20 questions from the New York Driver's Manual (MV-21). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What type of restraint system is required for a child between the ages of four and seven?
Answer: An appropriate federally approved child restraint system (booster seat) used with lap and shoulder belt. The handbook mandates the use of a federally approved child restraint system, such as a booster seat, combined with lap and shoulder belts for this age group.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 48: “A child between the age of four (4) and seven (7) must be restrained in an appropriate federally approved child restraint system (commonly referred to as a booster seat) used with lap and shoulder belt.”
2. Which of the following states is NOT listed as an exception where failing to answer a moving traffic violation summons will suspend your New York driver license?
Answer: Texas. Texas is not included in the specific list of exceptions provided in the handbook, meaning failing to answer a ticket there would trigger the suspension rule.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 20: “However, your New York driver license will be suspended if you fail to answer a ticket for a moving traffic violation in any state except Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Virginia or Wisconsin.”
3. Which areas are noted to freeze first when sleet, freezing rain, or snow begin to fall?
Answer: Bridges, ramps and overpasses. The handbook identifies bridges, ramps, and overpasses as the specific locations that freeze before other road surfaces.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 64: “remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses will freeze first.”
4. Which of the following is listed as a mental activity that constitutes distracted driving?
Answer: Having arguments or stressful conversations. The handbook lists avoiding arguments and stressful conversations as a specific practice to maintain attention on driving.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 45: “Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.”
5. Which vehicles are required to stop at all railroad crossings?
Answer: School buses, buses with passengers, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable cargo. The handbook lists specific vehicle types that must stop: school buses (empty or full), other buses with passengers, and vehicles with explosive or flammable cargo.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61: “School buses with or without passengers, other buses with passengers on board and vehicles with explosives or flammable cargo must stop at all railroad crossings.”
6. What is the maximum age of an infant who may legally ride as a passenger on a bicycle?
Answer: Under a year old. The handbook specifies that carrying an infant under one year old is prohibited, while children aged 1-4 require safety seats.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 69: “Never carry an infant under a year old as a passenger. It is against the law.”
7. When making a left turn at an intersection, what must you do regarding your vehicle's position and wheels?
Answer: Keep to the right of the center line and keep your wheels straight. The handbook instructs drivers to stay right of the center line and keep wheels straight to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic during a rear-end collision.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 34: “When you enter the intersection, keep to the right of the center line. Keep your wheels straight to prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if your vehicle is hit from behind.”
8. Until what age or condition must a child be restrained in the rear-facing position?
Answer: Until they are two years old or reach the manufacturer's limit. The rule requires rear-facing restraint until the child is two years old or meets the manufacturer's size limits.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 48: “A child must be restrained in the rear-facing position until they are two (2) years old or reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.”
9. Which group of pedestrians is given special right-of-way priority at marked or unmarked crosswalks, even if traffic signals are not in their favor?
Answer: Blind pedestrians with a guide dog or a white or metal cane. The handbook specifies that blind pedestrians using a guide dog or cane have priority over traffic signals and other rules at crosswalks.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 67: “A special right-of-way law allows blind pedestrians to go across the road with a guide dog or a white or metal cane. You must always give them the right-of-way when they are trying to cross at a marked or unmarked crosswalk even if the traffic signals or other right-of-way rules are not in their favor.”
10. Which action does NOT prevent or reduce the calculation of points that affect the Driver Responsibility Assessment?
Answer: Completion of a DMV-approved Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Course. The handbook states that completing this specific course does not alter the point calculation used for the assessment.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 23: “Completion of a DMV-approved “Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Course” will not prevent or reduce the calculation of points that affect the Driver Responsibility Assessment.”
11. What is the fine range for a second parking violation within two years in the same municipality?
Answer: $75 to $150. The handbook states that the fine for a second offense within two years is $75 to $150.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 44: “Unless a municipality sets higher penalties, the fine for a shopping center violation is $50 to $75 for a first offense and $75 to $150 for a second offense within two years in the same municipality.”
12. When may non-HOV vehicles enter a lane marked with a diamond symbol?
Answer: If they make a right turn at the next intersection where broken white lines replace the solid line. Non-HOV vehicles are permitted to enter these lanes only at specific locations with broken lines to make a right turn at the next intersection.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 33: “In these locations, non-HOV can enter the HOV lane if they make a right turn at the next intersection.”
13. Why do deer-vehicle collisions peak during October, November, and December?
Answer: Because this is when deer breed and travel the most. The handbook links the high frequency of collisions in these months directly to the breeding season and increased deer movement.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 64: “This is also the time when deer breed and when they travel the most.”
14. What is the recommended behavior regarding speed when dealing with an aggressive driver?
Answer: Do not challenge them with increased speed. The guidelines advise against increasing speed as a reaction to aggressive drivers to maintain calm and safety.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 46: “Do not challenge an aggressive driver with increased speed or try to hold your position in your travel lane.”
15. What is the recommended action if you hear a thumping sound indicating a tire blowout is about to occur?
Answer: Get safely off the road and check your tires. The handbook advises that upon hearing the warning thumping sound, the driver should safely exit the roadway to inspect the tires.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 65: “If you hear it, get safely off the road and check your tires.”
16. Who is permitted to accompany a Junior License holder driving in New York City when not driving alone?
Answer: A licensed parent, guardian, person 'in loco parentis', driver education teacher, or driving school instructor. The handbook provides a specific list of authorized accompanying persons for Junior License holders in NYC, excluding general friends or unlicensed relatives.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 16: “You may drive when accompanied by your licensed parent, guardian, person “in loco parentis”, driver education teacher, or driving school instructor.”
17. What is the correct procedure for combining tire types on a vehicle?
Answer: Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. The handbook states a clear rule against mixing radial and non-radial tires on a single vehicle.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 64: “Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle.”
18. If a traffic officer signals you to stop while the traffic light is green, what must you do?
Answer: Stop your vehicle. The handbook specifies that drivers must obey the officer's signal to stop even if the signal light is green.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 33: “If a traffic officer signals you to stop at a green light, for example, you must stop.”
19. Under New York State law, who is responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of sixteen are properly restrained?
Answer: The driver of the vehicle. The handbook assigns the responsibility of ensuring proper restraint for passengers under sixteen to the driver.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 48: “The driver must make sure that each passenger under the age of sixteen (16) is properly restrained by a seat belt or appropriate child restraint system.”
20. How long does it take for caffeine to enter the bloodstream to promote short-term alertness?
Answer: About 30 minutes. The handbook notes that drivers should expect a delay of approximately 30 minutes for caffeine to become effective.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52: “It takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream.”