New York permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 59 New York numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 45 number questions in our New York bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

45 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    In New York, a BAC above what level is legal evidence that your ability to drive is impaired (DWAI)?

    .05 percent

    New York has three adult alcohol levels: more than .05 is evidence of impairment (DWAI), .08 or higher is evidence of intoxication (DWI), and .18 or higher is aggravated DWI.

    New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55

  • Fines, points & penalties

    How many points are added to your New York record for driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted limit?

    4 points

    New York's speeding points rise with your speed: 3 points for 1-10 mph over, 4 for 11-20, 6 for 21-30, 8 for 31-40, and 11 for more than 40 mph over.

    New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 22

  • Speed limits

    Roundabouts are designed to keep all vehicles within the circle at what speed?

    30 mph or less

    Small diameters and curved entrances keep speeds low in a modern roundabout, at 30 mph or less.

    New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 50

Every New York number, by topic

Official test facts and New York laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversnysenate.gov
Quote
No person shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has .08 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood
0.02%BAC limit for drivers under 21nysenate.gov
Quote
a person under the age of twenty-one is deemed to have consumed alcohol only if such person has .02 of one per centum or more but not more than .07 of one per centum by weight of alcohol in the person's blood
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclenysenate.gov
Quote
no person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle while such person has .04 of one per centum or more but not more than .06 of one per centum by weight of alcohol in the person's blood
one year · $500Drunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings a license revocation of at least one year and a $500 civil penaltynysenate.gov
Quote
shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in a penitentiary or county jail for not more than one year
.05 percentIn New York, a BAC above what level is legal evidence that your ability to drive is impaired (DWAI)?Answer: .05 percentNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55
Quote
A BAC of more than .05 percent is legal evidence that you are impaired, a BAC of .08 percent or higher is evidence of intoxication
.18 percentAt what BAC can a New York driver be charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Agg-DWI)?Answer: .18 percent or moreNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55
Quote
a BAC of .18 percent or more is evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated.
six monthsUnder New York's Zero Tolerance Law, what happens to a driver under 21 found to have a BAC of .02 to .07?Answer: The license is suspended for six monthsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21
Quote
a driver under age 21 will have thier license suspended for six months if found to have a BAC from .02 to .07.
four yearsUnder Leandra's Law, what can a driver be charged with for driving drunk with a child under 16 in the vehicle?Answer: A class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prisonNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 59
Quote
Drivers who commit these alcohol-related offenses with a child under 16 years old in the vehicle may be charged with a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.
$150A passenger in your car is drinking a beer while you drive on a public road. Under New York's open container law, what is this?Answer: A traffic infraction for the passenger, with a fine of up to $150New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 57
Quote
The penalty for a first conviction is a fine up to $150, a mandatory surcharge, a crime victim assistance fee, and possible imprisonment of 15 days.
.08 percent · six-monthA 30-year-old New York driver is convicted for the first time of driving while intoxicated (DWI). At what BAC does this offense begin, and what is the minimum license penalty?Answer: .08 percent or more; at least a six-month revocationNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 20
Quote
Driving while intoxicated (DWI), with .08 of one percent blood alcohol content (.08 BAC): minimum six-month revocation

Fines, points & penalties

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
4 pointsHow many points are added to your New York record for driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted limit?Answer: 4 pointsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 22
Quote
11 to 20 mph 4
4 pointsHow many points can a New York DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (defensive driving course) remove from your record?Answer: Up to 4 pointsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 15
Quote
If you are eligible for point reduction, as many as four (4) points can be reduced from your driving record.
$100 · three yearsUnder New York's Driver Responsibility Assessment, what do you owe if traffic convictions give you 6 points in an 18-month period?Answer: $100 a year for three yearsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 23
Quote
If you are convicted of one or more traffic violations resulting in six points in any 18-month period, you will be required to pay $100 each year for the next three years.
$10,000What is New York's minimum liability insurance for property damage in one crash?Answer: $10,000New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 27
Quote
$50,000 against injury to two or more persons and $10,000 against property damage.
$200What is the penalty for a first offense of talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving in New York?Answer: A fine of up to $200 and five license pointsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52
Quote
For a first offense, you could be required to pay a fine up to $200 and receive five license points.
$450A driver is convicted of texting while driving for the third time within 18 months. What is the maximum fine?Answer: $450New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52
Quote
A third or subsequent offense (all committed within 18 months) is a fine up to $450.
$25 to $100 · three pointsA 10-year-old passenger in your car is not wearing a seat belt. What penalty can you, the driver, face?Answer: A fine of $25 to $100 and three points on your licenseNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 48
Quote
The driver can face a fine of $25 to $100 and receive three points on their driver license for each violation.
$1,000After a crash with only property damage, when must you file a crash report (MV-104) with New York DMV?Answer: When damage to any one person's property is more than $1,000New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
in which damage to the property of any one person, including himself, in excess of one thousand dollars is sustained, shall within ten days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the commissioner

