NYS Learner Permit Practice — Part 1

Chapters 4–6: Traffic Control · Intersections & Turns · Passing

Based on the NYS Driver's Manual (MV-21)  •  60 questions  •  Real test: 20 questions — pass = 14 correct, including 2 of 4 road-sign questions

Name: Date: Mentor:
How to use this practice test. Pick the one best answer for each question and write its letter on the "My answer" line.
CHAPTER 4Traffic Control — MV-21 Chapter 4
1.

What is the normal shape and color of a warning sign?

Nudge — Think about the sign that warns you a hazard or special rule is coming up — its distinctive shape is meant to catch your eye.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
2.

You approach an intersection where the traffic lights are completely out of service and not operating. What must you do?

Nudge — A dark signal doesn't leave the intersection lawless. Ask what fallback would keep right-of-way orderly when the device fails — Chapter 4's section on out-of-service lights spells it out.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
3.

At a steady red light, when may you legally make a left turn (assuming no sign prohibits it)?

Nudge — Sketch each combination and trace your left turn, noting which lanes of moving traffic your path would cross in each case. Chapter 4 lists the exact conditions for this exception.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
4.

A driver of a school bus containing pupils faces a steady red light and wants to turn right. What is the rule?

Nudge — The options differ mainly in the conditions they attach — seated students, location, none. Chapter 4 has a specific paragraph on school buses at red lights; recall it rather than picking the condition that sounds most reasonable.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
5.

In New York City specifically, what is the rule about turning at a red light?

Nudge — First recall the statewide default for turning right on red, then ask whether the manual treats New York City the same way or differently — Chapter 4 covers this in its red-light section.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
6.

What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Nudge — Don't confuse 'flashing' with 'broken.' Recall what steady red demands of you, then work out how flashing modifies that demand — and for how long it holds you there.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
7.

What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?

Nudge — Compare with Question 6: a flashing signal borrows its meaning from something you already know. Test each option — which ones quietly demand a full stop, or claim to predict what the light will do next? Ask what yellow has always asked of a driver.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
8.

You are driving in a lane and see a steady yellow "X" lit above your lane. What should you do?

Nudge — Lane-control signals follow traffic-light logic. Work out what a red X and a green arrow over a lane would each tell you, then place a steady yellow X between those two meanings.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
9.

Two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are separated by a line. What color will that line be?

Nudge — One color is used when traffic flows the same way; the other warns of oncoming traffic. Match the color to same-direction flow.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
10.

You are driving on the side of the road where a solid line is paired with a broken line, and the solid line is on your side. What are you permitted to do?

Nudge — Read the paint nearest your tires — that's the line that governs you. Then check Chapter 4's chart of what solid versus broken lines allow before you commit to an answer.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
11.

What do double solid lines between lanes mean?

Nudge — Line this up with Questions 10 and 13: as the paint between lanes gets more solid, what happens to your options? Place double solid lines on that scale before you choose.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
12.

While driving, you notice the edge line of the road angling in toward the center of the road. What does this tell you?

Nudge — If the edge of the road bends inward, picture what's happening to the width of the space you have to drive in.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
13.

A single broken line separates two lanes. What does it permit?

Nudge — Line this up against Questions 10 and 11: the more solid paint between lanes, the tighter the restriction. Where does a single broken line sit on that scale — and notice the safety condition the manual still attaches before you cross any line.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
14.

What does a diamond symbol painted in a lane indicate?

Nudge — Don't guess from the shape alone — recall where you've actually seen painted diamonds and what the signs posted beside those lanes said. Chapter 4's pavement-marking section covers it.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
15.

A police officer is standing in an intersection signaling you to drive through, but the traffic light facing you is red. What must you do?

Nudge — There's a clear chain of authority among signs, signals, and people directing traffic. Who sits at the top?
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
16.

At an intersection you must stop for a red light. There is a crosswalk painted across the road but no stop line. Where must you stop?

Nudge — Picture a pedestrian mid-crossing under each option: where does your bumper end up, and whose path does it block? Chapter 4 explains where to stop when the stop line is missing.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
17.

What color are work area (construction zone) signs?

Nudge — Work-zone signs use a color you don't see on any other sign type — one that stands out sharply from warning-sign yellow.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
18.

In a work zone, what is the lowest speed limit that can be posted?

Nudge — Chapter 4 states this minimum outright — it's recall, not reasoning. Rule out speeds that feel unsafe beside workers on foot, then verify the exact figure in the manual with your mentor.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
19.

Which of the following people is authorized to direct traffic and must be obeyed?

Nudge — Watch for the word 'only' — absolute words deserve a second look. Chapter 4 gives a specific roll call of people authorized to direct traffic; recall the list rather than reasoning from job titles.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
20.

