New York Permit Test 2026: Traffic Signs, Rules, and Safety

BAC (Blood Alcohol Content)

0.05% BAC can be used as legal evidence that your driving ability is impaired.

Zero Tolerance Law

If you're under 21, even a very small amount of alcohol can result in penalties.

Green Light

Go if the intersection is clear. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

Green Arrow

Protected turn. Opposing traffic has a red light.

Yellow Light

Slow down and prepare to stop. Don't speed up.

Red Light

Stop completely before the white stop line. Remain stopped until the light turns green.

Red Arrow

No turn until the arrow changes unless signs permit.

Flashing Red

Treat exactly like a stop sign.

Flashing Yellow

Slow down and proceed carefully.

Regulation Signs

Color: White with black lettering; Shape: Rectangle.

Warning Signs

Color: Yellow with black lettering; Shape: Diamond.

Destination Signs

Color: Green with white lettering.

Construction Signs

Orange; Construction ahead.

Service Signs

Blue; Gas, Hospital, Food, Rest Area.

School Signs

Yellow Pentagon; School zone or crossing.

Stop Sign

Red Octagon; Come to a complete stop.

Yield Sign

Upside-down white triangle with red border; Slow down and give the right-of-way.

Do Not Enter

Red with white bar.

Wrong Way

White rectangle with red letters.

One Broken Line

Passing allowed if safe.

Solid + Broken Line

Broken side: Can pass; Solid side: Cannot pass.

Double Solid Lines

No passing; No lane changes.

Single Solid Line

Stay in your lane unless it is necessary and safe to cross.

White Stop Line

Always stop before the white line.

Right-of-Way

Yield to emergency vehicles, pedestrians, blind pedestrians, school buses, and drivers already in intersections.

Four-Way Stop

First vehicle to stop goes first; Driver on the RIGHT goes first if two cars arrive together.

Emergency Vehicles

If an emergency vehicle has flashing lights and sirens, pull to the right and stop.

School Bus Rules

If a school bus has flashing RED lights and stop arm extended, you MUST stop.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.

Signals

Signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.

Speed Limits

Maximum speed limit in NY: 55 mph unless signs say otherwise.

Parking Rules

Never park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, on a sidewalk, on railroad tracks, in front of a driveway, in an intersection, or on a crosswalk.

No Standing

Passengers may enter or exit; Driver may NOT wait.

No Parking

May stop only temporarily to load/unload passengers or property.

Passing

Pass on the LEFT; Only pass when safe, legal, and clear visibility.

Following Distance

Use the 3-second rule; Increase following distance in rain, snow, ice, night, or heavy traffic.

Hydroplaning

Take your foot off the gas; Don't slam on brakes; Steer straight.

Skid

Stay calm; Look where you want to go; Steer toward that direction.

Fog

Use low beams; Don't use high beams; Slow down.

Cell Phones

Handheld phone use is illegal; Hands-free devices are allowed; Never text while driving.

Seat Belts

Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt; Driver is responsible for younger passengers.

Railroad Crossings

Always look both ways, listen, and never stop on the tracks.

Tire Blowout

Don't slam brakes; Grip steering wheel; Slow down gradually.

Important Numbers to Memorize

20 Questions on permit test; 14 Correct answers needed to pass; 2/4 Road sign questions needed correct; 100 ft Signal before turning/changing lanes; 15 ft Fire hydrant parking distance; 25 mph Default city/town/village speed limit; 55 mph Maximum NY speed limit unless posted; 3 seconds Minimum following distance.