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions, PDF p. 63 |
| School bus across a divided highway | Yes; you must stop even on a divided highway | Chapter 6: How to Pass, PDF p. 40 |
| Supervising driver | A licensed driver at least 21, seated in the front seat | Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, PDF p. 11 |
| Junior permit passengers | No more than one, unless they are immediate family | Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, PDF p. 13 |
| Practice before the road test | At least 50 hours, with at least 15 after sunset | Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, PDF p. 13 |
| Parking near a fire hydrant | No closer than 15 feet | Chapter 7: Parallel Parking, PDF p. 43 |
| Right on red in New York City | No, unless a sign permits it | Chapter 4: Traffic Control, PDF p. 31 |
Sample questions
What should you do when you reach this sign?
- ASlow down and be ready to stop for traffic and pedestrians, then go when the way is clear (right answer)
- BAlways come to a full stop
- CSpeed up to merge ahead of other traffic
- DStop only if a police officer is present
Yield means let other traffic and pedestrians go first. Slow down, stop if you must, and continue only when you will not interfere with anyone.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (PDF of April 2026), Chapter 4: Traffic Control, PDF page 29
In which direction does traffic travel in a roundabout in the United States?
- ACounterclockwise, to the right around the center island (right answer)
- BClockwise, to the left around the center island
- CEither direction
- DWhichever way the first car goes
Traffic in a U.S. roundabout always moves counterclockwise, so every entry and exit is a right turn.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (PDF of April 2026), Chapter 8: Defensive Driving, PDF page 50
How do you pass the New York written permit test?
- AAnswer at least 14 of 20 correctly, including at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions (right answer)
- BAnswer 10 of 20 correctly
- CAnswer all 20 correctly
- DAnswer 18 of 20 correctly
New York needs 14 of 20 right, and at least two of those right answers must be among the four road-sign questions.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (PDF of April 2026), Chapter 1: Driver Licenses, PDF page 10
How to study
- Read the handbook once. Skim the New York State Driver's Manual end to end; the test is written from it.
- Take a mock test. In ChatGPT, say “Give me a New York DMV permit practice test”. You get the state's question count, pass mark and a clock.
- Fix your misses. Every miss shows the right answer and the handbook page. Read that page, then say “Retake my missed questions”.
- Drill road signs. Say “Quiz me on road signs” for questions with real sign images.
- Pass twice in a row. When you pass two mock tests in a row, Passlane marks you as ready. Take one more right before your appointment.
Practice in ChatGPT
Passlane DMV Permit Test is a ChatGPT plugin. Type one of these:
- “Give me a New York DMV permit practice test”
- “10 practice questions for the New York permit test”
- “Quiz me on road signs”
- “Retake the questions I missed”
Questions
- How many questions are on the New York permit test?
- 20 multiple-choice questions for a first-time permit applicant. 4 of the questions are about road signs, and at least 2 of those must be right. The manual says: answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly, including two of the four questions about road signs.
- What score do I need to pass the New York permit test?
- 14 correct out of 20 (70%).
- Is the New York permit test timed?
- New York DMV does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test. Passlane's mock test gives you 20 minutes (one minute a question) so you practice at a steady pace.
- What should I study for the New York permit test?
- The New York State Driver's Manual (PDF of April 2026). The test covers the rules of the road, road signs, safe driving and alcohol and drug laws described there.
- Are Passlane's questions the real test questions?
- No. Passlane writes its own questions from the handbook, and each one cites the handbook section and page that states the rule. It never copies test banks or the handbook's own review questions.
- Is Passlane free?
- Yes. No account, no ads and no in-app purchases.