Steerlet/New York/Permit practice

New York permit practice: 20 free questions

Choose an answer, then check the explanation and its handbook source. These are Steerlet practice questions, not the official test or its exact format.

Written from New York State Driver’s Manual (MV-21 (5/23) (agency listing)). Independently checked October 26, 2026.

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Question 1 of 20

You approach an intersection where the traffic lights have stopped working. No officer is directing traffic. What should you do first?

AStop, then apply the right-of-way rules.BDrive through if your road has more lanes.CSlow down and follow the vehicle ahead without stopping.

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Correct answer: A. Stop, then apply the right-of-way rules.

Treat a failed traffic signal as a stop sign. After stopping, yield as the right-of-way rules require.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Traffic signals / Traffic lights, PDF page 30. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 2 of 20

A traffic light is flashing yellow as you approach. What does that require?

AWait for it to change to green.BProceed carefully.CStop until another driver waves you through.

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Correct answer: B. Proceed carefully.

A flashing yellow light warns you to use caution. It does not require waiting for a green light.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Traffic signals / Traffic lights, PDF page 31. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 3 of 20

You and an oncoming car reach an intersection together. You intend to turn left, while the other driver intends to continue straight. Who must wait?

AThe other driver, because you are turning.BThe driver whose vehicle is smaller.CYou must let the oncoming car pass before turning.

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Correct answer: C. You must let the oncoming car pass before turning.

A driver making a left turn yields to opposing traffic going straight when both arrive at about the same time.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Right-of-way, PDF page 34. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 4 of 20

Your light is green, but a traffic queue leaves no room for your car beyond the intersection. What should you do?

AWait before entering until there is room to get completely across.BEnter and wait in the middle for traffic to move.CEnter if you can leave the crosswalk clear.

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Correct answer: A. Wait before entering until there is room to get completely across.

A green light does not permit you to block an intersection. Wait for enough space on the far side.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Right-of-way, PDF page 35. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 5 of 20

How far ahead must you begin signaling a planned turn in New York?

A25 feet.BAt least 100 feet.COnly when you start steering into the turn.

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Correct answer: B. At least 100 feet.

Give your turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn so other road users have advance warning.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Turns, PDF page 36. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 6 of 20

Before moving into the lane on your left to pass, why should you also glance over your left shoulder?

AIt replaces the need to use a turn signal.BIt lets you avoid checking your mirrors.CA vehicle beside you may be hidden from your mirrors.

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Correct answer: C. A vehicle beside you may be hidden from your mirrors.

Mirrors leave blind spots. A quick shoulder check supplements your mirrors before you move left.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — How to pass on the left, PDF page 39. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 7 of 20

A road is very slippery, although its posted speed limit is 55 mph. How should you choose your speed?

AUse a lower speed that is safe for the conditions.BKeep 55 mph whenever your tires are new.CStay at 55 mph unless an officer directs you to slow down.

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Correct answer: A. Use a lower speed that is safe for the conditions.

A posted limit is a maximum, and hazardous conditions can require a slower speed. Driving below the limit can still be unsafe if the road is slippery.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Speed, PDF page 47. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 8 of 20

When following a large truck in bad weather, what time gap does the manual recommend?

AOne second if the truck blocks the wind.BAt least three or four seconds.CLess than two seconds so other cars cannot merge ahead.

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Correct answer: B. At least three or four seconds.

Increase your following gap to at least three or four seconds in bad weather and behind large trucks. The extra space gives you more room to respond.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Allow yourself space, PDF page 47. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 9 of 20

You have finished parallel parking beside a curb. How close must your wheels be to it?

ANo farther than three feet.BExactly two feet away.CNo farther than one foot.

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Correct answer: C. No farther than one foot.

The final position must leave no more than one foot between your wheels and the curb.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — How to park, PDF page 42. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 10 of 20

You plan to park beside a fire hydrant and leave the car unattended. What minimum separation is required?

A15 feet.B5 feet.C10 feet.

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Correct answer: A. 15 feet.

Keep an unattended vehicle at least 15 feet from a hydrant. The exception requires a licensed driver to stay in the vehicle and be ready to move it during an emergency.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Parking regulations, PDF page 43. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 11 of 20

A school bus has stopped with red lights flashing on the other side of a divided highway. What must you do?

