New York DMV practice tests 2026
Get ready for the New York written knowledge tests: numbered practice tests that follow the official New York format, with 129 questions on New York law, from teen licensing and speed limits to alcohol limits and insurance, plus the road rules that apply everywhere.
Choose your New York test
Car
The written knowledge test for a learner permit or a Class D driver license.
Motorcycle
The written test for a Class M license or motorcycle endorsement.
CDL
The general knowledge test every commercial driver license applicant takes.
Handbook
The official New York driver, motorcycle and CDL handbooks every test is based on.
All New York practice tests
New York Permit Practice Tests
New York Motorcycle Practice Tests
New York CDL General Knowledge Practice Tests
How to pass the New York knowledge test
- Read the handbook. Every question comes from the official New York manuals; the handbook page links to the agency's own copies.
- Practice test by test. Each numbered test mixes New York law with the national road rules, like the real exam.
- Read every explanation. Especially for answers you got right by guessing.
- Simulate the real exam on the category page when you pass the tests comfortably.
New York written test format
| Test | Questions | Pass mark | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 20 | 14 correct (6 mistakes allowed) | 16 years |
| Motorcycle | 20 | 14 correct (6 mistakes allowed) | 16 years |
| CDL | 50 | 40 correct (10 mistakes allowed) | 18 years, with intrastate only driving and no hazardous materials or school bus students until 21 |
Car. The written test for Class D, DJ and E has 20 multiple-choice questions; at least 14 must be correct and at least two of the four road sign questions must be answered correctly.
Motorcycle. The Class M and MJ written test uses the same 20 question format, and it draws on both the Driver's Manual and the Motorcycle Operator's Manual.
CDL. Each commercial knowledge test is passed with 80 percent correct and every question offers three answer choices. The question count is not published by the DMV and is listed as unconfirmed.
What the New York questions cover
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing and permits | 20 |
| Graduated licensing for teen drivers | 16 |
| Speed limits | 11 |
| Alcohol limits and DUI | 14 |
| Penalties and points | 13 |
| Phone use and distraction | 11 |
| Insurance requirements | 11 |
| Move over law | 9 |
| Other state rules | 24 |
Sources and accuracy
The New York facts on this site were checked against these official sources on September 2, 2026. Test formats that the DMV does not publish are marked as such in the notes above.
- dmv.ny.gov/
- dmv.ny.gov/document/mv-21
- dmv.ny.gov/brochure/mv21-mc.pdf
- dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/commercial-drivers/new-york-state-commercial-drivers-manual
- dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec01.pdf
- dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-learner-permit
- dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-a-motorcycle-learner-permit-and-license
- dmv.ny.gov/driver-license-points-and-penalties
- dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/the-new-york-state-driver-point-system
- dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/driver-responsibility-assessment-dra
- dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/cell-phone-use-and-texting
- dmv.ny.gov/tickets/tickets-received-in-another-state
- dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-practice-tests
- dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-1-driver-licenses
- dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-8-defensive-driving
- dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-9-alcohol-and-other-drugs
- dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/younger-driver/the-graduated-license-law
- dmv.ny.gov/motorcycle-manual/motorcycle-manual-motorcycle-licenses-ownership-special-rules
- dmv.ny.gov/more-info/school-bus-safety
- dmv.ny.gov/insurance/insurance-lapses
- dmv.ny.gov/insurance/insurance-requirements
- dmv.ny.gov/inspections
- nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/381
- trafficsafety.ny.gov/move-over-law
DMV Exam Test is not affiliated with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. To book a test, pay fees or check your license, use the official DMV website.