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NY DMV Permit Test study materials
NY DMV Permit Test study resources

NY DMV Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic Control

A steady red traffic light means you must come to a complete stop. After stopping, when may you proceed straight through the intersection?

  1. Whenever no police officer is present
  2. Immediately, if you are turning right
  3. When the light turns green and the way is clear Correct answer.
  4. After slowing to a rolling stop

Explanation

A steady red signal requires a full stop before the crosswalk or stop line, and you may only continue when the signal turns green and traffic is clear. A right turn on red is allowed only after stopping and yielding, not as a reason to ignore the red for straight travel.

Question 2Traffic Control

You approach an intersection where the traffic light is dark because of a power failure. What should you do?

  1. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop and proceed in turn Correct answer.
  2. Wait at the intersection until the signal is repaired
  3. Proceed through at normal speed because the signal is off
  4. Stop only if another vehicle is already in the intersection

Explanation

When a signal is not operating, the intersection is treated like an all-way stop: come to a complete stop, yield to traffic already there, and proceed when safe. Stopping and taking turns prevents collisions caused by drivers assuming they have the right of way.

Question 3Traffic Control

A flashing yellow traffic light at an intersection tells you to:

  1. Yield only to vehicles on your right
  2. Stop only when pedestrians are present
  3. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  4. Come to a complete stop before entering

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal warns that you should slow down and cross the intersection carefully, watching for other traffic and pedestrians. It does not require a full stop unless conditions or other signs demand one.

Question 4Traffic Control

At an intersection with a flashing red signal, you must:

  1. Stop and wait for a green light
  2. Slow down and continue without stopping
  3. Stop, then proceed when it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Yield only to traffic on your left

Explanation

A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign: make a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe. You do not wait for a green light because the signal will not change.

Question 5Traffic Control

A steady yellow traffic light appears as you approach the intersection. What does it mean?

  1. The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely Correct answer.
  2. The same as a green light; proceed normally
  3. Stop immediately wherever you are
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection before the red

Explanation

A steady yellow signal warns that the red light is coming, so you should stop if you can do so safely. If you are too close to stop safely, you may continue through the intersection.

Question 6Traffic Control

A red arrow pointing left is displayed at an intersection. What does it mean for a driver turning left?

  1. Left turns must stop and wait for a green arrow or green light Correct answer.
  2. Left turns are permitted only from the right lane
  3. Left turns are permitted after yielding
  4. Left turns are allowed if no oncoming traffic is visible

Explanation

A red arrow applies only to traffic moving in the direction of the arrow, so left-turning drivers must stop and wait. They may proceed when a green arrow or other permissive green signal appears.

Question 7Traffic Control

You are driving in a lane controlled by a green arrow signal while the circular light for through traffic is red. May you proceed in the direction of the arrow?

  1. Yes, because the green arrow gives you the right of way in that direction Correct answer.
  2. Only after stopping and yielding to cross traffic
  3. Only if a police officer waves you through
  4. No, because the circular light is red

Explanation

A green arrow is a protected signal that allows movement in the arrow's direction even when the circular light is red. Traffic in that direction has the right of way, though you should still watch for hazards.

Question 8Traffic Control

A pedestrian is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk while you have a green light. What must you do?

  1. Sound your horn and continue at the same speed
  2. Proceed because the green light gives you priority
  3. Drive around the pedestrian within the crosswalk
  4. Yield and let the pedestrian finish crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

Even with a green light, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully in a crosswalk. The green light gives you permission to proceed, not the right to endanger someone already crossing.

Question 9Traffic Control

A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of a person walking is a:

  1. Guide sign pointing to a walking trail
  2. Regulatory sign telling pedestrians to stop
  3. Construction sign for a closed sidewalk
  4. Warning sign for a pedestrian crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black walking-person symbol warns drivers of a pedestrian crossing. Drivers should slow down as needed and watch for people crossing or about to enter the roadway.

Question 10Traffic Control

What shape and color identify a standard warning sign on New York roads?

  1. Red octagon
  2. Green rectangle
  3. Yellow diamond Correct answer.
  4. Blue circle

Explanation

Warning signs alert drivers to upcoming conditions and are typically yellow diamonds with black symbols or legends. Recognizing the shape and color helps you anticipate hazards ahead.

