New York Permit Practice Test: Weather, Breakdowns and Emergencies (2026)

Question 1 of 18

When railroad lights flash or gates are down, how far from the tracks must you stop?

1. At least 5 feet
2. At least 50 feet
3. At least 15 feet

Question 2 of 18

Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming. Which way should you run?

1. Toward the train but away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle
2. In the same direction as the train
3. Stay in the car

Question 3 of 18

About how far ahead do your headlights light the road at night?

1. About 100 feet
2. About 350 feet
3. About 1,000 feet

Question 4 of 18

When does New York law require headlights?

1. Only after midnight
2. Only on expressways
3. From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, in low visibility and when using wipers

Question 5 of 18

When following another vehicle at night, within what distance must you use low beams in New York?

1. 200 feet
2. 500 feet
3. 50 feet

Question 6 of 18

Which headlights give better visibility in rain, fog or snow?

1. High beams
2. Low beams
3. Parking lights

Question 7 of 18

When are studded tires allowed in New York?

1. All year
2. December only
3. October 16 through April 30

Question 8 of 18

Your rear wheels slide to the left. Which way should you steer?

1. To the left
2. To the right
3. Hold the wheel straight and brake hard

Question 9 of 18

Your front wheels skid on ice. What should you do first?

1. Steer hard immediately
2. Ease off the gas and shift to neutral, without steering right away
3. Brake hard

Question 10 of 18

When sleet or freezing rain begins, what freezes first?

1. Straight roads in the sun
2. Parking lots
3. Bridges, ramps and overpasses

Question 11 of 18

When do most deer-vehicle collisions happen in New York?

1. October through December, especially at dawn and dusk
2. In summer at noon
3. In spring at midnight

Question 12 of 18

What is the most important rule in any driving emergency?

1. Brake as hard as possible
2. Do not panic
3. Leave the car immediately

Question 13 of 18

Your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor. What should you try first?

1. Turn off the engine
2. Shift to reverse
3. Pump the pedal to build pressure

Question 14 of 18

Your gas pedal sticks. What should you do if you cannot free it with your shoe?

1. Shift into neutral, brake and get off the road
2. Turn off the ignition
3. Pump the gas

Question 15 of 18

A vehicle is coming head-on in your lane. What should you do?

1. Swerve into the left lane
2. Slow down, pull to the right and sound your horn
3. Stop in your lane

Question 16 of 18

Your car goes into water. How should you escape?

1. Open the door right away
2. Wait for the car to sink completely
3. Release your seat belt and get out through a window

Question 17 of 18

Smoke comes from under the hood. What should you do?

1. Pull off, turn off the ignition, get away and call the fire department
2. Open the hood to fight the fire
3. Keep driving to a garage

Question 18 of 18

Your wheels drift off the pavement. What should you do?

1. Swerve back at once
2. Ease off the gas, brake gently, then return carefully when slowed
3. Brake hard