New York Driver's Handbook Summary (2026): Key Rules by Section

The 12 handbook sections the New York knowledge test draws from, summarized in our own words. Each rule links to its page in the official handbook.

1. Section 1: Driver Licenses · 5 key rules
   License classes, the vision and written tests, the learner permit, junior operator restrictions, address changes and new residents.
2. Section 2: How to Keep Your License · 4 key rules
   Probation, junior sanctions, tickets, mandatory suspensions and revocations, the point system and fees.
3. Section 3: Owning a Vehicle · 3 key rules
   Registration, title, insurance and inspection.
4. Section 4: Traffic Control · 5 key rules
   Signs, traffic lights, lane-use lights, pavement markings and traffic officers.
5. Section 5: Intersections and Turns · 4 key rules
   Right-of-way rules, emergency vehicles, the Move Over law, turns and U-turns.
6. Section 6: How to Pass · 3 key rules
   Passing on the left and right, being passed and stopping for school buses.
7. Section 7: Parallel Parking · 3 key rules
   How to parallel park, park on a hill, pull out, and the parking, standing and stopping rules.
8. Section 8: Defensive Driving · 5 key rules
   Looking ahead, distractions, aggressive driving and road rage, speed, space, seat belts, work zones, roundabouts, fatigue, phones and vehicle condition.
9. Section 9: Alcohol and Other Drugs · 4 key rules
   How alcohol and drugs affect driving, BAC levels, chemical tests, penalties and zero tolerance.
10. Section 10: Special Driving Conditions · 4 key rules
    Railroad crossings, expressways, night driving, rain, fog and snow, winter, deer and emergencies.
11. Section 11: Sharing the Road · 4 key rules
    Pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, motorcycles, mopeds, large vehicles, slow-moving vehicles, ATVs and horses.
12. Section 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash · 2 key rules
    What to do at the scene, first aid and reports to the DMV.