Do you dream of driving across the Brooklyn Bridge? You’ll need to pass your New York permit test first. Taking a practice exam can help you make sure you pass your test the first time with confidence and ease.
Our New York state practice permit test is designed with you in mind, complete with full answer explanations for every question. We include tests that enforce material you really need to know, such as New York road signs.
Getting your driving permit can be scary, but by preparing early, you’ll be sure to arrive on test day with all the answers you need. Get started by answering some questions below.
New York DMV Exam – Quick Stats
16
Min Age to Apply
70%
Passing Score
20
# of Questions
New York Permit Practice Tests
Quiz yourself with our free New York DMV practice tests which are listed below. There is no registration required and the exams are 100% free. You will have access to the answer explanations at the end – use them to learn why an answer was right or wrong.
New York Road Signs
Take our NY road signs practice test linked below. This exam includes only road signs questions and will help you prepare for any signs you may see on your exam.
About the New York Permit Test
The New York permit driving test is made up of 20 total questions. Of those 20 questions, individuals will need to answer 14 of those questions correctly to pass the exam. This comes out to a minimum passing score of 70%.
Individuals must be at least 16 years of age to take the New York permit test. You can expect to follow these steps before and after taking the New York permit test:
- Apply for your permit in person
- Provide proper documentation
- Choose ID you want to apply for
- Fill out application form
- Bring parent or guardian for consent
- Pay fee (~$80)
- Pass vision test
- Pass knowledge test
- Get your permit
Documentation Required
When applying for your permit at the New York DMV, you will need to provide proof of your name, age, and address. Typical documents you can use include:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- 1099 Form, W2 Statement or Paystub
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
Please be sure to check the Official New York DMV Site for complete details.
In addition, you will typically need to have a parent or guardian present if you are under the age of 18.
After you receive your learners permit, you will need to complete some general requirements to get your full driver’s license. In the state of New York, you will need to complete 24 hours of drivers ed classroom hours and at least 50 hours of supervised driving hours.
New York Driving Test FAQs
How Do I Get a New York Driver License?
When applying for a New York driver license for the first time, you will need to bring in a completed Application for Driver License (form MV-44), pass the written and vision tests, provide your social security card, and pay fees for both the application and license.
This can be done at any New York motor vehicle office. Most applicants will also be required to undergo a five hour driver training course and pass a driving test.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Get a New York Driver License?
To be eligible for a full-fledged New York Driver License (known as an Operator, Class D license) you must be at least 18 years of age. However, you may apply for the Operator, Class D license at age 17 if you can provide proof of completion for a driver’s education course.
You may obtain a learner’s permit (known as a Limited Junior Operator license) at the age of 16. The Limited Junior Operator license will allow you to operate vehicles in the same class as an Operator, Class D license but comes with several other restrictions.
What are the Required Documents for Establishing Identity?
To apply for a New York driver license you will need to provide proof of both your name and age. Documents proving your name are assigned a point value and your documents must total at least six points to qualify.
Your only option for a six point document is a New York issued non-driver ID card. Four point documents include a statement of identity from a parent or guardian (form MV-45) or a U.S. passport.
Three point documents include foreign passports, a certificate of naturalization or citizenship, a military photo ID, or a New York Medicaid or food stamps photo ID. Two point documents include a U.S. social security card, a high school ID (with report card), a college ID (along with a photo and transcript), or a marriage or divorce certificate.
One point documents include major credit cards, bank statements, a health insurance card, or a high school diploma or GED.
What Tests Are Required to Obtain a New York Driver License?
To obtain a New York driver license you will be required to pass a vision, a written, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
You will not be able to schedule your behind-the-wheel test until you have successfully completed your vision and written tests.
What Driver’s Education Do I Have to Take?
Before you will be able to schedule your behind-the-wheel test you must successfully complete a safe driver course. Students enrolled in a high school or college level driver’s education program will meet this requirement through their program.
For those not enrolled in one of these programs, you can complete this requirement at most licensed driving schools with a five hour course. If you do not take your driving test within a year of completing the safe driver course, you will be required to take the course once again.
What are the Driving Restrictions for a Limited Junior Operator License?
If you possess a Limited Junior Operator license you are required to have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the vehicle with you at all times.
If you are driving in New York City or Long Island, this licensed driver must be a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.
How Many Questions are On the New York Driving Tests?
Your written driving exam will consist of 20 questions pertaining to the driving laws of New York state.
What’s the Passing Grade for the New York Driving Tests?
You must answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly to pass your written exam. In addition, you must answer at least two of the four questions pertaining to road signs correctly to pass your exam.
To pass your road (driving) test, you must demonstrate your capability for steering, accelerating/braking, obeying traffic signs, and observing other drivers around you.
What Happens if I Fail the New York Driving Tests?
If you fail the written portion of your driving test you are allowed to retake it as many times as necessary without incurring any additional fees.
If you fail your road test, your Limited Junior Operator license will remain valid, but you will have to pay an additional road test fee (the amount of your fee will depend on your age and the class of driver license you’re applying for).
You must wait at least one day after your failed test to attempt the road test again.
How Should I Study for the New York Driving Tests?
The best way to prepare for your written exam is to familiarize yourself with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s Manual, which is available online.
You can also find a test study guide on the New York DMV website. To prepare for your driving test, the New York DMV recommends at least 50 hours of practice driving.
15 of those hours should be after dark, and they also recommend at least 10 hours’ worth of driving in heavy traffic.
How Much Does It Cost to Take the New York Driving Tests?
Your driving test fees will depend on two factors—your age and the class of license you’re applying for. You can determine the exact amount of your fees by visiting the New York DMV website and providing them with this information.
What Are the Requirements to get a Limited Junior Operator License?
To receive a Limited Junior Operator License, you must be at least 15 years old and must have successfully passed the written portion of your driving exam.
You will also need to provide proof of identity in the same ways as if you were applying for an Operator, Class D license.
Where Do I Take the New York Driving Tests? Do I Need an Appointment?
You can take both the written and road tests at any New York DMV. As mentioned earlier, many public schools have authorization to administer the written test to their students on campus as well.
You will need to schedule an appointment for your road test and can do so online, by phone, or in person at a New York DMV.