Speed limits

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
55 mphSpeed limits: urban residential55 mph statewide unless lower limits are setnysenate.gov
Quote
no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of fifty-five miles per hour.
25 mphSpeed limits: urban residential25 mph in New York City unless posteddmv.ny.gov
Quote
Know that some cities have speed limits less than 55 mph (88 km/h) that are not be always posted. For example, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h) in New York City unless another limit is posted.
65 mphSpeed limits: Interstates65 mph where postednysenate.gov
Quote
the commissioner of the department of transportation may establish a maximum speed limit of not more than sixty-five miles per hour on any state roadway which meets department criteria for such maximum speed.
30 mphRoundabouts are designed to keep all vehicles within the circle at what speed?Answer: 30 mph or lessNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 50
Quote
Roundabouts are designed so that the speed of all vehicles is restricted to 30 mph (50 km/h) or less within the roundabout.
55 mphOutside New York City and other places with their own lower limits, what is the fastest you may drive where no speed limit is posted?Answer: 55 mphNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47
Quote
If no limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph (88 km/h).
25 mphUnless a sign shows another limit, what is the speed limit in New York City?Answer: 25 mphNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47
Quote
the speed limit is 25 mph (48 km/h) in New York City unless another limit is posted.
55 mph · 65 mphWhat is the normal speed limit on a New York expressway, and where may it be higher?Answer: 55 mph, but it may be posted at 65 mph in some rural areasNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 62
Quote
The speed limit is normally 55 mph (88 km/h), but can be posted at 65 mph (100 km/h) in some rural areas.
25 mphHow low may a posted work area speed limit be in New York?Answer: As low as 25 mphNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 30
Quote
A work area speed limit as low as 25 MPH (40 km/h) can be posted.

Distances & following gaps

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 miles · two hoursOn a long trip, how often does the New York manual suggest you schedule rest stops to prevent fatigue?Answer: Every 100 miles or two hoursNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52
Quote
Schedule regular stops for every 100 miles or two hours.
100 feetHow far ahead does New York law require you to signal before turning or changing lanes?Answer: At least 100 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 36
Quote
The law requires you to signal a turn or lane change with your turn lights or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.
500 feetYou may not make a U-turn near a hilltop or curve if other drivers cannot see your vehicle from how far away?Answer: 500 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 37
Quote
where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m) away in either direction.
200 feetYou may not pass on the left on a two-way road if you cannot return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within how many feet?Answer: 200 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39
Quote
You cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you.
100 feetOn a two-way road, how close to a railroad crossing may you pass another vehicle on the left?Answer: You may not pass within 100 feet of the crossingNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39
Quote
You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway.
two secondsWhat following distance does the New York manual recommend in good conditions?Answer: At least two secondsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47
Quote
For a good “space cushion,” use the two-second rule
three or four secondsHow should you change your following distance in bad weather or behind a large truck?Answer: Increase it to at least three or four secondsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47
Quote
In bad weather and when following large trucks, increase the count to at least three or four seconds for additional space.
20 feetHow far from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights should you stop?Answer: At least 20 feet awayNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 40
Quote
You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus.
15 feetRailroad crossing lights are flashing and the bell is ringing. How far from the tracks must you stop?Answer: At least 15 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61
Quote
indicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.
1,000 feetBesides at night, when does New York law require you to turn on your headlights?Answer: When visibility is under 1,000 feet or you are using your wipersNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 63
Quote
when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (300 m) and when you use your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow or sleet.
500 feet · 200 feetWhen must you switch from high beams to low beams?Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 200 feet of a vehicle you are followingNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 63
Quote
Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you

Parking

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetIn New York, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43
Quote
Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
20 feetHow close may you park or stand to a crosswalk at an intersection?Answer: No closer than 20 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43
Quote
Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection.
75 feetYou want to park on the opposite side of the street from a fire station driveway. How far away must you be?Answer: At least 75 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43
Quote
Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road.
50 feetHow close to a railroad crossing may you park in New York?Answer: No closer than 50 feetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43
Quote
You cannot park your vehicle within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.
one footAfter you parallel park, how far from the curb may your wheels be?Answer: No more than one footNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 42
Quote
In your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.

