New York DMV Permit Practice Test 3: 50 Questions
Practice Test 3 has 50 multiple-choice questions on New York driving rules, including New York basic speed rule, center Two-Way Left-Turn lane, emergency vehicle in intersection and slow driving on Multi-Lane road. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More New York Practice Tests
What Practice Test 3 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- New York Basic Speed Rule
- Center Two-Way Left-Turn Lane
- Emergency Vehicle in Intersection
- Slow Driving on Multi-Lane Road
- Advisory Speed Signs
- Steep Hill Warning Signs
- Rear Skid Recovery
- Safe Following Distance
- Work Zone Awareness
- Headlight Distance
- Railroad Crossing with Stalled Vehicle
- Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem
- Road Rage Avoidance
Try 5 Questions from This Test
-
What is the basic rule about your speed if road and weather conditions are poor?
Show answer
A. You must drive slower than the posted limit if that is safer for conditions
New York’s basic speed law says you may never drive faster than is safe for current road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit.
-
If you are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle with siren and lights approaches you should:
Show answer
B. Clear the intersection, then pull over and stop as soon as you safely can
If you’re already in the intersection, move through it, then pull to the right and stop when it is safe.
-
When you see a yellow advisory speed sign on a curve it means:
Show answer
A. The recommended safe speed under ideal conditions
Advisory speeds are recommended safe speeds for that curve in good conditions. You may need to go even slower in poor weather.
-
A triangular orange sign on the back of a vehicle in New York means:
Show answer
B. It is a slow-moving vehicle
The orange reflective triangle indicates a slow-moving vehicle such as a tractor or buggy that usually travels under 25 mph.
-
What is one common sign of road rage that drivers should avoid?
Show answer
A. Tailgating or deliberately driving too close to another vehicle
Aggressive actions like tailgating, yelling, or cutting off other drivers can lead to dangerous road rage situations.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 3, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
-
Q1. What is the basic rule about your speed if road and weather conditions are poor?
Correct answer: You must drive slower than the posted limit if that is safer for conditions
Why: New York’s basic speed law says you may never drive faster than is safe for current road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit.
-
Q2. On a two-way road, a center lane marked by solid yellow lines on both sides is usually reserved for:
Correct answer: Left turns by vehicles traveling in either direction
Why: A two-way left-turn lane is for vehicles from either direction to slow and wait for a safe gap to make a left turn. It is not a passing lane.
-
Q3. When turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street you should begin the turn from:
Correct answer: The left lane and turn into the left lane of the new street
Why: From a one-way to a one-way, start in the left lane and enter the left lane on the new street unless signs or markings show otherwise.
-
Q4. On the road, when are you required to yield to emergency vehicles using lights and sirens?
Correct answer: Whenever they are approaching from any direction
Why: You must yield, pull over to the right, and stop for approaching emergency vehicles using lights and sirens, regardless of where they are coming from.
-
Q5. If you are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle with siren and lights approaches you should:
Correct answer: Clear the intersection, then pull over and stop as soon as you safely can
Why: If you’re already in the intersection, move through it, then pull to the right and stop when it is safe.
-
Q6. On an expressway, what should you do if you miss the exit you wanted?
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and plan a safe route back
Why: You must never back up or stop on an expressway. Drive to the next exit and return legally.
-
Q7. When is it especially important to check your blind spots?
Correct answer: Before changing lanes or merging on any roadway
Why: Blind spots hide vehicles that are not visible in your mirrors. Always check them before merging or changing lanes.
-
Q8. On a multilane highway, if another vehicle is trying to merge from an entrance ramp beside you, you should:
Correct answer: Adjust your speed or change lanes to create space when it is safe
Why: Cooperating with merging traffic by adjusting speed or changing lanes helps prevent crashes and keeps traffic flowing.
-
Q9. If you are being passed on a two-lane New York road, you should:
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and, if necessary, slightly reduce speed to help the other driver pass safely
Why: Helping a passing driver by staying steady and possibly easing off the gas improves safety for both of you.
-
Q10. What is the safest way to handle a curve on a New York rural road?
Correct answer: Slow down before you enter the curve and avoid braking hard while turning
Why: Entering a curve too fast can cause skids. Slow before the curve and use smooth steering through it.
-
Q11. When you see a yellow advisory speed sign on a curve it means:
Correct answer: The recommended safe speed under ideal conditions
Why: Advisory speeds are recommended safe speeds for that curve in good conditions. You may need to go even slower in poor weather.
