20 questions from the New York Driver's Manual (MV-21). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. If a driver under age 21 receives a second violation while still under age 21, how long must their license be revoked?
Answer: One year or until age 21, whichever is longer. The rule for a second violation under age 21 is defined as the longer duration between one year and reaching age 21.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21: “A second violation while under age 21 requires a revocation for one year or until you reach age 21, whichever is longer.”
2. What is the correct action if other traffic prevents your vehicle from fully clearing the railroad tracks?
Answer: Wait until there is room for your entire vehicle on the other side before crossing. Drivers must ensure their entire vehicle clears the tracks before entering, waiting if necessary for space to do so.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61: “If other traffic prevents you from going fully across, wait and go across only when there is room.”
3. Which of the following is a requirement for drivers using Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?
Answer: Read the Vehicle Owner’s Manual to learn how the features operate. The handbook lists reading the owner's manual as a specific tip for driving vehicles equipped with safety features.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 78: “Read your Vehicle Owner’s Manual to learn how your vehicle’s safety features operate.”
4. What is the recommended action if you have the right-of-way?
Answer: Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to other highway users. The handbook advises drivers to be prepared to yield even when they have the right-of-way to avoid crashes.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 46: “If you have the right-of-way, do not think of it as a complete right. Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to other highway users.”
5. When using a vehicle equipped with backup cameras and sensors to parallel park, who is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle?
Answer: The driver. The handbook emphasizes that despite technological aids, the driver retains ultimate responsibility for safe vehicle operation.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 42: “Although these can be useful features, you need to be alert and check the area behind your vehicle before you back up. YOU – as the driver – are ultimately responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle.”
6. 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.”
7. 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.”
8. 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.”
9. When another vehicle is approaching head-on in your lane, why should you not turn into the left lane?
Answer: The other driver may suddenly recover and pull back into that lane, causing a collision. The handbook explains that turning left risks a collision because the approaching driver might correct their path back into the left lane.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 65: “If you do, the other driver may suddenly recover and pull back into that lane, causing a head-on collision.”
10. Which color combination describes Service Signs that indicate the location of facilities like rest areas and gas stations?
Answer: Blue, with white letters or symbols. The handbook specifies that service signs are blue with white text to distinguish them from warning or route signs.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 30: “COLOR: Blue, with white letters or symbols MEANING: Show the location of services, like rest areas, gas stations, camping or medical facilities.”
11. What specific noise might indicate a problem with the power steering system?
Answer: A whine when making a sharp turn. The handbook identifies a whining noise during sharp turns as a specific indicator of potential power steering issues.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 53: “A noise like a whine when you make a sharp turn can indicate a problem.”
12. When driving alone between home and employment with a Junior License in Nassau or Suffolk counties, what specific document must the driver carry?
Answer: A Certificate of Employment (MV-58A). The handbook specifies that a Certificate of Employment (MV-58A) is the required proof of employment for driving alone between home and work in these counties.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 16: “Your employer can complete a Certificate of Employment (MV-58A), available from the DMV website (search under Forms) or at local motor vehicle offices.”
13. 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.”
14. 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.”
15. 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.”
16. 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.”
17. Which group is identified as having a greater risk of being involved in a fatigue-related traffic crash due to non-traditional work schedules?
Answer: Shift Workers. The handbook specifically links non-traditional work schedules and increased crash risk to shift workers.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 52: “Shift Workers – Drivers who have non-traditional work schedules have a greater risk of being involved in a fatigue-related traffic crash.”
18. How should a driver manage their focus on the road ahead?
Answer: Scan the road ahead and keep eyes moving to notice sides and mirrors. The handbook instructs drivers to scan ahead, avoid focusing solely on the vehicle in front, and regularly check sides and mirrors.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 45: “Always scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or even the vehicle ahead as your only points of focus. Look ahead so you can prevent, or decrease, possible problems. Keep your eyes moving, notice what is happening at the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every few seconds.”
19. What action is required when a personal vehicle driven by a volunteer firefighter displays blue lights?
Answer: You should yield as a courtesy if you can safely do so. The handbook states that vehicles with blue lights are not authorized emergency vehicles, so yielding is a courtesy rather than a mandatory right-of-way rule.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 35: “While you are not required to yield the right-of-way, you should yield as a courtesy if you can safely do so.”
20. For a Junior Learner Permit holder in New York City, what specific vehicle equipment requirement applies when driving with a designated supervisor?
Answer: The vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes). The section regarding New York City restrictions states that the vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes) when supervised by a parent, guardian, or instructor.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 12: “Vehicle must have dual controls (dual brakes)”