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
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Numbers flashcards
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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.
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.
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.
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 10
- Fines, points & penalties 8
- Speed limits 8
- Distances & following gaps 11
- Parking 5
- Ages, permits & the test 11
- Time limits & deadlines 3
- Seat belts, lights & equipment 2
- Other numbers 1
Alcohol & drugs
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | nysenate.govQuoteNo 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 21 | nysenate.govQuotea 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 vehicle | nysenate.govQuoteno 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 · $500 | Drunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings a license revocation of at least one year and a $500 civil penalty | nysenate.govQuoteshall 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 percent | In New York, a BAC above what level is legal evidence that your ability to drive is impaired (DWAI)?Answer: .05 percent | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55QuoteA 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 percent | At what BAC can a New York driver be charged with Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Agg-DWI)?Answer: .18 percent or more | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55Quotea BAC of .18 percent or more is evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated. |
| six months | Under 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 months | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21Quotea driver under age 21 will have thier license suspended for six months if found to have a BAC from .02 to .07. |
| four years | Under 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 prison | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 59QuoteDrivers 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. |
| $150 | A 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 $150 | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 57QuoteThe 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-month | A 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 revocation | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 20QuoteDriving while intoxicated (DWI), with .08 of one percent blood alcohol content (.08 BAC): minimum six-month revocation |
Fines, points & penalties
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 4 points | How many points are added to your New York record for driving 11 to 20 mph over the posted limit?Answer: 4 points | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 22Quote11 to 20 mph 4 |
| 4 points | How many points can a New York DMV-approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program (defensive driving course) remove from your record?Answer: Up to 4 points | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 15QuoteIf you are eligible for point reduction, as many as four (4) points can be reduced from your driving record. |
| $100 · three years | Under 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 years | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 23QuoteIf 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. |
| $10,000 | What is New York's minimum liability insurance for property damage in one crash?Answer: $10,000 | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 27Quote$50,000 against injury to two or more persons and $10,000 against property damage. |
| $200 | What 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 points | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52QuoteFor a first offense, you could be required to pay a fine up to $200 and receive five license points. |
| $450 | A driver is convicted of texting while driving for the third time within 18 months. What is the maximum fine?Answer: $450 | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52QuoteA third or subsequent offense (all committed within 18 months) is a fine up to $450. |
| $25 to $100 · three points | A 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 license | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 48QuoteThe driver can face a fine of $25 to $100 and receive three points on their driver license for each violation. |
| $1,000 | After 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 $1,000 | New York State Department of Motor Vehicles websiteQuotein 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 55 mph | Speed limits: urban residential55 mph statewide unless lower limits are set | nysenate.govQuoteno person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of fifty-five miles per hour. |
| 25 mph | Speed limits: urban residential25 mph in New York City unless posted | dmv.ny.govQuoteKnow 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 mph | Speed limits: Interstates65 mph where posted | nysenate.govQuotethe 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 mph | Roundabouts are designed to keep all vehicles within the circle at what speed?Answer: 30 mph or less | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 50QuoteRoundabouts are designed so that the speed of all vehicles is restricted to 30 mph (50 km/h) or less within the roundabout. |
| 55 mph | Outside 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 mph | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47QuoteIf no limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph (88 km/h). |
| 25 mph | Unless a sign shows another limit, what is the speed limit in New York City?Answer: 25 mph | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47Quotethe speed limit is 25 mph (48 km/h) in New York City unless another limit is posted. |
| 55 mph · 65 mph | What 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 areas | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 62QuoteThe speed limit is normally 55 mph (88 km/h), but can be posted at 65 mph (100 km/h) in some rural areas. |
| 25 mph | How low may a posted work area speed limit be in New York?Answer: As low as 25 mph | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 30QuoteA work area speed limit as low as 25 MPH (40 km/h) can be posted. |
Distances & following gaps
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 100 miles · two hours | On a long trip, how often does the New York manual suggest you schedule rest stops to prevent fatigue?Answer: Every 100 miles or two hours | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52QuoteSchedule regular stops for every 100 miles or two hours. |
| 100 feet | How far ahead does New York law require you to signal before turning or changing lanes?Answer: At least 100 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 36QuoteThe 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 feet | You may not make a U-turn near a hilltop or curve if other drivers cannot see your vehicle from how far away?Answer: 500 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 37Quotewhere other drivers cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m) away in either direction. |