Ages, permits & the test

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20Questions on the testdmv.ny.gov
Quote
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.
14 of 20Correct answers to passdmv.ny.gov
Quote
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.
$80Feedmv.ny.gov
Quote
16 to 16½ $80.00 / $90.00* Not available at this age $85.00 / $95.00*
120-dayPhone useLearner permit, junior license and probationary license holders: a first conviction for cell phone use or texting brings a 120-day suspensiondmv.ny.gov
Quote
The first conviction of a cell phone use or texting violation will result in a suspension of the permit for 120 days.
21 yearsYou are 19 and hold a New York learner permit. Who may supervise your practice driving?Answer: A licensed driver at least 21 years old, seated in the front seatNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 11
Quote
you must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, has a license valid for the type of vehicle you are driving, and is seated in the front seat
50 hours · 15 hoursBefore a junior permit holder takes the road test, how much supervised practice must a parent or guardian certify on form MV-262?Answer: At least 50 hours, including at least 15 hours after sunsetNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 14
Quote
you completed at least 50 hours of practice driving, including at least 15 hours after sunset
six-monthYour junior permit was suspended for 60 days during the time you were waiting to take the road test. How does this affect the required holding period?Answer: The suspended days do not count toward the six-month minimumNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19
Quote
A junior permit must be held for a minimum of six months, excluding any time the permit is suspended or revoked, before a road test can be scheduled.
120-dayA junior driver is convicted for the first time of texting while driving. What is the license penalty?Answer: A 120-day suspensionNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19
Quote
your junior permit, license or privileges will be suspended for 120 days when you are convicted of a texting or cell phone violation.
14 of 20 · 2 of the 4To pass the New York written permit test, what must you score?Answer: At least 14 of 20, including 2 of the 4 road sign questionsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 10
Quote
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.
one yearWhat happens to your license if you drive, or let someone else drive, your uninsured vehicle in New York?Answer: It is revoked for at least one yearNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21
Quote
Your driver license will be revoked for at least one year if you operate or allow another person to operate your uninsured vehicle
six monthsWhat happens if you are convicted of passing a stopped school bus three times within three years?Answer: Your license is revoked for at least six monthsNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 40
Quote
If you are convicted of three of these violations in three years, your driver license will be revoked for a minimum of six months.

Time limits & deadlines

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000 · 10 daysCrashesDeath, injury, or over $1,000 damage to any one person's property: written report to the DMV commissioner within 10 daysnysenate.gov
Quote
in which damage to the property of any one person, including himself, in excess of one thousand dollars is sustained, shall within ten days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the commissioner
10 daysYou move to a new address in New York. How soon must you notify DMV?Answer: Within 10 daysNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 17
Quote
If you change your address you must notify DMV within 10 days
10 daysHow long do you have to file a required crash report with New York DMV?Answer: 10 daysNew York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 77
Quote
You must file a report with DMV within 10 days of the event.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 16Seat beltsThe driver must make sure passengers under 16 are restrainednysenate.gov
Quote
No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by a safety belt approved by the commissioner. No person sixteen years of age or over shall be a passenger in a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by a safety belt
ages 1 through 13Under New York law, which bicycle riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet?Answer: Those ages 1 through 13New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 69
Quote
Bicyclists and their passengers ages 1 - 13, must wear an approved helmet.

Other numbers

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
three yearsSchool busesRevocation after three in three yearsnysenate.gov
Quote
upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus marked and equipped as provided in subdivision twenty of section three hundred seventy-five of this chapter which has stopped on the public highway

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the New York permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 59 of them for New York, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), New York statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

New York exam simulatorPractice by topicNew York permit test overview