New York DMV Practice Test – Class D Knowledge Exam
The New York DMV Class D knowledge test is one of the most distinctive in the nation: 20 questions at a 70% threshold, with a mandatory road signs section that can cause an automatic failure even if your overall score passes. This free practice test focuses on content unique to New York — Leandra's Law felony DWI, the DWAI traffic infraction at 0.05%–0.079% BAC, NYC's 25 mph citywide speed limit, the June 2024 congestion pricing zone south of 60th Street in Manhattan, and the 5-point handheld phone penalty under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-d.
Test at a Glance
- Total Questions
- 20
- Questions to Pass
- 14 correct (70%)
- Passing Score
- 70%
- Min Permit Age
- 16 years
- Based On
- New York Driver Handbook (2025)
Official source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
About the New York Permit Practice Test
The New York DMV Class D knowledge test has exactly 20 questions divided into two scored sections: 4 questions on traffic signs and 16 questions on road rules. To pass, you must answer at least 2 of the 4 sign questions correctly AND at least 12 of the 16 road-rules questions correctly — a combined minimum of 14 out of 20 (70%). Crucially, if you answer fewer than 2 sign questions correctly, you fail automatically regardless of your road-rules score. New York's split-section scoring and 70% threshold make it structurally unlike most state tests, which use a single 80% cutoff.
New York has two distinct alcohol-related driving offenses under the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI, VTL § 1192(2)) applies at a BAC of 0.08% or higher and is a criminal misdemeanor. Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI, VTL § 1192(1)) applies at a BAC of 0.05%–0.079% and is a traffic infraction for a first offense — not a criminal conviction, but still subject to license suspension and fines. New York's Leandra's Law (VTL § 1192(2-a)(b)) makes it an automatic Class E felony to drive drunk with a child 15 or younger in the vehicle. Leandra Rosado, age 11, was killed in a DUI crash in 2009, and New York enacted this felony-enhancement law in her name.
New York City enforces several traffic rules that differ from the rest of New York State. The citywide default speed limit in the five boroughs is 25 mph on streets without posted signs — lower than the statewide default of 30 mph, enacted under the Vision Zero initiative. Right turns on red are prohibited throughout New York City by default under NYC Traffic Rules § 4-07(b). As of June 2024, New York City became the first city in the United States to implement congestion pricing: vehicles entering the Central Business District south of 60th Street in Manhattan are subject to a toll. New York's 5-point addition to a driving record per handheld phone violation (VTL § 1225-d) is among the most severe in the nation — accumulating 11 points within 18 months triggers a mandatory license suspension.
Key New York Traffic Laws You Must Know
These rules appear frequently on the New York knowledge test.
New York Permit Practice Test — Sample Questions
Select an answer to see instant feedback and explanation.
Under New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law, what is DWAI by alcohol, and at what BAC does it apply?
What makes New York's Leandra's Law (VTL § 1192(2-a)(b)) distinct from a standard DWI charge?
What is unique about the New York DMV knowledge test's road signs section?
As of June 2024, what is new about driving into Manhattan south of 60th Street?
How many points does a single handheld phone violation add to a New York driver's license under VTL § 1225-d?
New York's reckless driving statute (VTL § 1212) defines reckless driving as:
New York is a no-fault insurance state. What does this mean for vehicle registration?
On a divided highway in New York, which vehicles must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights?
Under New York's Zero Tolerance law, what BAC range triggers a violation for a driver under 21?
What is the mandatory requirement before any first-time New York Class D applicant can schedule a road test?
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These are a sample of questions from our full test bank.
Take the Full New York Permit Practice TestFrequently Asked Questions — New York Permit Practice Test
Why does New York's knowledge test pass at 70% when most states require 80%?
New York's 70% threshold (14/20 correct) is one of the lowest passing scores in the nation. However, NY's test is harder to pass than the raw score suggests because of the split-section rule: you must answer at least 2 of 4 sign questions correctly AND at least 12 of 16 road-rules questions. A single weak section can cause failure even if your total is above 70%. The road signs section requires focused preparation.
What is the difference between DWI and DWAI in New York?
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated, VTL § 1192(2)) applies at 0.08%+ BAC and is a criminal misdemeanor. DWAI by alcohol (VTL § 1192(1)) applies at 0.05%–0.079% BAC and is a traffic infraction for a first offense — not a criminal conviction, but carries fines of $300–$500 and up to 15 days in jail. A second DWAI within 5 years becomes a misdemeanor. The DWAI distinction is unique to New York and directly tested on the knowledge exam.
What is Leandra's Law and what does it charge?
Leandra's Law (VTL § 1192(2-a)(b)) makes it an automatic Class E felony to drive intoxicated with a child 15 or younger in the vehicle — even on a first offense. Named for 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed in 2009 when the driver of the vehicle she was in drove drunk. A felony charge means potential state prison time, not just county jail.
Can I make a right turn on red anywhere in New York City?
No — right turns on red are prohibited throughout New York City's five boroughs by default under NYC Traffic Rules § 4-07(b). Outside New York City, right on red after a full stop is permitted unless a sign prohibits it. Some NYC intersections have signs explicitly permitting right on red, but those are exceptions to the default citywide ban.
What is the NY DMV's 11-point suspension system?
New York's Driver Violation Point System automatically suspends a license when 11 or more points accumulate within any 18-month period. Points are assigned per conviction: reckless driving = 5 points; speeding 11–20 mph over = 4 points; speeding 1–10 mph over = 3 points; handheld phone use = 5 points. Drivers can reduce their total by 4 points by completing a NY DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) course — but only once every 18 months.
What are the GDL requirements for NY drivers under 18?
New York's GDL for drivers under 18 requires: (1) Learner permit at 16 — held for at least 6 months; (2) 5-hour pre-licensing course completed; (3) 50 hours of supervised driving logged, including 15 at night; (4) Road test passed. The resulting Junior Driver's License carries nighttime restrictions: in upstate NY, no driving 9 PM–5 AM; in NYC and downstate, 9 PM–5 AM without a licensed adult. All restrictions lift at age 18.
What does NYC's congestion pricing toll cover?
Since June 2024, vehicles entering the Manhattan Central Business District — defined as the area south of 60th Street — pay a congestion pricing toll. New York became the first U.S. city to implement such a program. The toll varies by vehicle type and time of day. Revenue funds MTA capital improvements. NY DMV's manual includes the congestion zone as a driving context for NYC-area drivers.
How many languages is the NY DMV knowledge test available in?
The New York DMV knowledge test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, and others. Contact your local NY DMV office or check dmv.ny.gov for the current list of available languages and formats.
What is New York's no-fault insurance requirement?
Under New York's Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act, all registered vehicles must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP pays medical expenses and lost wages for injured parties up to the policy minimum regardless of who caused the crash. New York's minimum liability coverage is 25/50/10 ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident bodily injury, $10,000 property damage). Driving without insurance in NY triggers immediate license and registration suspension.
How long is a New York learner permit valid?
A New York learner permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test. You must also complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course and log 50 supervised hours (15 at night) regardless of when the permit was issued. Adults 18+ must also complete the 5-hour course before scheduling the road test.
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