20 questions from the New York Driver's Manual (MV-21). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. If a driver receives a traffic ticket and fails to respond, what is the potential consequence regarding their guilt?
Answer: They could be found guilty by default conviction. Failing to respond to a traffic ticket can result in a default conviction, as stated in the section regarding traffic tickets.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 19: “If you do not respond that you have received the ticket, you could be found guilty by default conviction.”
2. What is the stated maximum jail term for convictions such as criminally negligent homicide resulting from alcohol-related violations?
Answer: 25 years. The handbook specifies that these convictions can carry a maximum jail term of 25 years.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 59: “These carry a fine of thousands of dollars and can carry a maximum jail term of 25 years.”
3. What is the minimum number of stores required for a shopping center's reserved parking spaces to be governed by this specific state law?
Answer: Five stores. The handbook states that the law applies to shopping centers with five or more stores.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 44: “This law applies to spaces reserved and provided by local ordinance on streets and highways and those held for special use by state law in shopping centers that have five or more stores and 20 or more off-street public parking spaces.”
4. 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.”
5. 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.”
6. What is the minimum tread depth required by law for tires?
Answer: At least 2/32nds of an inch. The handbook states the legal minimum tread depth is 2/32nds of an inch.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 53: “The law requires that your tires have at least 2⁄32nds of an inch (.16 cm) of tread.”
7. 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.”
8. When passing on the right, which of the following scenarios is permitted according to the handbook?
Answer: Passing when the vehicle ahead makes a left turn. The handbook lists specific conditions for passing on the right, including when the vehicle ahead is making a left turn.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 39: “When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn.”
9. 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”
10. 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.”
11. What is the maximum distance a supervising driver must remain from a motorcycle or moped operator holding a Junior License?
Answer: Within one-quarter mile. The supervising driver is required to stay within a quarter-mile radius to maintain supervision.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 17: “Your supervising driver must have a driver license valid to operate the same class motorcycle or moped you are driving, and must exercise general supervision and control by remaining within one-quarter mile.”
12. What does a crossbuck sign indicate when there are no flashing lights or gates present?
Answer: You must yield when you see the sign. The handbook specifies that drivers must yield upon seeing a crossbuck sign at crossings without active signals.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 61: “Yield when you see a crossbuck sign, which is a sign shaped like an “X” with “RAILROAD CROSSING” printed on it (like the sign above but without flashing lights).”
13. Under the state’s Zero Tolerance Law, what is the minimum license suspension period for a driver under age 21 found with a blood alcohol content between .02 and .07?
Answer: Six months. The handbook specifies a six-month suspension for drivers under 21 with a BAC in that specific range under the Zero Tolerance Law.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 21: “Under the state’s “Zero Tolerance Law,” a driver under age 21 will have thier license suspended for six months if found to have a BAC from .02 to .07.”
14. 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.”
15. Why might a police officer issue a ticket even if you are driving below the posted speed limit?
Answer: If your speed is not reasonable for the current conditions, such as fog or slippery roads. The handbook explains that drivers can be ticketed for speeds that are unsafe for specific conditions like fog or slippery roads, even if those speeds are below the posted limit.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 47: “Even if you were to drive at 50 mph (80 km/h) on that hazardous highway, a police officer could ticket you for a speed “not reasonable” for”
16. What is the primary difference between aggressive driving and road rage as described in the handbook?
Answer: Aggressive driving violates traffic safety laws, while road rage involves breaking criminal laws. The handbook distinguishes the two by noting that aggressive driving relates to traffic safety violations, whereas road rage relates to criminal law violations.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 46: “Aggressive driving generally involves the violation of a traffic safety law, while road rage involves the breaking of a criminal law.”
17. What is the approximate effect of one standard drink on the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of a 150-pound male?
Answer: Increases BAC by about .02 percent. The handbook specifies that a single drink raises the BAC of a 150-pound male by approximately .02 percent.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 55: “For a 150-pound male, each one of these drinks contains enough alcohol to increase his BAC by about .02 percent.”
18. When turning left from a two-way road into a one-way road, which lane of the one-way road should you enter?
Answer: The left lane. The specific rule for this maneuver requires entering the left lane of the one-way road you are turning into.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 37: “LEFT TURN FROM TWO-WAY ROAD INTO ONEWAY ROAD: Approach the turn from the right half of the roadway closest to the center. Make the turn before you reach the center of the intersection and turn into the left lane of the road you enter.”
19. When making a right turn, how should you position your vehicle as you prepare to turn?
Answer: Get as far to the right as possible. The handbook instructs drivers to position their vehicle as far right as possible and avoid wide turns when preparing for a right turn.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 36: “RIGHT TURN: As you prepare to turn, get as far to the right as possible. Do not make wide, sweeping turns.”
20. According to the general rules for all drivers with learner permits, what is the minimum age requirement for the supervising driver?
Answer: At least age 21. The handbook states that the supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.
New York Driver's Manual (MV-21), page 13: “Unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least age 21 and has a license to operate the vehicle you are driving.”