20 questions from the New York Driver's Manual (MV-21). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What does a diamond symbol on the roadway indicate?
Answer: The lane is reserved for buses, HOV vehicles, bicycles, or other special vehicles. The diamond symbol designates lanes reserved for specific high-occupancy or special vehicles as listed in the handbook.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 33: “Diamond Symbol: This symbol indicates the lane is reserved lanes for buses, HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicles) like car-pools and van-pools, bicycles or other special vehicles.”
2. What specific visual impairment does alcohol cause that makes driving after dark especially dangerous?
Answer: It reduces your ability to recover from the glare of headlights. The handbook states that alcohol reduces the ability to recover from headlight glare, which is critical when driving at night.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 54: “Alcohol also reduces your ability to recover from the glare of headlights.”
3. If your hood opens suddenly or your vision is blocked, how can you see enough to pull off the road safely?
Answer: Open the side window. The handbook advises opening the side window to regain visibility when the windshield view is obstructed.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 66: “If your hood opens suddenly or your vision through the windshield becomes blocked by some other object or wipers that have failed, you can open the side window so you can see.”
4. How often must a vehicle be inspected to be operated or parked on public highways?
Answer: At least once a year. The handbook mandates that vehicles must undergo inspection at least once annually to be legally operated.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 53: “No person shall operate or park a vehicle on public highways unless it has been inspected at least once a year”
5. What does the handbook advise regarding marijuana/cannabis-based products before driving?
Answer: Do not consume them before driving. The handbook instructs drivers not to consume marijuana or cannabis products before operating a vehicle.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 59: “Do not consume (e.g. smoke, vape, eat, etc.) marijuana/cannabis-based products before driving.”
6. How many additional years beyond the statutory revocation period must a driver wait for reinstatement if their license was revoked for an alcohol-related offense?
Answer: Five years. The handbook specifies a five-year denial period for alcohol-related revocations, distinct from the two-year period for other reasons.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 57: “Deny their applications for five years beyond their statutory revocation period if the applicant’s license was revoked for an alcohol- or drug-related offense;”
7. When a bicyclist signals a right turn, how must they position their arm?
Answer: They must extend the right arm straight out to the right. The handbook states that a right turn signal is made by extending the right arm straight out to the right.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 69: “A bicyclist can signal a right turn when they extend the right arm straight out to the right.”
8. What is the minimum age requirement to drive in New York State, even if holding a valid out-of-state license?
Answer: Under 16 years of age. The handbook specifies that individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from driving in New York State regardless of their out-of-state license status.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 18: “If you are less than 16 years of age, you cannot drive in New York State even if you have an out-of-state license.”
9. What action should a driver take when driving near children playing along the street?
Answer: Use extra caution. The handbook instructs drivers to use extra caution specifically when driving near children playing along the street.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 68: “Use extra caution when driving near children playing along the street or older pedestrians.”
10. What is the primary rule regarding right-of-way for vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout?
Answer: Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way. The handbook clarifies that vehicles already in the circle possess the right-of-way over those entering.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 50: “Look to the left. Traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way.”
11. What should a driver do immediately if their front wheels begin to skid?
Answer: Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral or push in the clutch. The handbook specifies removing foot pressure and shifting to neutral/clutch first, noting not to steer immediately while the wheels are skidding.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 64: “Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral or push in the clutch, but do not try to immediately steer.”
12. What information must be included in the letter from a school official when driving alone between home and a qualified school course?
Answer: The date(s), hour(s) and location(s) of the activity. The handbook lists specific details required in the proof of enrollment letter, including the schedule and location of the course.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 16: “The letter also must include the date(s), hour(s) and location(s) of the school course or program activity, your name, date of birth, and driver license number.”
13. Which type of vehicle is exempt from returning plates when insurance is discontinued?
Answer: Motorcycles. Unlike other vehicles, motorcycle owners are not required to surrender plates upon insurance lapse.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 27: “Motorcycles must be insured, but you are not required to turn in the vehicle plate when your motorcycle insurance is discontinued or expires.”
14. What should a driver do if they are being followed by an aggressive driver?
Answer: Drive to the nearest police station. The handbook instructs drivers to proceed to a police station rather than stopping or engaging directly.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 46: “If an aggressive driver is following you, do not stop or get out of your vehicle. Drive to the nearest police station.”
15. According to the handbook, how far before reaching an exit ramp must you signal your intention to exit?
Answer: At least 100 feet (30 m) before the exit ramp. The handbook states that drivers must signal at least 100 feet before reaching the exit ramp.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 62: “Make sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp.”
16. What is the recommended action for a driver who suspects they are drowsy while driving?
Answer: Find a safe place to stop for a break. The handbook advises finding a safe place to stop, noting that tricks like opening windows or using the radio are not reliable methods for staying awake.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52: “Find a safe place to stop for a break in response to symptoms of fatigue.”
17. When making a U-turn, what is the preferred method for entering the roadway if you must turn around?
Answer: Enter the roadway as you move forward. The handbook advises entering the roadway in forward motion rather than reversing to ensure safer integration into traffic.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 37: “If you must turn around, use a parking lot, driveway or other area, and, if possible, enter the roadway as you move forward, not backing up.”
18. How long is the suspension period for a junior permit holder convicted of a serious traffic violation?
Answer: 60 days. Junior drivers face a mandatory 60-day suspension upon conviction of a serious traffic violation or multiple lesser violations.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19: “For example, your permit, license or privileges will be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of a serious traffic violation (three points or more) or two other violations.”
19. When making a left turn, where should a driver specifically look for pedestrians?
Answer: On the other side of the road on your left. The handbook directs drivers to check the opposite side of the road on their left when executing a left turn to spot pedestrians.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 67: “When you make a left turn, watch for pedestrians on the other side of the road on your left.”
20. What is the recommended action if brakes pull to one side and appear to be wet?
Answer: Dry them by riding the pedal lightly. The handbook advises lightly riding the pedal to dry wet brakes that are pulling to one side.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 53: “If wet, you can dry them riding the pedal lightly.”