Question 11Traffic Control

An orange diamond-shaped sign with black lettering on a highway indicates:

  1. A construction or maintenance work zone ahead Correct answer.
  2. A guide sign for nearby services
  3. A warning about a permanent road hazard
  4. A regulatory rule that applies at all times

Explanation

Orange diamond signs mark construction and maintenance zones and warn of temporary conditions such as workers, lane shifts, or fresh pavement. Fines for traffic violations are often increased in work zones.

Question 12Traffic Control

A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow curving to the right. What does it warn you to expect?

  1. A right lane that ends ahead
  2. A mandatory right turn at the intersection
  3. A sharp right turn or curve ahead Correct answer.
  4. A one-way street entering from the right

Explanation

A curved arrow on a yellow warning sign indicates a curve or turn ahead, and the arrow shows its direction. You should reduce speed before entering the curve.

Question 13Traffic Control

A sign reading "STOP" in a red octagon requires you to stop:

  1. At the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway Correct answer.
  2. After entering the intersection for a better view
  3. Only during posted school hours
  4. Only when other vehicles are approaching

Explanation

At a stop sign you must stop at the stop line, and if there is none, before the crosswalk or at the edge of the roadway. Stopping past these points can block pedestrians or intrude into the intersection.

Question 14Traffic Control

Two vehicles arrive at an all-way stop at the same moment, facing each other, and both want to go straight. Who has the right of way?

  1. The vehicle on the left
  2. The vehicle that honks first
  3. Neither; both must wait for a signal Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle on the right

Explanation

When two vehicles reach an all-way stop at the same time and are traveling straight in opposite directions, neither crosses the other's path, so both may proceed when safe. The right-of-way rule about yielding to the right applies when paths conflict, such as at right angles.

Question 15Traffic Control

You reach a four-way stop at the same time as a vehicle on your right. Both of you intend to go straight. Who should proceed first?

  1. Both at the same time
  2. Whichever vehicle is larger
  3. You, because you arrived from the left
  4. The vehicle on your right Correct answer.

Explanation

At an all-way stop, a driver must yield to a vehicle that arrived at the same time from the right. That vehicle therefore goes first when the paths conflict.

Question 16Traffic Control

You are entering a traffic circle and a vehicle is already circulating in it. What should you do?

  1. Yield to the circulating vehicle Correct answer.
  2. Signal the circulating driver to stop
  3. Enter immediately because entering traffic has priority
  4. Stop inside the circle until it clears

Explanation

Drivers entering a roundabout or traffic circle must yield to vehicles already circulating. Once inside, you proceed counterclockwise and signal before exiting.

Question 17Traffic Control

A steady green light is showing, but traffic ahead is backed up into the intersection. What is the best action?

  1. Enter the intersection and wait in it
  2. Drive around the backup using the shoulder
  3. Sound your horn until traffic moves
  4. Stay behind the stop line until there is room on the far side Correct answer.

Explanation

Even with a green light, you should not enter an intersection unless you can clear it. Blocking the box can trap you in the path of cross traffic when the light changes.

Question 18Traffic Control

A traffic officer is directing traffic at an intersection and signals you to proceed while the light is red. What should you do?

  1. Follow the light because signals outrank officers
  2. Obey the officer's signal Correct answer.
  3. Wait for the light to turn green
  4. Stop and ask the officer to repeat the signal

Explanation

Directions from a police officer or authorized flagger override traffic signals and signs. You should follow the officer's signal while still proceeding with reasonable care.

Question 19Traffic Control

A solid white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. What does it generally indicate?

  1. Lane changes are discouraged, and a double solid white line prohibits them Correct answer.
  2. Traffic in the left lane must turn left
  3. The lane to the right is an exit lane only
  4. You may change lanes freely at any time

Explanation

A single solid white line marks a lane boundary where lane changes are discouraged, and a double solid white line means crossing is prohibited. Dashed white lines mark lanes where changing is permitted.

Question 20Traffic Control

A double solid yellow line separates opposing traffic. What does it mean?

  1. Passing is allowed if the road is clear
  2. The line marks the edge of the roadway
  3. Passing and crossing the line are prohibited Correct answer.
  4. You may cross to make a left turn into a driveway at any time

Explanation

Double solid yellow lines mean traffic may not cross them to pass, and crossing them generally is prohibited. You may cross a double yellow line only in limited situations, such as turning into or out of a driveway where permitted.

Question 21Traffic Control

On a two-lane road, a broken yellow line appears on your side of the center line. What does this allow?

  1. Parking along the center line
  2. Passing when it is safe and the way ahead is clear Correct answer.
  3. Passing only when the vehicle ahead is turning
  4. Driving on the left side at all times

Explanation

A broken yellow line on your side means you may cross the center line to pass when it is safe and legal. You must still ensure there is no oncoming traffic and that passing is permitted.

