Every new driver knows that taking the NYC driving test questions and answers can be a nerve-wracking experience. But the good news is with a little insight and preparation into the test itself, there’s nothing to be worried about.

This New York City road test guide will ensure you know the specific requirements, what you can expect on the road test itself, and learn the best practice tips. But first, let’s take a look at the frequently asked questions and the answers:

Yes. The NYC permit test can be difficult if you fail to study. To stand a good chance of passing the NYC permit test, you should review the NY Driver’s manual.

1. What happens before the driving test starts?

The examiner first assesses your vehicle by checking the headlights, brake lights, signal lights, and car tag. If everything is fine, he will sit next to you in the passenger seat and ask you to start the vehicle.

2. What should I expect during the NY driving test?

During the driving exam, you will have to demonstrate that you are proficient in driving by driving defensively, give other motorists the right of way, stop at intersections, back up, change lanes properly, parallel park, and other practical driving skills.

3. Can I wear contact lenses or my glasses while doing the exam?

Yes. You can wear contact lenses or other glasses while doing the exam if that is your routine.

4. Are there tips available I can follow to ensure I pass my NY driving test?

You must demonstrate to your assessor that you are skilled enough to take the NYC driving test questions and answers on your own. It would be best to practice signaling the right way, changing lanes correctly, and accelerating smoothly.

5. Do they administer a drug test before I take my NYC road test?

You’re not required to take a drug test before doing the NYC permit test.

6. When am I eligible to do my NYC road test?

You must be 16 years or older to apply and pass the NYC permit test.

7.  How will they assess my driving?

NYC driving test questions and answers

As you do the driving exam, the examiner will assess your driving techniques using a point system. Be careful not to accumulate 30 negative points. If you commit a dangerous driving action, violate a traffic law, or cause an accident, you will be disqualified immediately.

8.  What percentage is the passing score?

You must answer 70 percent of the asked questions correctly. It would be best if you also answered the road signs questions correctly.

9. Is the NYC permit test difficult?

Yes. The NYC permit test can be difficult if you fail to study. To stand a good chance of passing the NYC permit test, you should review the NY Driver’s manual.

10. What happens If I pass my NYC permit test?

After passing the NY permit test, you’ll be required to wait for six months before you can apply for the New York Driving Exam (or road test). During this wait, you should book a driving course to practice driving with a licensed driver who is above 21 years of age.

Before sitting for your road test, you’ll be required to complete 50 hours of road time practice. You will also be needed to have completed 5 hours of pre-licensing class.

11. What happens if I don’t pass my NYC permit test?

If you fail to pass your NYC permit test, you’ll be allowed to retake the test a few more times. You can redo the exam. But they’ll not ask you to pay another application fee. But there is a limit to the number of tests you can do. If you fail three times in a row, they will ask you to wait another six months before redoing the test. This gives you an opportunity to correct what went wrong the first time.

12. What kind of questions do they ask during the NYC permit test?

The NYC permit test consists of 20 questions that are designed to cover the basic rules of the road: including sharing the road with others, parallel parking, intersections, yielding, and overtaking. About 4 of the 20 questions will be about road signs. They may appear simple to point out, but it’s incredible the number of candidates who fail to answer these questions correctly.

13.  What do I need to pass the NYC permit test?

To pass the permit test successfully, you need to answer at least 14 of the 20 questions correctly. Additionally, you need to answer at least 2 of the questions about road signs precisely.

14.  Where are the NYC permit tests administered?

You can apply and take your permit at your local DMV office. But here’s a list of the entire locality: https://dmv.ny.gov/offices

15.  How much does it cost to take the NYC road permit test?

Application fees for the NY permit test range from $80 to $108. The fee is primarily dictated by age and location. The fee includes a $12.50 photo document fee. They will also ask you to pay $1 Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Fee. Visit the website www.dmv.ny.gov or call your local DMV office to determine where your test center will be.

16.  What documents should I bring along when applying for the permit test?

Ensure to bring with you a completed Form MV-44, documents that prove your age, your social security card, the application fee, and any other document you deem fit. You will also be required to take a vision test at the DMV. But if you opt not to take the DMV test, you will be asked to fill Form MV-619 signed by a licensed eye care professional.

Final Take

Many drivers approach the NYC driving test questions and answers with fear and confusion. This should not be the case. Practice makes perfect, and if you take the time to practice safe driving, you should not worry about passing as long as you’re confident and relaxed.

At Pierre Paul Driving School, we offer specialized safe driving courses that will give you the perfect driving skills to enable you to pass the NYC driving exam with flying colors.

Bernard Pierre-Paul
Bernard Pierre-Paul

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.