20 questions from the New York Driver's Manual (MV-21). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the purpose of the diagonal stripes found next to reserved parking areas?
Answer: To provide access space for those with wheelchairs and vehicles with special equipment. The handbook states that these striped areas are necessary to allow adequate space for wheelchair users and specially equipped vehicles to access their parking spots.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 44: “Do not park in the spaces with diagonal stripes next to reserved parking areas. These spaces are needed to give access to those with wheelchairs and vehicles with special equipment.”
2. When approaching an active grade crossing with flashing lights and lowered gates, when is it permissible to proceed across the tracks?
Answer: Only after the gates are completely raised and the lights are off. The handbook states that drivers must wait until both the gates are fully raised and the lights have stopped flashing before crossing.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 60: “When approaching marked, or active, grade crossings, do not proceed until the gates are completely raised and the lights are off.”
3. Why should a driver stop well back from a crosswalk when yielding to pedestrians?
Answer: To allow other vehicles behind to see the crossing pedestrians and stop as well. Stopping back allows following drivers to see the pedestrian and stop, preventing a chain-reaction crash or failure to yield.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 68: “Stop well back from the crossing to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.”
4. What is the recommended braking distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in a work zone to avoid rear-end collisions?
Answer: Two seconds or more. The handbook specifies that maintaining a braking distance of at least two seconds helps prevent rear-end collisions in work zones.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 49: “To avoid being involved in one, it helps to keep a braking distance of two seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you.”
5. What should you do if you find that many vehicles are passing you on the right?
Answer: Move into the right lane and allow them to pass you on the left. The handbook advises moving to the right lane to facilitate traffic flow if multiple vehicles are passing on the right.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 40: “If you find that you are being passed on the right by many vehicles, you should move into the right lane and allow them to pass you on the left.”
6. Why does the handbook advise keeping your wheels straight until you actually begin to make your turn?
Answer: So your vehicle is not pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind. Keeping wheels straight prevents the vehicle from being pushed into oncoming lanes during a rear-end collision.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 36: “If your wheels are turned, and you are hit from behind, your vehicle could be pushed into the oncoming lane of traffic.”
7. How far before making a lane change must you use your turn signal?
Answer: At least 100 feet (30 m) before the lane change. The handbook clearly mandates that drivers must signal their intention to change lanes a minimum of 100 feet prior to executing the maneuver.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39: “The law requires you to use turn signal lamps or hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to change lanes at least 100 feet (30 m) before you make a lane change.”
8. When backing up to parallel park, where should you look to ensure safety?
Answer: Through the rear window. The instructions specify looking through the rear window rather than relying solely on mirrors when backing up.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 42: “Look through the rear window, not the mirrors, when you back up.”
9. What is the correct procedure if you are inside an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches?
Answer: Drive out of the intersection before pulling over. The handbook instructs drivers to clear the intersection first to avoid blocking traffic before pulling over to yield.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 35: “If you are in an intersection, drive out of it before you pull over.”
10. How long does a new resident have to apply for a New York driver license after establishing residency?
Answer: Within 30 days. The handbook states that new residents must apply for a New York license within 30 days of establishing residency.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 18: “Then, to remain legally licensed, you must apply for a New York driver license within 30 days after you establish you are a New York State resident.”
11. What is the minimum age requirement for bicyclists and their passengers to wear an approved helmet?
Answer: Ages 1 - 13. The handbook clearly defines the mandatory helmet-wearing age range as being between 1 and 13 years old for both riders and passengers.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 69: “Bicyclists and their passengers ages 1 - 13, must wear an approved helmet.”
12. When preparing to change lanes or pass, what specific action does the handbook require in addition to checking mirrors?
Answer: Look quickly over your shoulder through the back side window. The handbook instructs drivers to look over their shoulder to check blind spots, noting that mirrors alone are insufficient.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39: “Always quickly look over your shoulder before you change lanes or pass.”
13. Which vehicle weight threshold triggers the requirement for an "R" endorsement for personal use vehicles?
Answer: More than 26,000 pounds GVWR. The handbook defines the requirement for the "R" endorsement based on vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds GVWR.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 7: “The Personal Use Vehicle “R” endorsement is required for operation of recreational and/or rental vehicles used to transport personal household goods when the vehicle is over 26,000 pounds (11,794 kg.) GVWR”
14. What does a steady yellow 'X' lane use control light indicate to a driver?
Answer: Move from this lane. The handbook defines the steady yellow X specifically as an instruction to move out of the lane, distinct from the red X or flashing yellow X.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 31: “STEADY YELLOW “X”: Move from this lane.”
15. According to the handbook, what is the primary function of lines that separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions?
Answer: They are yellow. The handbook states that yellow lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 32: “Lines that separate traffic that moves in opposite directions are yellow.”
16. According to the handbook, how far ahead must you signal a turn or lane change?
Answer: At least 100 feet ahead. The handbook states the legal requirement for signaling distance is at least 100 feet.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 36: “The law requires you to signal a turn or lane change with your turn lights or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.”
17. What is the correct procedure for a bicyclist when exiting a roundabout?
Answer: Use your right hand signal. The handbook instructs bicyclists to use their right hand signal when exiting the roundabout.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 51: “When you exit the roundabout, use your right hand signal.”
18. How long is a driver under age 21 suspended after a first Zero Tolerance violation?
Answer: Six months. The handbook specifies that the suspension period for a first violation under the zero tolerance law is exactly six months.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 57: “After a finding of violation is determined at a DMV hearing, the driver license will be suspended for six months.”
19. Under what specific condition is a driver permitted to make a left turn at a steady red light?
Answer: When turning from a one-way road into another one-way road after stopping and yielding. Left turns on red are only allowed for one-way to one-way intersections, provided the driver stops and yields first.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 31: “You can make a left turn at a steady red light when you turn from a one-way road into another one-way road after you come to a full stop and yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
20. What is the maximum fine for a first conviction of drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle on a public highway?
Answer: $150. The handbook states that the fine for a first conviction of this infraction is up to $150.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 57: “The penalty for a first conviction is a fine up to $150, a mandatory surcharge, a crime victim assistance fee, and possible imprisonment of 15 days.”