| 200 feet | You 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 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39QuoteYou cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you. |
| 100 feet | On 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 crossing | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39QuoteYou are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway. |
| two seconds | What following distance does the New York manual recommend in good conditions?Answer: At least two seconds | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47QuoteFor a good “space cushion,” use the two-second rule |
| three or four seconds | How should you change your following distance in bad weather or behind a large truck?Answer: Increase it to at least three or four seconds | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47QuoteIn bad weather and when following large trucks, increase the count to at least three or four seconds for additional space. |
| 20 feet | How far from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights should you stop?Answer: At least 20 feet away | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 40QuoteYou should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus. |
| 15 feet | Railroad crossing lights are flashing and the bell is ringing. How far from the tracks must you stop?Answer: At least 15 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61Quoteindicate that you must stop, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks. |
| 1,000 feet | Besides 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 wipers | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 63Quotewhen 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 feet | When 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 following | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 63QuoteYour 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | In New York, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 15 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43QuoteWithin 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency. |
| 20 feet | How close may you park or stand to a crosswalk at an intersection?Answer: No closer than 20 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43QuoteWithin 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection. |
| 75 feet | You 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 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43QuoteWithin 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road. |
| 50 feet | How close to a railroad crossing may you park in New York?Answer: No closer than 50 feet | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 43QuoteYou cannot park your vehicle within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing. |
| one foot | After you parallel park, how far from the curb may your wheels be?Answer: No more than one foot | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 42QuoteIn your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb. |
Ages, permits & the test
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Questions on the test | dmv.ny.govQuoteTo 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 20 | Correct answers to pass | dmv.ny.govQuoteTo 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. |
| $80 | Fee | dmv.ny.govQuote16 to 16½ $80.00 / $90.00* Not available at this age $85.00 / $95.00* |
| 120-day | Phone useLearner permit, junior license and probationary license holders: a first conviction for cell phone use or texting brings a 120-day suspension | dmv.ny.govQuoteThe first conviction of a cell phone use or texting violation will result in a suspension of the permit for 120 days. |
| 21 years | You 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 seat | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 11Quoteyou 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 hours | Before 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 sunset | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 14Quoteyou completed at least 50 hours of practice driving, including at least 15 hours after sunset |
| six-month | Your 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 minimum | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19QuoteA 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-day | A junior driver is convicted for the first time of texting while driving. What is the license penalty?Answer: A 120-day suspension | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19Quoteyour 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 4 | To pass the New York written permit test, what must you score?Answer: At least 14 of 20, including 2 of the 4 road sign questions | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 10Quoteyou 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 year | What 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 year | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21QuoteYour driver license will be revoked for at least one year if you operate or allow another person to operate your uninsured vehicle |
| six months | What 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 months | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 40QuoteIf 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
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 · 10 days | CrashesDeath, injury, or over $1,000 damage to any one person's property: written report to the DMV commissioner within 10 days | nysenate.govQuotein 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 days | You move to a new address in New York. How soon must you notify DMV?Answer: Within 10 days | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 17QuoteIf you change your address you must notify DMV within 10 days |
| 10 days | How long do you have to file a required crash report with New York DMV?Answer: 10 days | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 77QuoteYou must file a report with DMV within 10 days of the event. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 16 | Seat beltsThe driver must make sure passengers under 16 are restrained | nysenate.govQuoteNo 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 13 | Under New York law, which bicycle riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet?Answer: Those ages 1 through 13 | New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 69QuoteBicyclists and their passengers ages 1 - 13, must wear an approved helmet. |
Other numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| three years | School busesRevocation after three in three years | nysenate.govQuoteupon 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:
“For a good “space cushion,” use the two-second rule”
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.
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