New York DMV written test
New York DMV Cheat Sheet
The New York knowledge test facts in one place, checked against New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
New York DMV test numbers to memorize
The New York knowledge test has 20 questions and you need 14 correct, which is 70 percent. You can miss 6. The test is given by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Scoring rule: to pass the written test, you must correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions asked, but you must correctly answer two of the four questions about road signs.
20
Questions on the test
14
70% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
16
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $12.5. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at DMV office
- Online test
- Available. Permit applicants under 18 years old.
- Appointment
- Required. Reservations required at most DMV offices. Schedule online at dmv.ny.gov.
Before you go
Documents to bring in New York
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (6 points of ID required - e.g., birth certificate, passport, Social Security card)
- Proof of New York residency
- Social Security card or letter
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: New York retake rules
New York does not publish a retake waiting period, an attempt limit, or a retest fee for the written permit test. The non-commercial road test is different: you must wait at least 14 days to take it again. Your learner-permit application fee covers 2 road tests, and if you fail both you must buy 2 more for $10.00 before you can schedule another.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $10 per attempt.
- Must purchase two additional road tests (a $10.00 payment) before another road test can be scheduled.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in New York
- Under 18
- Must be at least 16. Must have parental consent. Must complete a pre-licensing course or driver education course before road test. Junior license has restrictions (no driving in NYC for under 18 without driver ed).
- Permit versus license
- A learner permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 6 months, complete a pre-licensing course, and pass a road test for a full license.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any New York State DMV office.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for New York: English, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Chinese, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu, and Yiddish.
The study source is the New York State Driver's Manual (edition not stated by the agency). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed New York practice questions
These free New York questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
When passing a vehicle on the left in New York, you must return to the right lane before coming within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?
200 feet
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free New York study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the New York questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1