Getting a driver’s license in New York requires one to pass the road test. Road tests in New York are quite challenging and require a lot of practice and the right documents. First, you must pass the DMV learner permit written test, then complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course before being tested on the road. So, how many points does it take to fail a road test in NY? Read on for more.
A road test will qualify you for the New York State driver’s license. The test covers all the aspects of driving, especially important ones like parallel parking and changing lanes. During the road test, points will be deducted for each mistake you make. If you get 30 points, you will have failed the test.
A study conducted by Siegfried & Jensen shows the license information regarding the minimum pass scores one can get during road tests and the unique elements that examiners use to judge drivers in road tests.
How many mistakes can you make on a driver’s test?
Your examiner gives you the driving test demerit points according to the severity of the mistake you make. The points can run from 5 to 15. A deduction of 35 points will correspond to a failure of the driving test. The mistakes that may fail you include;
- Entering the wrong traffic lane
- Going above the speed limit
- Not stopping when you see the STOP sign
- Doing something dangerous
Sometimes one critical mistake can fail you completely even if you did well on the rest of the test. For example, if you make a wide right turn that lands you in the wrong lane, but then you swing the car back to the correct lane, you will have accumulated several mistakes such as:
- Making the wide right turn (this will be 5 points off)
- Landing on the wrong lane (10 points off)
- Failing to look over your shoulder when you switched lanes
- Not signaling when you changed lanes
- Poor control of the steering (15 points off)
Because of your first mistake, other consequent mistakes emerged that caused the deduction of more points.
Mistakes that Can Cause You to Fail the Driving Test
Preparing for your New York driving test is very important. One critical mistake or several of them can cause you to fail the test. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid during your driving test;
Improperly Changing Lanes
Before you change lanes, you should show the indicator and check the mirrors and blind spots. Failing to do this during your test will have the examiner deduct some points.
Make sure you change the lanes properly by turning on the signal, checking the rearview and side mirrors, and turning your head to check any cars in your blind spot. Only when all is clear will you then change lanes. Observe your speed up and watch out for the traffic ahead as well.
Hard Braking
Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the soft and hard brakes in the car you will be using during the test. Hard braking is allowed when there is an emergency, but when you are stopping or slowing down, use the standard brake to do it. Don’t brake so hard that you and your examiner are thrown forward.
Failing to Control the Steering
Confidence is essential when you’re behind the wheel during the test. But you should not be overconfident and drive one-handed. Make sure you have both your hands on the steering wheel. You can make hand-over-hand turns and release from the turn with controlled slippage.
The other mistakes include getting confused at four-way stops, distracted driving, improper merging on the freeway, driving too fast or too slowly, changing lanes at intersections, not keeping a safe distance from the traffic in front, failing to check mirrors and parallel parking, among many others.
What Will Make me Fail a Road Test in NYC?
There are various reasons that could lead to your disqualification, such as inefficient clutch control, over-the-top acceleration, engine stalling, excessive steering, proximity to parked cars, rough usage of footbrake, inability to complete within two car lengths, ending too far away from the left-hand curb, and many others.
Is The New York Road Test Hard?
The New York driving test examiners will test your ability to make the necessary maneuvers in everyday driving. This includes stopping at intersections controlled by traffic lights or signs, making left and right turns, driving in heavy traffic, making three-point turns, and parallel parking.
The road test is not hard as long as you get enough practice and follow your examiner’s instructions. The examiner will focus on finding out if you can demonstrate basic driving knowledge and skills and your knowledge of the New York traffic laws.
Just be keen on the road and listen to what your examiner tells you; everything will turn out well.
How Many Answers Can You Get Wrong On a Written Driver’s Test?
The New York driving test has 20 questions, which are all multiple choice. They will be testing your knowledge of the rules of the road, safe driving laws, and road signs. In order to pass the permit exam, you must answer at least 14 questions correctly.
You must also get two of the four questions on road signs. Fourteen questions will give you a 70% score. You will not get your learner’s permit if you get more than six questions wrong.
The permit test is available in 14 languages to help those who are not native English speakers to be comfortable answering the questions. It must be taken in person at the office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you pass the test, you will receive a learner’s permit, which is valid for five years.
How Long Does the Driving Road Test Take?
The road test is often carried out by appointment. Typically, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After passing the test, you’ll be required to wait around for the department of motor vehicles to process the paperwork. They will take your picture to attach to the license.
It is advisable to arrive 15 minutes earlier on the road test day. You should bring with you proof of your pre-licensing course, learner permit, and a registered, inspected vehicle that will be used for the driving test.
What’s the Toughest Part of the Driving Test in NYC?
Remembering to signal, doing head checks, or reverse parking are not the most challenging aspects of passing a driving test. The real challenge lies in handling the anxiety that comes with being monitored by an examiner while driving a car, and realizing that even a few mistakes can result in failure.
Taking the Driving Test for the Second Time
If you fail your driving test, you can schedule another one the second time. The application fee you pay for the learner permit includes two road tests. This means that you will not pay for the second road test.
You will wait at least a day to retake the road test. However, before booking your second test, you might want to take more practice lessons to master the technique and understand some of the basics that made you fail in the first place. There is no need to rush for the second road test before ironing out the complicated steps.
Although the state permits you to take as many tests as you can, it is better to take your time to prepare well, and you will definitely pass the test.
Conclusion
How many points does it take to fail a road test in NY? Now that you got your response, you’re good to go. Remember, a road test is your last step in obtaining a driver’s license in New York. As soon as the test is done, your examiner will inform you if you have passed or not. Once you pass, the examiner will give you a temporary license. The official license can be mailed to you in two weeks.
At Pierre Paul Driving School, we have experienced instructors to prepare you for the driving test. We can also schedule your driving test and provide a car for the same. Contact us today at 718-576-6277 or info@pierrepauldriving.com for more information.
I’m a certified driving instructor for cars, buses, and tractors with 17+ years of experience. When not teaching aspiring drivers how to drive, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my kids.