New York DMV Permit Practice Test 4: 50 Questions

Practice Test 4 has 50 multiple-choice questions on New York driving rules, including bus Re-Entry yielding, black ice, fog driving and tailgater response. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.

Question 1
Select your answer
For New York test facts, what to bring and FAQs, see the New York permit test page. You can also read the official New York State Driver's Manual.

More New York Practice Tests

What Practice Test 4 Covers

The questions in this test ask about:

Try 5 Questions from This Test

  1. If you see a driver using a handheld phone in moving traffic on an expressway, you should:

    • A. Drive very close to their bumper to get their attention
    • B. Stay focused on your own driving and keep a safe distance
    • C. Honk and yell at the driver to stop
    Show answer

    B. Stay focused on your own driving and keep a safe distance

    You cannot control others’ behavior, but you can reduce your risk by keeping extra space and staying alert.

  2. Black ice on a roadway is especially dangerous because:

    • A. It only forms during daylight hours
    • B. It is nearly invisible and can surprise drivers
    • C. It is easy to see and avoid
    Show answer

    B. It is nearly invisible and can surprise drivers

    Black ice looks like wet pavement or may be invisible, so drivers may not realize how slippery the road is until they are on it.

  3. On the road, when must you yield to buses re-entering traffic from a bus stop in a city?

    • A. When they signal and it is safe for you to slow or change lanes
    • B. Never; buses must always wait for you
    • C. Only on expressways
    Show answer

    A. When they signal and it is safe for you to slow or change lanes

    In city traffic, it is courteous and often safer to allow buses to re-enter traffic when they signal and you can safely yield.

  4. A driver operating a vehicle in New York with an out-of-state license must obey:

    • A. Only the speed limits that match their home state
    • B. Only federal highway rules
    • C. All New York traffic laws and local regulations
    Show answer

    C. All New York traffic laws and local regulations

    All drivers on New York roads must follow New York’s traffic laws, regardless of where their license was issued.

  5. When passing a large truck on a New York highway, you should:

    • A. Drive alongside the truck for a long time
    • B. Pass slowly in the truck’s blind spot
    • C. Pass quickly, stay out of the truck’s blind spots, and do not cut back in too closely
    Show answer

    C. Pass quickly, stay out of the truck’s blind spots, and do not cut back in too closely

    Large trucks have big blind spots. Passing efficiently and not cutting closely in front of them improves safety.

Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers

Every question in Practice Test 4, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.

  1. Q1. What should you do before entering a crosswalk on a green light when turning right?

    Correct answer: Look for pedestrians and yield to anyone in the crosswalk

    Why: Even with a green light, you must yield to pedestrians who are in or about to enter the crosswalk.

  2. Q2. When two vehicles arrive at the same time at a four-way stop who goes first?

    Correct answer: The driver on the right has the right-of-way

    Why: If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right usually proceeds first.

  3. Q3. On a New York freeway, if you see a "Lane Ends, Merge Left" sign, you should:

    Correct answer: Signal and merge into the left lane as soon as it is safe

    Why: Early, smooth merging keeps traffic flowing and reduces sudden braking.

  4. Q4. When you drive through a deep puddle on a road, what should you do afterward to check your brakes?

    Correct answer: Gently tap your brakes to help them dry while driving slowly

    Why: Light braking after going through water helps you confirm that the brakes are working and aids in drying them.

  5. Q5. If your vehicle starts to skid because you are driving too fast on a New York curve, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go

    Why: Reducing speed gradually and steering in the desired direction is the safest way to regain control.

  6. Q6. A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a person holding a flag on a road means:

    Correct answer: Flaggers are controlling traffic ahead

    Why: This warning sign tells you that a flagger is ahead, usually in a work zone, and you must be prepared to follow their directions.

  7. Q7. On the road, when you see a sign that says "Slower Traffic Keep Right," you should:

    Correct answer: Use the right lane if you are driving slower than other traffic

    Why: These signs remind slower drivers to stay to the right so faster traffic can pass safely.

  8. Q8. When you plan to exit a New York expressway, you should:

    Correct answer: Move into the exit lane well in advance and reduce speed in the deceleration lane

    Why: Signal early, move into the exit lane, and reduce speed only after you are in the deceleration lane.

  9. Q9. The safest way to handle a blind intersection in New York is to:

    Correct answer: Move forward slowly and stop again if needed until you can see cross traffic

    Why: At blind intersections, you should ease forward and stop again if necessary until you can see that it is safe.

  10. Q10. If you are driving behind a motorcycle on a road, you should:

    Correct answer: Increase your following distance to give the rider more space

    Why: Motorcycles can stop and maneuver quickly, so you should follow at a greater distance and never share a lane with them.

