New York NY DMV · FAQ 2026
New York NY DMV Permit Test FAQ
Common questions about the New York NY DMV knowledge test, learner's permit, GDL program, and driver's license requirements.
How many questions are on the New York NY DMV knowledge test? ▼
The New York DMV written knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer 14 correctly (70%) to pass, and you must correctly answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions included in the test. Tests are offered on touch-screen stations or on paper at DMV offices in multiple languages (MV-21 ch. 1, p. 10).
What is the passing score for the New York written test? ▼
You must answer 14 of 20 questions correctly (70%) to pass. You can miss up to 6 questions total, but no more than 2 of the 4 road-sign questions (MV-21 ch. 1, p. 10).
What happens if I fail the knowledge test? ▼
If you fail the NY DMV knowledge test, you may retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period, but the DMV may ask you to reapply after repeated failures. Bring the same 6 points of proof of identity on your next attempt (MV-21 ch. 1, p. 10).
What is the minimum age for a New York learner license? ▼
Minimum age for a New York Learner Permit (Class DJ/MJ) is 16. Applicants under 18 typically need a parent/guardian signature (MV-45) if they do not have 6 points of proof. Most drivers must also complete an approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278) before the road test. People under 16 cannot drive in New York under any circumstances (MV-21 ch. 1, pp. 6, 8, 10).
What are the GDL restrictions in New York? ▼
Class DJ Junior License restrictions: night curfew 9 pm–5 am (regional variations); no driving in New York City except when accompanied by a driver-education instructor or certified driving-school instructor; no more than 1 passenger under 21 unless they are immediate family; 120-day license suspension on a texting or hand-held cell phone conviction; 1-year revocation on a 2nd such conviction within 6 months (MV-21 ch. 1, pp. 15–16; ch. 2, p. 19).
What is New York's Zero Tolerance law for minors? ▼
Under New York’s Zero Tolerance Law, any BAC of 0.02 to 0.07 for a driver under 21 results in a 6-month license suspension, a $100 suspension-termination fee and a $125 civil penalty. A second Zero Tolerance violation = revocation until age 21 or 1 year, whichever is longer. Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.08+ face regular DWI penalties (MV-21 ch. 9, pp. 57–58).
What is the legal BAC limit in New York? ▼
New York uses DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). BAC limits: 0.08%+ for drivers 21 and older = DWI; 0.05–0.07% = DWAI; 0.18%+ = Aggravated DWI; 0.02–0.07% = Zero Tolerance for drivers under 21; 0.04% for commercial drivers. 1st DWI = $500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year jail, minimum 6-month license revocation. Refusing a chemical test = minimum 1-year revocation + $500 civil penalty (MV-21 ch. 9, pp. 55–58).
What is the speed limit in a New York urban/residential area? ▼
Default NY speed limits: 55 mph statewide if no limit is posted; 25 mph in New York City unless otherwise posted; up to 65 mph on posted major highways and the Thruway; 30 mph or less inside a roundabout; 25 mph minimum in a work zone. Always obey the posted sign — it is the maximum under ideal conditions (MV-21 ch. 8, p. 47).
How close to a fire hydrant can I park in New York? ▼
New York parking distances: 15 ft from a fire hydrant (unless a licensed driver stays in the car to move it), 20 ft from a crosswalk at an intersection or from a fire station driveway (75 ft on the opposite side), 30 ft from a traffic signal, STOP sign, YIELD sign, or pedestrian safety zone, 50 ft from a railroad crossing. Parking is never allowed on a sidewalk, in a crosswalk, in an intersection, on a bridge, or in a tunnel (MV-21 ch. 7, p. 43).
What are the DWI penalties in New York? ▼
DWAI (0.05–0.07): $300–$500 fine, up to 15 days jail, 90-day suspension. 1st DWI (0.08+): $500–$1,000 fine, up to 1 year jail, min 6-month revocation. Aggravated DWI (0.18+): min 1-year revocation. 2nd DWI within 10 years: Class E felony, $1,000–$5,000 fine, up to 4 years prison, min 1-year revocation. 3rd+ within 10 years: Class D felony, up to $10,000 fine, up to 7 years prison (MV-21 ch. 9, pp. 57–58).
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in New York? ▼
New York minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage per accident, plus $50,000/$100,000 death coverage and basic no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of $50,000 per person. Uninsured-motorist coverage is also required. You must keep the FS-20/FS-21 insurance card in the vehicle (MV-21 ch. 3).
Can I turn left on a red light in New York? ▼
In New York outside of NYC, you may turn right on red after coming to a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it. You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and yielding. In New York City, turning on red is NOT allowed unless a sign specifically permits it. A school bus carrying students cannot turn right on any red light (MV-21 ch. 4, p. 31).
How do I renew my New York driver's license? ▼
New York driver licenses are issued for up to 5 years (first license may be shorter depending on age). Renewal is available online through MyDMV for most drivers; some renewals require an in-person visit for a new photo or vision test. You must notify the DMV of any address change within 10 days. New residents must exchange an out-of-state license within 30 days of becoming a permanent resident (MV-21 ch. 1, pp. 6, 17).