New York DMV
New York DMV Cheat Sheet 2026
Every rule you need to pass the New York DMV written test — all on one page. 20 questions, 70% to pass.
20 questions70% to pass~30 minutesFollowing distance: 3 seconds minimum (4+ at night/rain)
🚗 Speed Limits
School zone20 mph
New York City25 mph
Residential (outside NYC)30 mph
Rural highways55 mph
Expressways55-65 mph
Alley15 mph
🛑 Road Sign Shapes and Meanings
Red octagonSTOP — full stop required
Red and white triangleYIELD — slow down, give way
Yellow diamondWARNING — hazard ahead
White rectangleREGULATION — rules you must follow
Orange diamond/rectangleCONSTRUCTION zone ahead
Green rectangleGUIDE — directions and distances
Blue rectangleSERVICES — gas, food, lodging
Pentagon (school)SCHOOL zone ahead — slow down
Pennant shapeNO PASSING zone
🚦 Right of Way Rules
4-way stopFirst to stop goes first. Tie = rightmost goes first
Uncontrolled intersectionYield to vehicle on your right
Turning leftAlways yield to oncoming traffic
RoundaboutYield to vehicles already inside
PedestriansAlways yield at crosswalks
Emergency vehiclesPull over right and stop
School bus — red lights flashingStop — do not pass in either direction
⚠️ Alcohol and DUI Laws
Adults 21+0.08% BAC
Under 210.02% — zero tolerance
Agg-DWI0.18% or higher
Commercial drivers0.04% BAC
Refuse BAC testAutomatic revocation
🅿️ Parking Rules
Fire hydrant15 ft minimum
Crosswalk / intersection20 ft minimum
In front of drivewayNever — always illegal
On a sidewalkNever — always illegal
Double parkingNever — illegal
Handicap space (no placard)Never — heavy fine
📵 Cell Phone and Distracted Driving
Handheld phoneIllegal — primary offense
TextingIllegal — primary offense
Under 18No phone use
Hands-free (adults)Allowed
First offense fineUp to $200
🪪 Licensing and Permits
Learner's permit age15-16 years in most states
Licensed adult requiredMust be in car at all times with permit
GDL passenger restrictionLimited passengers for new drivers
GDL nighttime restrictionNo driving after midnight in many states
License renewalEvery 4-8 years depending on state
Point systemViolations add points — too many = suspension
Vision requirement20/40 minimum in at least one eye
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