  11. Q11. On the road, when must you yield to buses re-entering traffic from a bus stop in a city?

    Correct answer: When they signal and it is safe for you to slow or change lanes

    Why: In city traffic, it is courteous and often safer to allow buses to re-enter traffic when they signal and you can safely yield.

  12. Q12. On a snowy New York morning, your following distance should be:

    Correct answer: Increased to at least three or four seconds

    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.

  13. Q13. Black ice on a roadway is especially dangerous because:

    Correct answer: It is nearly invisible and can surprise drivers

    Why: Black ice looks like wet pavement or may be invisible, so drivers may not realize how slippery the road is until they are on it.

  14. Q14. When driving in fog on a New York highway, you should use:

    Correct answer: Low-beam headlights and reduce your speed

    Why: Low beams create less glare in fog. High beams reflect off the moisture and can reduce your visibility.

  15. Q15. If a driver behind you is following too closely on a New York parkway, you should:

    Correct answer: Increase your following distance ahead and, if possible, change lanes to let them pass

    Why: Creating more space ahead and, when safe, changing lanes lets the tailgater go by and reduces your risk.

  16. Q16. When approaching a New York railroad crossing with flashing red lights and lowered gates, you must:

    Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights go off and the gates are raised

    Why: It is illegal and very dangerous to go around lowered gates. Wait until the signals and gates indicate it is safe.

  17. Q17. If you see an oncoming vehicle drift into your lane, your first action should be to:

    Correct answer: Honk and flash your lights while moving to the right if possible

    Why: Alerting the other driver and moving as far right as you safely can helps avoid a head-on collision.

  18. Q18. When is it legal to drive across a sidewalk in New York?

    Correct answer: Only when entering or leaving a driveway or alley

    Why: Cross sidewalks only at driveways or alleys, and always yield to pedestrians.

  19. Q19. On a city street, you see a car stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian. You should:

    Correct answer: Not pass the stopped car; there may be another pedestrian you cannot see

    Why: Passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is dangerous because you may not see pedestrians crossing in front of it.

  20. Q20. When you are entering a highway from the right and another vehicle is entering from the left at the same time, who has the right-of-way?

    Correct answer: No one automatically; both drivers must adjust to merge safely

    Why: Merging requires cooperation. Each driver must adjust speed and position to join traffic safely.

  21. Q21. If heavy traffic forces you to drive slower than the posted limit on an expressway, you should:

    Correct answer: Stay in the right lane unless you are passing or preparing for a left exit

    Why: Slower traffic should generally keep right, using the left lane mainly for passing or left exits.

  22. Q22. A diamond-shaped sign with a bicycle symbol warns you that:

    Correct answer: You are entering a bicycle crossing or shared roadway area

    Why: This sign alerts you to expect bicyclists and to share the road carefully.

  23. Q23. When driving on a New York freeway at night, you should increase your following distance because:

    Correct answer: It is harder to see hazards and judge speeds in the dark

    Why: Limited visibility at night means you need more space and time to react to traffic and road conditions.

  24. Q24. A driver operating a vehicle in New York with an out-of-state license must obey:

    Correct answer: All New York traffic laws and local regulations

    Why: All drivers on New York roads must follow New York’s traffic laws, regardless of where their license was issued.

  25. Q25. On a road, if your vehicle begins to skid while braking, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease off the brake and steer where you want to go

    Why: If wheels lock and you skid, releasing some braking pressure helps the tires regain traction so you can steer.

  26. Q26. If you are involved in a collision in New York and another driver is injured, you are required to:

    Correct answer: Stop, call for help, and stay at the scene

    Why: You must remain on the scene, assist in getting help, and exchange information. Leaving is a serious offense.

  27. Q27. When passing a large truck on a New York highway, you should:

    Correct answer: Pass quickly, stay out of the truck’s blind spots, and do not cut back in too closely

    Why: Large trucks have big blind spots. Passing efficiently and not cutting closely in front of them improves safety.

  28. Q28. On the road, if you see a pedestrian crossing at a location without a marked crosswalk, you should:

    Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to yield if the pedestrian is in your path

    Why: Drivers must use caution and be prepared to yield even at unmarked crosswalks or mid-block crossings.

  29. Q29. Besides driving fast in heavy rain, what can make your car more likely to hydroplane, according to the New York manual?

    Correct answer: Worn tire tread or tires that aren't properly inflated

    Why: Hydroplaning normally happens at higher speeds, but it can also happen if your tires are worn or not inflated properly.

  30. Q30. If your rear wheels lose traction on a road while you are braking, you should:

    Correct answer: Release some brake pressure and steer in the direction of the skid

    Why: Easing off the brakes and steering with the skid helps the tires regain grip without spinning the vehicle.

