NY DMV Permit Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Steady red light

Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk. You may turn right after stopping unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to pedestrians and traffic.

Flashing red light

Treat as a stop sign: make a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.

Green arrow

You may proceed only in the direction the arrow points. A red arrow means stop and do not turn in that direction.

Double solid yellow line

Marks a no-passing zone in both directions. Do not cross it to pass or make a left turn except where permitted.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

When no signs or signals control an intersection, yield to the vehicle on your right. If two arrive together, the driver on the left yields.

Left turn yield rule

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Four-way stop order

The first vehicle to stop goes first. If two stop at the same time, the driver on the right goes first.

Turn signal distance

Signal at least 100 feet before turning in urban areas. Check mirrors and blind spots, then turn into the corresponding lane.

Passing on a hill

Passing is prohibited when approaching a hill crest or curve where you cannot see oncoming traffic clearly.

Returning after passing

Return to the right lane only after you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. Do not cut in too closely.

Being passed

Maintain your speed and lane position when another vehicle passes you. Do not accelerate or drift toward the passing vehicle.

Passing on the right

Allowed only when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room, or on a multi-lane road. Never drive off the pavement to pass.

Parallel parking start

Pull alongside the car ahead of the space, about 2-3 feet away, with your rear bumper aligned with theirs. Signal before starting.

Parallel parking curb distance

New York requires parked wheels within 12 inches of the curb. Leave about 6-12 inches when finishing a parallel park.

Parking on a hill

Turn wheels toward the curb when facing downhill; turn wheels away from the curb when facing uphill with a curb. Set the parking brake.

Dutch reach

Open your car door with the far hand so your body turns and you can see cyclists and traffic approaching from behind.

Three-second rule

Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good conditions. Increase to four or more in rain, darkness, or poor visibility.

Space cushion

Keep a safe margin of space on all sides of your vehicle so you have room to react and an escape route if needed.

Scanning ahead

Look 12-15 seconds ahead of your vehicle and check mirrors every 5-8 seconds to spot hazards early.

New York seat belt law

All front-seat occupants must wear seat belts, and all passengers under 16 must be restrained. Children under 8 need a child restraint.

New York legal BAC limit

The limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

DWAI threshold

Driving While Ability Impaired applies at a BAC of 0.05% to 0.07%. It can lead to fines and license suspension.

Implied consent

By driving in New York you consent to a chemical test. Refusing one triggers an automatic license suspension even without a conviction.

Lowering BAC

Only time lowers blood alcohol content. Coffee, food, and cold showers do not speed the elimination of alcohol.

Hydroplaning response

Ease off the accelerator, steer straight, and avoid hard braking. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds above about 35 mph on wet roads.

Fog driving lights

Use low-beam headlights in fog, not high beams, because high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Slow down and increase following distance.

Skid recovery

Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Avoid hard braking and sudden steering inputs.

Night high-beam rules

Use high beams when no oncoming traffic is within 500 feet. Dim them for oncoming vehicles and when following within 200 feet.

Motorcycle lane rights

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, and pass with at least a full lane width.

Bicycle passing clearance

In New York, give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. If you cannot, wait until it is safe.

Truck No-Zones

Large trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. Avoid lingering alongside a truck and never cut in closely in front of it.

Emergency vehicle response

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop until it passes. Never block an intersection.