NY Permit Test Languages: What the DMV Offers (2026)

New York State requires its agencies, including the DMV, to provide interpretation services in the language you request, and to provide important forms and documents in the twelve most commonly spoken languages in the state. Those twelve are Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian, Arabic, Polish, French and Urdu.

If English is not your first language, you do not have to work through permit preparation in English alone. Below is what the state’s policy actually says, how to arrange help, and free practice material in nine languages.

The twelve languages covered by New York’s policy

New York’s language access policy names these twelve languages, in addition to English:

• Spanish
• Chinese
• Russian
• Yiddish
• Bengali
• Korean
• Haitian Creole
• Italian
• Arabic
• Polish
• French
• Urdu

This list comes directly from the NY DMV Language Assistance page. The state reviews which languages are most commonly spoken, so the list can change over time.

How to request language help from the DMV

The DMV provides free language assistance. You do not pay for an interpreter, and you do not need to bring your own.

• Call the DMV language assistance line: 1-518-486-9786.
• Ask for the language you need. Interpretation is provided in the language you request, not only the twelve listed above.
• Confirm what is available at your specific office before you travel there.
• If you are refused an available translated document or adequate interpretation, you have the right to file a language access complaint.

One important caveat: the policy above covers interpretation services and important forms and documents. Exactly which languages the written knowledge test itself is delivered in can vary, and it is worth confirming directly with the DMV or your local office before your appointment. The phone number above is the fastest way to get a definite answer for your situation.

Free permit practice in nine languages

Whatever language you take the official test in, practising in a language you read comfortably makes the material easier to absorb. Every question below has a written explanation, not just a right answer, and there is a one-page printable study sheet in each language.

Language	Name	Practice test	Printable sheet
Spanish	Español	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Chinese	中文	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Russian	Русский	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Bengali	বাংলা	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Korean	한국어	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Haitian Creole	Kreyòl Ayisyen	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Arabic	العربية	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
Polish	Polski	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)
French	Français	Practice test	Study sheet (PDF)

The study sheets are also available in English. All of them are free, need no account, and print on a single page — see the full set on the free study sheets page.

What the written test covers

The New York permit test is 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer 14 correctly to pass, and at least 2 of the 4 road-sign questions must be right — miss three of those four and you fail even with 14 correct overall. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it.

For the full breakdown, see our NY DMV practice test, which covers road signs, traffic law, defensive driving and road situations.

Frequently asked questions

Does the DMV charge for an interpreter?

No. Language assistance from the DMV is free. Call 1-518-486-9786 to arrange it.

Which languages does New York’s policy cover?

Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian, Arabic, Polish, French and Urdu — twelve languages in addition to English. Interpretation is provided in the language you request, so this list is not a limit on spoken assistance.

Can I bring a friend or relative to translate?

Policies on bringing your own interpreter to a knowledge test vary, and the DMV provides its own interpretation services. Call the language assistance line before your appointment rather than assuming.

How many times can I retake the permit test?

There is no limit on attempts. See how many times you can take the NY permit test for the full rules on retaking and fees.

Official sources

• Language Assistance — NY DMV
• Get your learner permit — NY DMV
• New York State Driver’s Manual — NY DMV

Confused about which test is which? See NY permit test vs road test — what each one involves, and the order the DMV requires you to take them in.

Content last reviewed: September 2026. Exam Practice Hub is an independent study site and is not affiliated with the New York DMV. Always confirm current rules, fees and language availability with the DMV directly.