  31. Q31. If your accelerator sticks while driving on a New York freeway, your first step should be to:

    Correct answer: Shift to neutral and steer to the side of the road

    Why: Shifting to neutral lets the engine race without pushing the car, so you can focus on steering and braking safely.

  32. Q32. When must you signal before turning or changing lanes?

    Correct answer: Every time, even if you do not see other vehicles nearby

    Why: Signals are required for all turns and lane changes; other drivers and pedestrians may be present even if you do not see them.

  33. Q33. What should you do if a tire blows out while you are traveling on a New York bridge?

    Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and coast to a stop off the bridge if possible

    Why: Maintaining control and slowing gradually is the safest response. Try to get off the bridge before stopping if you can.

  34. Q34. When driving near a school during school hours you should:

    Correct answer: Be prepared for children crossing unexpectedly and obey the reduced speed limit

    Why: School zones require slower speeds and extra vigilance for children who may dart into the street.

  35. Q35. If you see a driver using a handheld phone in moving traffic on an expressway, you should:

    Correct answer: Stay focused on your own driving and keep a safe distance

    Why: You cannot control others’ behavior, but you can reduce your risk by keeping extra space and staying alert.

  36. Q36. If you are driving on an expressway and feel you are about to miss your exit, you should:

    Correct answer: Continue to the next exit rather than making a sudden lane change

    Why: Missing an exit is far less dangerous than making a last-second maneuver that could cause a crash.

  37. Q37. When approaching an intersection in New York with a flashing yellow arrow for a left turn, you must:

    Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn carefully when there is a safe gap

    Why: A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

  38. Q38. On the road, an aggressive driver behind you is weaving in and out of traffic and honking. You should:

    Correct answer: Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and let them pass when you can do so safely

    Why: Do not engage with aggressive drivers. Let them go by and focus on driving safely.

  39. Q39. If a traffic light in New York shows a green arrow and a red light at the same time, it means:

    Correct answer: You may go in the direction of the arrow only, if the intersection is clear

    Why: The green arrow gives you a protected movement in that direction, even though the circular signal is red for other movements.

  40. Q40. On a road with a center turn lane, it is legal to use this lane to:

    Correct answer: Prepare to turn left or to complete a left turn from a side street

    Why: The center left-turn lane is only for making turns, not for passing or long-distance travel.

  41. Q41. When you see an overhead sign with an exit number on an expressway, the number usually matches:

    Correct answer: The nearest mile marker along the route

    Why: Most exit numbers are based on mile markers, helping you judge distances between exits.

  42. Q42. What should you do if you approach a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on a multi-lane road with no physical divider?

    Correct answer: Stop in your lane, no matter which direction you are traveling

    Why: On undivided roads, traffic in all directions must stop for a bus with red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop.

  43. Q43. If you need to pull off the road on an expressway because of a flat tire, you should:

    Correct answer: Pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and turn on your hazard lights

    Why: Getting as far from moving traffic as possible and using hazard lights makes you more visible and reduces risk.

  44. Q44. When driving through a large puddle on a New York street, the best way to avoid splashing pedestrians is to:

    Correct answer: Slow down before you reach the puddle

    Why: Slowing down protects pedestrians and reduces the chance of losing control in standing water.

  45. Q45. If your view is blocked by legally parked vehicles at an intersection, you should:

    Correct answer: Move forward slowly until you can see, then proceed when it is safe

    Why: When your view is limited, inch forward carefully and stop again if needed until you can see cross traffic clearly.

  46. Q46. On an expressway, you see a car stopped on the shoulder with its hazard lights on. You should:

    Correct answer: Move over a lane if possible and pass carefully

    Why: Moving over and slowing down reduces the risk to people near the disabled vehicle and follows safe-driving practices.

  47. Q47. If a tire blows out while you are driving what should you avoid doing?

    Correct answer: Braking hard or jerking the steering wheel

    Why: Hard braking or abrupt steering can cause a complete loss of control after a blowout.

  48. Q48. When must you use your turn signals?

    Correct answer: Whenever you turn, change lanes, or pull over to the curb

    Why: Turn signals must be used for all turns, lane changes, and when entering or leaving the curb.

  49. Q49. If your vehicle begins to skid on a wet New York street, what should you do with the accelerator?

    Correct answer: Ease your foot off the pedal

    Why: Lifting off the accelerator helps transfer weight back to the front wheels for better steering control.

  50. Q50. On a road, a solid white line along the right edge of the pavement is called the:

    Correct answer: Edge line, which marks the boundary of the drivable roadway

    Why: The right-hand solid white edge line helps you stay on the roadway, especially at night or in bad weather.

Question 1 of 50