New York permit test: format, pass mark, sign questions
The knowledge test is the written part of getting your learner permit. Here is how it works, from the New York State Driver's Manual, with a source for each fact.
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The knowledge test at a glance
- What it covers
- The rules of the road, safe driving, road signs and the laws on alcohol and drugs.Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- To pass
- 14 of 20 right, and 2 of the 4 road sign questions right.Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- How
- On a touch-screen station or on paper, in several languages.Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- Online
- The pass mark here is the manual's, for the test at a DMV office. If you take the DMV's online test instead, check its own rules first.Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- At school
- Students 15 years and 11 months or older can take it at a participating high school (in English or Spanish).Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- Vision test
- 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts.Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
What you need to apply for a permit
- A completed Application for Driver License (MV-44).
- Proofs of your name worth at least 6 points, one with your signature.
- Proof of your date of birth.
- Your Social Security number.
- The fee, which depends on your age and date of birth.
Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 8; Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
Under 18, you also need to know
- You can apply for a learner permit at 16.
- With a junior permit, you drive only with a supervising driver at least 21, and not at all from 9 PM to 5 AM in New York City or on Long Island.
Source: Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 11; Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 13
Take the free 20-question test
20 questions from every topic, each with the answer explained and a link to the manual page. You need 14 right for 70%, the pass mark the DMV uses. Free, no sign-up.
Practice by topic
Sources
- Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 8
- Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 10
- Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 11
- Manual chapter 1, Driver licenses, page 13
Checked against these sources on October 24, 2026.
We read these sources and wrote this page in our own words. The DMV has the final word, and rules change, so check anything important with the DMV before your appointment.