-
Q12. A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a traffic light symbol on a road warns you that:
Correct answer: There is a signalized intersection ahead
Why: The traffic signal sign alerts you to slow and be prepared for an intersection controlled by lights ahead.
-
Q13. On the road, a yellow diamond-shaped sign showing a truck going down a hill means:
Correct answer: There is a steep downgrade ahead; be prepared to adjust your speed
Why: A steep hill sign warns all drivers, especially trucks, to prepare for a long or steep downgrade and use lower gears if needed.
-
Q14. When driving past a line of parked cars, you should leave room on the right side of your vehicle to:
Correct answer: Avoid being hit by opening doors or pedestrians stepping out
Why: Keeping extra space from parked cars reduces risk from suddenly opened doors and pedestrians appearing between vehicles.
-
Q15. If the rear of your vehicle starts to slide to the left on a road, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently to the left and ease off the gas
Why: You steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration that can worsen the skid.
-
Q16. On the road, what is a good rule for safe following distance under normal conditions?
Correct answer: Use the two-second rule or more
Why: The New York driver’s manual teaches the two-second rule: stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and increase it to at least three or four seconds in bad weather or when following large trucks.
-
Q17. When driving through a New York work zone and you see workers close to the traffic lane, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down even more and be prepared to stop suddenly
Why: Work zones require extra caution. Slow down and be ready for workers or equipment entering the roadway.
-
Q18. New York law says you must turn on your headlights whenever visibility is less than:
Correct answer: 1,000 feet ahead
Why: Headlights are required whenever you cannot clearly see people or vehicles 1,000 feet in front of you.
-
Q19. If your vehicle stalls on a New York railroad crossing and a train is approaching, you should:
Correct answer: Get everyone out and move far away from the tracks, toward the train’s approach
Why: Move yourself and passengers off the tracks and away at an angle toward the train’s approach path to avoid debris.
-
Q20. A triangular orange sign on the back of a vehicle in New York means:
Correct answer: It is a slow-moving vehicle
Why: The orange reflective triangle indicates a slow-moving vehicle such as a tractor or buggy that usually travels under 25 mph.
-
Q21. On a highway work zone, flashing arrow panels or "merge" signs are used to:
Correct answer: Guide drivers into the correct lane before reaching work areas
Why: Arrow boards and merge signs warn you early to change lanes and help keep traffic organized near work crews.
-
Q22. If a New York police officer stops you and you have passengers under 16 not wearing seat belts, who can be ticketed?
Correct answer: Only the driver
Why: In New York the driver must make sure every passenger under 16 is buckled or in the right child restraint. The driver can be fined and get three points for each unbelted passenger under 16.
-
Q23. When entering a roundabout or traffic circle you must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle
Why: Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Enter only when there is a safe gap.
-
Q24. If you see a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog at a New York crosswalk, you must:
Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way and allow them to finish crossing
Why: Blind or visually impaired pedestrians get absolute priority at crosswalks. You must stop and let them cross safely.
-
Q25. When turning right on a red light where it is allowed you must do which of the following first?
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and check for traffic and pedestrians
Why: Right on red is only legal after a complete stop and after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles with the right-of-way.
-
Q26. A bicyclist riding in the street has:
Correct answer: The same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle driver
Why: Bicyclists share the road and must obey the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles.
-
Q27. If you are driving in New York and start feeling very tired, the safest thing to do is:
Correct answer: Pull over at a safe place, rest, or switch drivers
Why: Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous. The only safe solution is to rest or let someone else drive.
-
Q28. Backing your vehicle out of a driveway into a street is safest when you:
Correct answer: Back slowly while looking directly through the rear window
Why: Turning and looking through the rear window gives you the widest view behind you while backing up.
-
Q29. New York recommends that you signal your intention to turn or change lanes at least:
Correct answer: 100 feet before the maneuver
Why: Signals must be given early enough—at least 100 feet in most situations—so that others can react smoothly.
-
Q30. When approaching a stopped school bus with yellow lights flashing you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop when the red lights come on
Why: Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop to load or unload children. You must slow and be ready to stop.
-
Q31. On an icy New York bridge, the road surface is likely to be:
Correct answer: More slippery than the approach roads
Why: Bridges and overpasses freeze first and stay icy longer than other road surfaces, so extra caution is needed.