Question 22Traffic Control

A solid white line along the right edge of the roadway marks:

  1. The right edge of the travel lane and the start of the shoulder Correct answer.
  2. The boundary between lanes of traffic
  3. A crosswalk boundary
  4. A lane reserved for passing

Explanation

A solid white edge line marks the right edge of the travel lane and separates it from the shoulder. Drivers should generally stay to the left of it except when stopping or in an emergency.

Question 23Traffic Control

You are driving at night and see the word "ONLY" painted in a lane, along with a white left-turn arrow. What does this mean?

  1. The lane is closed ahead
  2. The lane is for left turns only Correct answer.
  3. The lane is for buses only
  4. The lane allows both left turns and through traffic

Explanation

A white arrow combined with the word ONLY designates a lane reserved for that movement, so the lane must be used for a left turn. If you do not intend to turn left, choose another lane.

Question 24Traffic Control

You are approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and the gate is lowering. What must you do?

  1. Drive around the gate if no train is visible
  2. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the gate is raised Correct answer.
  3. Stop only if a train is within sight
  4. Proceed quickly before the gate lowers fully

Explanation

Flashing red lights and a lowering gate mean a train is approaching, and you must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop and the gate is fully raised. Never drive around a lowered gate, even if you do not see a train.

Question 25Traffic Control

At a railroad crossing with no gates or flashing lights, a white crossbuck sign with an X shape means:

  1. Trains must yield to highway traffic
  2. The crossing is out of service
  3. Stop completely at all times
  4. Yield to trains, which have the right of way Correct answer.

Explanation

A crossbuck sign marks a railroad crossing and means you must yield to trains, which always have the right of way. Slow down, look and listen in both directions, and cross only when clear.

Question 26Intersections and Turns

You are approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow traffic signal. What does this signal require you to do?

  1. Come to a complete stop before entering
  2. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop
  3. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  4. Stop only if another vehicle is already in the intersection

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal warns that the light is not controlling traffic, so you must slow down and cross only when it is safe. It does not require a full stop. A steady red or a flashing red is the signal that requires stopping.

Question 27Intersections and Turns

When you reach an intersection with a stop sign and a marked crosswalk but no stop line, where should you stop?

  1. Just past the crosswalk
  2. At the center of the intersection
  3. Before the crosswalk Correct answer.
  4. At the corner curb line

Explanation

When there is no stop line, you stop before the crosswalk so pedestrians have a clear path. If there is no crosswalk either, you stop before entering the intersection. Stopping inside or past the crosswalk blocks pedestrians.

Question 28Intersections and Turns

You intend to make a right turn at an intersection. Which action should you take before turning?

  1. Turn first, then signal once you are in the new road
  2. Signal and turn from whatever lane you are in
  3. Signal, check your mirrors, and turn from the right lane Correct answer.
  4. Move into the left lane to make a wider turn

Explanation

Right turns must be made from the right lane or as close to the right curb as practicable. You must signal in advance and check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians. Turning from another lane or swinging wide can cause a collision.

Question 29Intersections and Turns

A steady red arrow is displayed for your lane. What does it mean?

  1. You may turn after a full stop without yielding
  2. You may proceed if no traffic is coming
  3. You may turn after slowing down
  4. You may not go in the direction of the arrow Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady red arrow means traffic in that lane may not move in the direction the arrow points. You must wait until the arrow changes to green or flashes yellow. A flashing yellow arrow is the signal that permits a turn after yielding.

Question 30Intersections and Turns

At an intersection with no signs, signals, or markings, two vehicles arrive at about the same time. Who has the right of way?

  1. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  2. The vehicle that arrived first by a fraction of a second
  3. The vehicle on the left
  4. The vehicle traveling faster

Explanation

At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This rule resolves conflicts when vehicles arrive at nearly the same time. Speed and small arrival differences do not decide the right of way.

Question 31Intersections and Turns

You are turning left from a two-way street onto another two-way street. Where should your vehicle be positioned when you begin the turn?

  1. Just to the right of the center line Correct answer.
  2. Straddling the center line
  3. In the right lane
  4. Close to the left curb

Explanation

A left turn from a two-way street is made from the lane just to the right of the center line, turning into the lane just to the right of the center line on the new street. This keeps you out of oncoming traffic before the turn. Straddling the line or turning from the right lane endangers other drivers.

