NY DMV Written Test Cheat Sheet (2026)
Test basics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 20 multiple-choice |
| Passing score | 14 of 20 correct (70%) |
| Road signs section | Must get 2 of 4 road sign questions correct separately |
| Retake wait | Same day if first attempt; 1-day wait after 2nd fail |
Speed limits — NY defaults
| Location | Default limit |
|---|---|
| School zone (when children present) | 15 mph |
| Business / residential district | 30 mph |
| Non-posted rural road | 55 mph |
| Interstate highway (cars) | 65 mph (posted) |
| Near school (general) | Follow posted signs |
Road signs by color
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop, yield, or prohibition (DO NOT ENTER, WRONG WAY) |
| Yellow | Warning — slow down, hazard ahead |
| Orange | Work zone / construction warning |
| Green | Guide — directions, distances, exits |
| Blue | Services — gas, food, lodging, hospital |
| Brown | Recreation / scenic areas |
| White | Regulatory — speed limits, lane rules |
Right-of-way rules
| Situation | Who yields |
|---|---|
| 4-way stop — arrived simultaneously | Driver on left yields to driver on right |
| T-intersection (no signs) | Driver on the terminating road yields |
| Entering a roundabout | Entering driver yields to traffic already in circle |
| Emergency vehicle (lights/siren) | Pull to right curb and stop |
| School bus (red lights flashing) | All lanes stop in both directions (unless divided highway) |
Key stopping distances (at 55 mph)
| Component | Distance |
|---|---|
| Perception (see hazard) | ~55 feet |
| Reaction (foot to brake) | ~55 feet |
| Braking (dry road) | ~170 feet |
| Total | ~280 feet |
Alcohol rule: You are impaired at .05 BAC. Legally intoxicated at .08 BAC. Zero tolerance under 21 — any detectable BAC.
Passing / lane changes
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Signal before lane change | At least 100 feet before (city), 200 feet (highway) |
| No-passing zones | Solid yellow line on your side; hill crests; curves; intersections |
| Passing on the right | Allowed only when passing vehicle is turning left or on a multi-lane road |