New York FAQ

The New York DMV knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions, including four about road signs. Study the Driver’s Manual chapters on traffic control, road rules, safe driving, and alcohol and drugs.

You must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly (70 percent), AND you must correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions. Missing 3 or more road signs results in an automatic fail regardless of your overall score.

The road-sign requirement is separate from the overall passing score. Even with 16 correct answers out of 20, you fail if you answer only one of the four sign questions correctly. Practice recognizing signs by their shape, color, symbols, and meaning.

Yes. The Class D permit test is offered in 20 languages, including Chinese, Spanish, and English. Choose your test language through the DMV’s application and testing process; the languages available in NY Driver are English, Spanish, and Chinese.

You must be at least 16 to apply for a New York learner permit. Car learners under 18 receive a Class DJ junior permit and must follow regional supervision, passenger, and driving-hour restrictions. The rules differ between New York City, Long Island, and Upstate New York.

Before booking a road test, new drivers must complete a DMV-approved five-hour pre-licensing course or qualifying high school or college driver education. Classroom and live virtual courses issue MV-278, valid for one year; driver education uses MV-285, valid for two years. The self-paced online course requires age 18 or older and a valid New York photo learner permit; completion is reported electronically. A certificate must be valid when you book the road test.

In NYC, you may turn right on red only where a sign permits it, and the default speed limit is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. A Class DJ junior permit allows practice from 5 AM to 9 PM only in a vehicle with dual brakes and with a properly licensed supervisor age 21 or older who is your parent, guardian, person acting as a parent, driver education teacher, or driving school instructor. No junior-permit driving is allowed from 9 PM to 5 AM. A Class DJ junior license does not allow driving in NYC.

Applicants under 18 can access an online permit-test option through DMV’s document pre-screening tool. After passing, allow three business days for DMV to review your results and identity documents before completing your application at an office; an earlier visit requires passing the test again there. Applicants 18 or older should plan to test at a DMV office. An office visit, required documents, a vision check, and fees are still needed to obtain your permit.

Use official ID-44 for your credential: six points of proof of name, proof of date of birth, applicable SSN documents and NY residency (one proof for Standard, two for REAL ID or Enhanced), plus MV-44. Standard applicants never issued an SSN can use the applicable affidavit; REAL ID and Enhanced have different rules. Bring originals or issuing-agency-certified copies.

This website is free. NY Driver is free to download and includes offline practice, some free explanations, and 5 free mock tests. Membership removes ads and unlocks all explanations and related handbook links, plus unlimited mock tests. Handbook downloads need internet access. Use New York State Driver’s Manual for the rules and requirements; the app is an independent study tool.