New York signals practice questions
2 questions below test New York’s own signals law, each with the statute or New York Department of Motor Vehicles handbook section it came from, plus 10 more on signals rules that apply in every state.
The New York permit knowledge test has 20 questions in total and needs 14 correct (70%) to pass.
New York law
2 questions on New York’s own signals rules
These differ from the rules that hold nationally — they are the ones that catch out drivers who studied another state’s handbook.
1. A right turn on a steady red light in New York City is:
- AAllowed only on one-way streets
- BAllowed only between midnight and 5 a.m.
- CAlways allowed after a full stop
- Not allowed unless a sign permits it
Answer: Not allowed unless a sign permits it. The New York State Driver's Manual states you are not allowed to turn on a red light in New York City unless a sign that permits it is posted.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals — Steady Red
2. Outside New York City, a right turn on a steady red light is generally allowed after you:
- AWait for a green arrow
- BSignal for 5 seconds only
- CSlow and proceed without stopping
- Come to a full stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians
Answer: Come to a full stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians. The New York State Driver's Manual allows a right turn on steady red after a full stop and yield, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign or other control prohibits it — and unless you are in New York City without a permitting sign.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual — Traffic Signals — Steady Red
Sources for the New York items above
Applies everywhere
Signals rules that hold in every state
A sample of the national signals bank. All 10 are in the practice run, combined with the New York items above for 12 questions in total.
1. A steady red arrow at an intersection means:
- AYield and then turn
- BThe signal is malfunctioning
- CTurn when the way is clear
- You may not turn in the direction of the arrow
Answer: You may not turn in the direction of the arrow. A steady red arrow prohibits movement in the arrow's direction. Wait for a green or flashing yellow arrow before turning.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Traffic controls — arrow signals
2. A flashing yellow traffic light means:
- Proceed with caution after checking for hazards
- BSpeed up to clear the intersection
- CThe light is out of order
- DStop completely before entering
Answer: Proceed with caution after checking for hazards. A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed through the intersection with heightened awareness.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Traffic controls — flashing signals
3. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means:
- AThe light is about to turn green
- BTraffic from all directions must yield to you
- Stop completely, yield right-of-way, then proceed when safe
- DSlow down and proceed without stopping
Answer: Stop completely, yield right-of-way, then proceed when safe. A flashing red signal has the exact same meaning as a stop sign. Come to a full stop and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Traffic controls — flashing signals
More New York topics
Other New York rules with their own questions
Confirm current New York rules
Statutes and handbooks change. New York Department of Motor Vehicles is authoritative for New York signals rules and for the permit test itself.
Visit New York Department of Motor VehiclesCommon questions
About New York signals rules and this practice set.