Question 32Intersections and Turns

A pedestrian is walking in a crosswalk at an intersection where you want to turn right. What must you do?

  1. Turn behind the pedestrian without stopping
  2. Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries
  3. Yield and wait until the pedestrian has cleared your path Correct answer.
  4. Turn in front of the pedestrian if you have a green light

Explanation

Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way, and a green light does not override that right. You must yield and wait until the pedestrian has cleared your intended path. Honking or turning around the pedestrian risks a collision.

Question 33Intersections and Turns

You are approaching a steady yellow traffic light at an intersection. What is the correct action?

  1. Speed up to beat the red light
  2. Stop if you can do so safely before entering the intersection Correct answer.
  3. Always stop abruptly regardless of your position
  4. Continue at the same speed without checking traffic

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. You should stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through with caution. Accelerating to beat the red is dangerous and unlawful.

Question 34Intersections and Turns

You want to turn left at an intersection where a left-turn lane with a white arrow is marked. What does the arrow mean?

  1. The lane is for passing only
  2. The lane ends ahead
  3. Only left-turning vehicles may use that lane Correct answer.
  4. Left turns are prohibited from that lane

Explanation

A white arrow painted in a lane indicates the direction traffic in that lane must travel. In a left-turn lane marked with a white left arrow, only left-turning vehicles may use the lane. It does not prohibit the turn or mark a passing lane.

Question 35Intersections and Turns

Two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time from opposite directions. One is going straight and the other is turning left. Who must yield?

  1. The vehicle going straight
  2. The vehicle on the right
  3. The vehicle that arrives later
  4. The vehicle turning left Correct answer.

Explanation

A driver turning left across oncoming traffic must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are going straight or turning right. The through vehicle keeps the right of way. The right-side rule does not apply to this opposite-direction situation.

Question 36Intersections and Turns

You are entering a roundabout. Which rule applies to yielding?

  1. You have the right of way because you are entering
  2. Stop completely before entering in all cases
  3. Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout Correct answer.
  4. Yield to traffic entering from your left only

Explanation

Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to vehicles already in the circle. You do not have the right of way simply because you are entering, and a full stop is not required when the way is clear. Yielding keeps circulating traffic moving smoothly.

Question 37Intersections and Turns

You are stopped at a red light and want to make a right turn. What must you do first?

  1. Wait for the light to turn green in all circumstances
  2. Turn immediately if the road looks clear
  3. Stop, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, then turn if it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Sound your horn and then turn

Explanation

After stopping at a red light, you may turn right only after yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to cross traffic. You must not turn until the way is clear. Honking does not grant the right of way.

Question 38Intersections and Turns

You are driving in a lane marked with a curved white arrow indicating a left turn only. You want to go straight. What should you do?

  1. Stop in the lane and wait for a green arrow
  2. Continue straight from that lane
  3. Change to a lane that permits going straight Correct answer.
  4. Turn left and then make a U-turn

Explanation

A lane marked with a turn arrow requires traffic in that lane to make that movement. If you want to go straight, you must move to a lane marked for through traffic before reaching the intersection. Going straight from a turn-only lane is unsafe and may be a violation.

Question 39Intersections and Turns

You are approaching an intersection where a police officer is directing traffic with hand signals that conflict with the traffic light. Whom should you obey?

  1. The painted road markings
  2. The traffic light
  3. The police officer Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle in front of you

Explanation

Directions given by a police officer or authorized traffic controller override signals, signs, and markings. You must follow the officer's signals even if the light shows something different. Painted markings and other vehicles do not control the intersection.

Question 40Intersections and Turns

When making a left turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, from which lane should you turn?

  1. The right lane
  2. The center lane only
  3. Any lane, because both streets are one-way
  4. The left lane Correct answer.

Explanation

When turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, you turn from the left lane into the left lane. Because traffic on the new street moves only one direction, the leftmost lane is the correct entry point. Turning from the right lane cuts across other traffic.

Question 41Intersections and Turns

You are making a right turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street that has multiple lanes. Into which lane should you turn?

  1. The lane nearest the right curb Correct answer.
  2. Any lane that is clear
  3. The center lane only
  4. The far left lane

Explanation

A right turn should end in the lane nearest the right curb unless signs or markings direct otherwise. Turning into a farther lane can cut off vehicles already on the new street. You may then change lanes when it is safe.

Question 42Intersections and Turns

You are waiting to turn left at a green light with oncoming traffic. Your view of oncoming traffic is partly blocked by a large truck turning left across from you. What is the safest action?

