New York
DMV Practice Test
Prepare for your New York DMV knowledge test with practice questions based on the 2026 NY Driver's Manual. Covers road signs, traffic laws, NYC-specific rules, and New York regulations.
New York Knowledge Test Format
Computer-based test at any NY DMV office
The New York DMV knowledge test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. You must score 70% or higher to pass — that's 14 out of 20 correct, and you must get at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions right. The test is untimed, so take as long as you need. It's available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and Russian. The test fee is included in the learner permit application fee ($80.50 for under 21, $64.50 for 21+).
Questions
20
Multiple-choice
Pass Mark
70%
14/20 + 2 of 4 signs
Time Limit
Untimed
Take as long as you need
Fee
Included
In learner permit fee
New York-Specific Driving Rules
No Right on Red in NYC
Right turns on red are prohibited throughout New York City's 5 boroughs unless a sign specifically allows it. In the rest of the state, right on red is allowed after a full stop.
Hands-Free Phone Law
Using a handheld phone or texting while driving carries 5 points on your license and fines from $50 to $200 (1st offense). Hands-free and Bluetooth devices are permitted.
Annual Vehicle Inspection
All registered vehicles must pass a yearly safety inspection ($10). Vehicles in designated counties also need an OBD emissions test (+$27).
Speed Cameras (750+ Zones)
NYC has 750+ speed camera zones near schools, operating 24/7. Violations carry a $50 civil penalty with no points on your license.
Congestion Pricing
Vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street pay $9 peak / $2.25 off-peak (launched January 2025). Taxis and for-hire vehicles have separate surcharges.
Junior License NYC Ban
Junior license holders (Class DJ, under 18) cannot drive in NYC's 5 boroughs at all. You must be 18 with a full Class D license to drive in the city.
Move Over Law
Drivers must slow down and move over one lane for stopped emergency vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and hazard vehicles with flashing lights.
Leandra's Law
Driving while intoxicated with a child age 15 or younger in the vehicle is an automatic Class E felony — even for a first offense. Mandatory ignition interlock for all DWI convictions.
New York DMV Fees
All fees as of 2026
Knowledge test fee is included in the learner permit application fee. Learner permit fee for 21+ is $64.50.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Restrictions for junior license holders (under 18)
New York Speed Limits
All speeds in mph
NYC's 25 mph default was set by Vision Zero in 2014. Fines are doubled in work zones.
Top Traffic Fines
Fine ranges + NYS points system
| Violation | Base Fine | Total (est.) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 mph over | $90–$150 | + surcharge | 3 |
| Speeding 11–20 mph over | $90–$300 | + surcharge | 4 |
| Speeding 21–30 mph over | $90–$300 | + surcharge | 6 |
| Speeding 31–40 mph over | $90–$300 | + surcharge | 8 |
| Speeding 41+ mph over | $90–$300 | + surcharge | 11 |
| Running red light | $190–$500 | + surcharge | 3 |
| Cell phone (handheld) | $50–$200 | + surcharge | 5 |
| Passing stopped school bus | $250–$400 | + surcharge | 5 |
Speeding 1–10 mph over
Speeding 11–20 mph over
Speeding 21–30 mph over
Speeding 31–40 mph over
Speeding 41+ mph over
Running red light
Cell phone (handheld)
Passing stopped school bus
NYS mandatory surcharge of $88–$93 applies to most violations. Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA): $100/year × 3 years at 6+ points.
New York DWI Laws
0.08%
General (21+)
0.04%
Commercial
0.02%
Under 21
1st DWI offense: $500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year jail, minimum 6-month license revocation. Leandra's Law: DWI with a child 15 or younger is an automatic Class E felony. Mandatory ignition interlock device for all DWI convictions. DWAI (0.05%–0.07%): $300–$500 fine, 90-day suspension.
Implied consent: refusing a chemical test results in automatic 1-year license revocation and a $500 civil penalty.
NYS Point System
Insurance Requirements
Minimum liability + no-fault PIP coverage required:
$25,000
Bodily injury per person
$50,000
Bodily injury per accident
$10,000
Property damage per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage ($25,000/$50,000) is also mandatory. NY is a no-fault insurance state.
New York Road Hazards
Winter Storms & Lake-Effect Snow
Heavy snowfall in Buffalo and upstate NY, especially Nov–Mar. Lake-effect snow can produce whiteout conditions near the Great Lakes.
Black Ice
Common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads from November through March. Invisible and extremely dangerous.
Deer
High risk in upstate NY, Hudson Valley, and Long Island, especially Oct–Dec. Over 65,000 deer-vehicle collisions annually in NYS.
NYC Congestion
Among the worst traffic congestion in the United States. Plan routes carefully and allow extra time, especially during rush hours.
Potholes
Post-winter freeze-thaw cycles create potholes across the state, particularly in NYC and other urban areas.
Flooding
Underpasses, river crossings, and low-lying areas are prone to flooding during heavy rain. Never drive through standing water.
Emergency Numbers
911
Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
#77
NY State Police (from mobile)
511
Traffic & travel info
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the New York DMV knowledge test?
20 multiple-choice questions. You need 70% correct to pass (14 out of 20), and you must get at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions right. The test is untimed and computer-based.
How much does a New York driver's license cost?
The Class D license costs $64.50 (8-year). The learner permit is $80.50 (under 21) or $64.50 (21+), which includes the knowledge test. The road test has an additional $10 fee. REAL ID is available at no extra charge.
Can teen drivers drive in New York City?
No. Junior license holders (Class DJ, under 18) are completely banned from driving in all 5 NYC boroughs. They also cannot drive 9pm–5am in the rest of the state, and can carry only 1 passenger under 21.
What are the DWI penalties in New York?
First DWI offense (0.08%+): $500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year jail, 6-month license revocation. Leandra's Law makes DWI with a child 15 or younger an automatic felony. All DWI convictions require a mandatory ignition interlock device.
What are the speed limits in New York?
NYC has a citywide 25 mph default (Vision Zero) with 20 mph school zones. Rest of the state: 30 mph commonly posted in cities/villages (set locally, not a statewide statutory default), 55 mph on rural roads, and 65 mph on upstate interstates.
Can I turn right on red in New York City?
No. Right turns on red are prohibited throughout all 5 NYC boroughs unless a sign specifically permits it. In the rest of New York State, right on red is allowed after a complete stop.
How does the NY points system work?
Accumulating 11 points in 18 months results in license suspension. At 6+ points, you also owe a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100/year for 3 years. A PIRP defensive driving course can reduce up to 4 points.
Is vehicle inspection required in New York?
Yes. All registered vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection ($10). In designated counties, an OBD emissions test is also required ($27 additional). Inspection stickers are checked during registration renewal.
Ready to Pass Your New York DMV Test?
Practice with New York-specific questions covering NYC rules, road signs, GDL restrictions, and more.