AContinue because the divider separates you from the bus.BStop, even though you are traveling in the opposite direction.CSlow down, but stop only if children enter your lanes.

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Correct answer: B. Stop, even though you are traveling in the opposite direction.

New York requires drivers on both sides of a divided highway to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the bus moves or its driver or an officer directs you to proceed.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — School buses, PDF page 40. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 12 of 20

You want to pass a motorcycle that is riding near one edge of a wide lane. How much lane space should you allow it?

AOnly enough space to avoid touching the rider.BHalf the lane, if you can fit beside it.CThe full lane; move into another lane to pass.

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Correct answer: C. The full lane; move into another lane to pass.

A motorcycle is entitled to the same full lane as other vehicles. A wide lane does not make it safe to squeeze alongside the rider.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — How to pass, PDF page 39. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 13 of 20

You must drive through heavy fog. Which headlight setting helps you see better?

ALow beams.BHigh beams.CParking lights alone.

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Correct answer: A. Low beams.

High beams reflect off fog and make visibility worse. Use low beams and reduce your speed.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Driving in rain, fog or snow, PDF page 63. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 14 of 20

Freezing rain has just started. Which part of the road is likely to freeze before ordinary roadway sections?

AA road at ground level surrounded by trees.BA bridge or overpass.CA straight stretch away from ramps.

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Correct answer: B. A bridge or overpass.

Bridges, ramps and overpasses can freeze before other road sections. Be especially cautious there when freezing weather begins.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — How to drive in winter, PDF page 64. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 15 of 20

After drinking alcohol, what will actually lower your blood alcohol content?

AA cold shower.BStrong coffee followed by exercise.CTime without drinking more alcohol.

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Correct answer: C. Time without drinking more alcohol.

Your body needs time without more alcohol to lower BAC. Coffee, exercise and cold water do not make you sober.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Your BAC, PDF page 56. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 16 of 20

What can happen when you combine alcohol with another drug before driving?

AYour driving ability can become much worse.BThe drug cancels the alcohol if it was prescribed.COnly your vision changes; your judgment is unaffected.

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Correct answer: A. Your driving ability can become much worse.

Alcohol combined with other drugs can seriously impair driving. A prescription does not make such a combination safe.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Other drugs, PDF page 54. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 17 of 20

You notice that you are struggling to stay awake while driving. What should you do?

ATurn up the radio and keep going.BStop in a safe place away from traffic and take a short nap.COpen a window and drive faster to finish sooner.

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Correct answer: B. Stop in a safe place away from traffic and take a short nap.

Drowsiness calls for a safe stop and rest. Radio volume and an open window cannot reliably keep you awake.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Drowsy and fatigued driving / Actions for the drowsy driver, PDF page 52. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 18 of 20

Your car has front air bags. How should that affect your use of a seat belt?

AYou can skip the belt on short trips.BUse the belt only when driving at highway speed.CWear the belt because air bags are designed to work with it.

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Correct answer: C. Wear the belt because air bags are designed to work with it.

An air bag supplements a seat belt. Using both provides protection that an air bag alone does not.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Seat belts, child safety seats and air bags, PDF page 49. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 19 of 20

You are 25 and hold a New York learner permit for a passenger car. Who may supervise your practice driving?

AA driver age 21 or older whose license covers that car, sitting beside you in front.BAny licensed driver age 18 or older, sitting in the back.CA friend with a learner permit who has practiced for a year.

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Correct answer: A. A driver age 21 or older whose license covers that car, sitting beside you in front.

Even at age 25, a permit holder needs a supervisor with the right license who is 21 or older. That supervisor must sit in front with the learner.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — The learner permit and road test / The learner permit, PDF page 11. Checked October 26, 2026.

Question 20 of 20

A 15-year-old visitor has a valid driver license from another state. May that visitor drive in New York?

AYes, if a parent rides in the car.BNo, New York does not allow drivers under 16.CYes, but only during daylight.

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Correct answer: B. No, New York does not allow drivers under 16.

A license from another state does not let someone younger than 16 drive in New York.

Source: New York State Driver’s Manual — Driver licenses, PDF page 6. Checked October 26, 2026.

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This score describes these 20 practice questions. It does not predict a result on the official test.

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