  1. Sound your horn and turn
  2. Follow closely behind the truck to use its cover
  3. Turn as soon as the truck passes
  4. Wait until you have a clear view before completing the turn Correct answer.

Explanation

A left-turning vehicle opposite you can hide oncoming traffic. You should wait until you can see clearly that the path is safe before completing your turn. Following the truck's cover or honking does not make the turn safe.

Question 43Intersections and Turns

You approach an intersection and see a steady green light, but traffic ahead is backed up into the intersection. What should you do?

  1. Wait behind the crosswalk or stop line until there is room Correct answer.
  2. Sound your horn until traffic moves
  3. Drive around the stopped traffic through the intersection
  4. Enter the intersection and wait in the middle

Explanation

A green light does not authorize you to block an intersection. If traffic is backed up, you should wait behind the stop line until there is room on the far side. Entering and stopping in the middle blocks cross traffic and pedestrians.

Question 44Intersections and Turns

You are driving on a road with a shared center left-turn lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines. How may you use this lane?

  1. To drive in for several blocks
  2. Only to begin or complete a left turn Correct answer.
  3. To make U-turns at any point
  4. To pass slower vehicles

Explanation

A two-way left-turn lane is reserved for vehicles preparing to turn left or completing a left turn from the opposite direction. It is not a passing lane or a travel lane. Using it for through travel or extended driving is unsafe and unlawful.

Question 45Intersections and Turns

You are turning left at an intersection controlled by a green left-turn arrow. What does the arrow allow?

  1. A left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic
  2. A left turn only if no pedestrians are present
  3. A protected left turn while oncoming traffic is stopped Correct answer.
  4. A left turn after coming to a full stop

Explanation

A green left-turn arrow gives a protected turn, meaning oncoming traffic is stopped by its own red signal. You may turn without yielding to oncoming vehicles, though you must still watch for pedestrians and cyclists. A flashing yellow arrow is the signal that requires yielding.

Question 46Intersections and Turns

You are making a left turn at an intersection and a pedestrian is crossing the street you are entering. What must you do?

  1. Complete the turn ahead of the pedestrian
  2. Wait for the pedestrian to reach the far curb in all cases
  3. Yield and let the pedestrian cross before completing the turn Correct answer.
  4. Drive behind the pedestrian without slowing

Explanation

A pedestrian crossing the street you are entering has the right of way, and you must yield until the pedestrian is clear of your path. You do not need to wait for the pedestrian to reach the far curb if your path is clear, but you must never turn into the pedestrian.

Question 47Intersections and Turns

You are at a four-way stop and a vehicle to your right arrives just before you. You both want to go straight. Who goes first?

  1. Both vehicles at the same time
  2. Your vehicle, because you arrived later
  3. Whichever vehicle is larger
  4. The vehicle on your right Correct answer.

Explanation

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first, and when arrival times are close, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The vehicle on your right arrived first, so it proceeds. Proceeding together risks a collision.

Question 48Intersections and Turns

You are driving on a one-way street and want to turn left onto a two-way street. From which lane should you begin the turn?

  1. The left lane Correct answer.
  2. The right lane
  3. The center lane only
  4. Any lane on the one-way street

Explanation

When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, begin from the left lane and enter the lane just to the right of the center line on the new street. Turning from the right lane cuts across other traffic. The destination is a two-way street, so you must end on the correct side of its center line.

Question 49Intersections and Turns

You are approaching an intersection on a road with a stop line, a crosswalk, and a stop sign. Where exactly should you stop?

  1. At the curb line before the stop line
  2. At the stop line, before the crosswalk Correct answer.
  3. Past the stop line at the edge of the intersection
  4. In the crosswalk so you can see better

Explanation

When a stop line is present, you must stop at the line, which is placed before the crosswalk to keep it clear for pedestrians. Stopping in the crosswalk or past the line blocks pedestrians and may obstruct cross traffic. The curb line is not the controlling marking.

Question 50Intersections and Turns

You are turning right at an intersection and a cyclist is riding in the bike lane to your right. What is the safest action?

  1. Sound your horn and turn
  2. Turn quickly ahead of the cyclist
  3. Yield and let the cyclist pass before turning Correct answer.
  4. Move into the bike lane to block the cyclist

Explanation

A cyclist traveling straight in a bike lane to your right has the right of way over your right turn. You should yield and let the cyclist clear the intersection before turning. Turning ahead of the cyclist or blocking the lane can cause a collision.