New York permit test: 20 questions, 14 to pass, 2 of 4 road signs
The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You pass with at least 14 right, and at least 2 of them must be among the 4 road-sign questions. It’s offered in 20 languages, including Chinese.
Two original practice questions from our bank (not DMV questions), with explanations.
Sample question 1/2
A school bus ahead of you turns on flashing yellow lights near its roof, at the front and back. What does this tell you?
It’s about to stop to pick up or drop off passengers
It’s signaling that you may pass it now
It’s about to turn right at the next corner
It has broken down and will pull onto the shoulder
Show answer
Answer: A. It’s about to stop to pick up or drop off passengers
Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop to load or unload passengers, so slow down and be ready to stop. They’re a warning to prepare, not a signal that you may pass.
Roughly what share of the decisions you make while driving are based on what you see?
About 25%
About 50%
About 75%
About 90%
Show answer
Answer: D. About 90%
About 90% of driving decisions depend on vision. That’s why darkness, which shortens how far you can see ahead and to the sides, calls for slower speeds than daytime driving.
Yes. New York gives the Class D permit test in 20 languages, Chinese among them. dmv.ny.gov: Prepare for and take your permit testNot verified DMV doesn’t say whether the Chinese test uses Simplified or Traditional characters; the DMV Chinese documents we checked are Simplified.
If you’re under 18, yes: a parent or guardian supervises the online test and later signs form MV-263 at a DMV office.
After passing online, wait 3 business days before going to an office, or you’ll retake the test there. DMV’s current page offers the online test only to applicants under 18, although its 2024 language plan lists an adult form.
Be at least 16, file form MV-44, and bring proof of your name worth at least 6 points, proof of your date of birth and proof of New York residence, plus your Social Security number.
If you’ve never been issued one, form ID-44 lists an affidavit (NSS-1 or NSS-1A) you can use instead for a standard permit. Pass the vision test (20/40 in at least one eye, glasses allowed) and pay the fee. 16- and 17-year-olds need a parent’s consent, unless they’re 17 and have a driver-education certificate (MV-285). One fee covers the permit and your first license: $64.25 to $102.50, depending on your age and whether you live in New York City or its nearby counties.
Some high schools run DMV’s OKTA program: students 15 years 11 months or older can take the written test at school, in English or Spanish, then apply for the permit at 16.