-
Q32. If you are stopped behind a school bus at a New York railroad crossing, you should expect the bus to:
Correct answer: Stop, open its door, and look and listen for trains
Why: School buses must stop at most railroad crossings to check for trains, even if signals are not flashing.
-
Q33. What is the safest way to enter freeway traffic from an acceleration lane in New York?
Correct answer: Match the speed of freeway traffic and merge when there is a sufficient gap
Why: Using the acceleration lane to reach freeway speed and merging into a gap is safer than stopping at the ramp’s end.
-
Q34. When a driver is turning left and a pedestrian is crossing the street with the WALK signal, the driver must:
Correct answer: Wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing
Why: Pedestrians with the WALK signal have the right-of-way. You must yield until they clear your lane.
-
Q35. To avoid a collision when another driver suddenly cuts in front of you on a New York highway, the best first reaction is usually to:
Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas and be ready to brake
Why: Easing off the accelerator gives you a moment to assess the situation and brake smoothly if needed.
-
Q36. When driving in heavy New York City traffic and you need to cross several lanes to reach an exit, you should:
Correct answer: Move one lane at a time, checking mirrors and blind spots for each lane change
Why: Multiple lane changes are safest when done gradually, one at a time, with proper signals and checks.
-
Q37. If you are involved in a minor collision in a New York city intersection with no injuries, you should first:
Correct answer: Move the vehicles out of traffic if possible
Why: If vehicles are drivable, moving them out of travel lanes reduces additional risk and congestion.
-
Q38. A driver approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with amber or blue lights on a parkway must:
Correct answer: Slow down and, if possible, move over one lane away
Why: The Move Over Law applies on all limited-access roads. Slow down and move away from stopped emergency and service vehicles when you can do so safely.
-
Q39. How can you best reduce the risk of being rear-ended in stop-and-go New York traffic?
Correct answer: Brake early and gradually so drivers behind you have time to react
Why: Smooth, early braking gives drivers behind more time to respond and reduces the chances of being hit.
-
Q40. When driving at night on a two-lane New York road, you should dim your high beams when you:
Correct answer: Are within about 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Why: High beams should be lowered when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming car to avoid blinding the other driver.
-
Q41. What is one common sign of road rage that drivers should avoid?
Correct answer: Tailgating or deliberately driving too close to another vehicle
Why: Aggressive actions like tailgating, yelling, or cutting off other drivers can lead to dangerous road rage situations.
-
Q42. If a traffic light turns green while a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk on your side of the road you should:
Correct answer: Wait until the pedestrian has finished crossing before you move
Why: A green light does not automatically give you the right-of-way if pedestrians are still lawfully in the crosswalk.
-
Q43. On a clear, dry New York highway, using cruise control is:
Correct answer: Helpful as long as you remain alert and ready to brake
Why: Cruise control can reduce fatigue on open highways, but you must stay attentive and ready to turn it off when needed.
-
Q44. To safely share the road with large trucks on New York highways, you should remember that trucks:
Correct answer: Have large blind spots where you may not be seen
Why: If you cannot see a truck’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. Avoid lingering alongside or close behind large trucks.
-
Q45. When you are changing lanes on an expressway, using your turn signal is:
Correct answer: Required by law and essential for safety
Why: Turn signals communicate your intentions, helping other drivers react and reducing the chance of collisions.
-
Q46. If the rear of your vehicle starts to fishtail on a slippery road, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently in the same direction the rear is sliding and avoid sudden braking
Why: Steering into the skid and easing off the gas help you regain control without overcorrecting.
-
Q47. If a tire blows out while you are driving on an expressway, your first reaction should be to:
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and let the car slow down gradually
Why: Staying calm and slowing gradually helps you keep control and steer to a safe stopping place.
-
Q48. If you are driving through a New York neighborhood where children are playing near the street, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, cover the brake, and be ready to stop suddenly
Why: Children can suddenly run into the road. Reducing speed and being ready to brake helps you avoid a collision.
-
Q49. On the road, when another driver is trying to pass you on the left, you should:
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed
Why: You must not speed up when being passed. Hold a steady speed and lane position so the other driver can pass safely.
-
Q50. When approaching a New York intersection with a STOP sign and a marked crosswalk, you must stop:
Correct answer: Before entering the crosswalk, at the stop line if present
Why: Stopping before the crosswalk keeps the crossing clear for pedestrians and complies with the law.