What is the rule about driving across the solid line that marks the edge of the road?

Nudge — Ask what job the edge line does, then test each option: is it a principled exception or just a convenience? Chapter 4's marking rules draw exactly that distinction.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
CHAPTER 5Intersections and Turns — MV-21 Chapter 5
21.

Two drivers reach an intersection from opposite directions at about the same time. One goes straight; the other wants to turn left. Who must yield?

Nudge — Sketch both paths through the intersection and notice whose route cuts across the other's. Chapter 5's right-of-way rules follow directly from that picture.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
22.

You and another driver stop at STOP signs at the same time at right angles to each other, and the other driver is on your right. Who has the right-of-way?

Nudge — There's a simple left-right rule for ties at uncontrolled intersections or simultaneous stops. Which side yields?
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
23.

You are pulling out of a parking lot onto a street. What must you do?

Nudge — Picture it from the street driver's seat: who is appearing in whose path? Chapter 5's rules on entering a road from a lot or driveway settle who must wait.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
24.

The light is green, but traffic is backed up on the far side of the intersection so you could not clear it completely. What should you do?

Nudge — Play each option forward one signal cycle: where is your car sitting when the cross street gets its green? Pick the choice that still works at that moment.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
25.

You are approaching a traffic circle (rotary) and vehicles are already circulating in it. Who has the right-of-way?

Nudge — Think of a highway entrance ramp — another spot where arriving traffic meets traffic already in motion — and apply the same merging logic you'd use there.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
26.

You hear a siren close by but cannot tell where the emergency vehicle is. What should you do?

Nudge — You can't plan around a vehicle you can't locate. Test each option against the worst case — the siren is headed straight down your street — and keep only what still works then.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
27.

An emergency vehicle with lights and siren is approaching in the opposite lane of a two-way road. What must you do?

Nudge — 'It's on the other side of the road' feels like a safe assumption — which is exactly why it's tested. Check whether Chapter 5's pull-over duty says anything about which lane the emergency vehicle is in.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
28.

You are in the middle of an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren on. What is the correct action?

Nudge — You have two duties pulling against each other here: get out of the emergency vehicle's way, and never leave an intersection blocked. Test each option against both duties — only one honors them at the same time.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
29.

You see a personal vehicle displaying flashing blue lights. What does this indicate?

Nudge — Blue lights on a personal car signal a specific kind of volunteer responder — and these drivers must still obey all traffic laws.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
30.

What do green lights on a personal vehicle indicate?

Nudge — Blue and green form a matched pair marking the two kinds of volunteer emergency responders. Cross off any option that isn't a volunteer at all, then use your reasoning from Question 29 to sort out which color belongs to which.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
31.

What do amber (yellow) flashing lights on a vehicle such as a snow plow or tow truck mean?

Nudge — Compare with Questions 29 and 30 — each light color marks a category of vehicle with its own rules. Recall which category Chapter 5 puts plows and tow trucks in before you choose.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
32.

How far ahead of a turn or lane change does the law require you to signal?

Nudge — This is an exact-figure rule from Chapter 5 — one to memorize. If unsure, convert each option into car lengths and ask which give drivers behind you real warning without signaling absurdly early.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
33.

What is the correct hand signal for a right turn?

Nudge — All hand signals are given with the same arm, out the driver's window — that rules out one option instantly. Then picture the three positions: straight out, angled up, angled down. Assign "left turn" and "slow or stop" first; the position left over is your answer.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
34.

When preparing to make a right turn, where should your vehicle be positioned?

Nudge — Picture the gap each starting position leaves on your right side, and ask what could slip into that gap just as you begin your turn.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
35.

You are turning left from a two-way road into a one-way road. Which lane of the one-way road should you turn into?

Nudge — Sketch it: you cross the oncoming lane, then enter a street where every lane flows the same direction. The rule is to enter the nearest lane going your way — trace the turn on paper and see which lane your path reaches first.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
36.

From which position may you legally begin a U-turn?

Nudge — A U-turn swings you all the way around. Try each starting position in your head: from which one can you complete the whole arc without cutting across other lanes of traffic partway through the turn?
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
37.

You cannot make a U-turn where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from how far away in either direction?

Nudge — Straight recall from Chapter 5. Sanity-check your pick: you're reversing direction across traffic, so rule out any distance that wouldn't let an approaching driver spot you and react at normal road speed.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
38.

Where are U-turns always prohibited, according to the manual?

Nudge — Chapter 5's U-turn section names specific prohibited places — this is recall. If you're torn, ask which options describe a road's basic design rather than momentary conditions around it.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
39.

A pedestrian is legally crossing in a crosswalk to your right as you prepare to turn. What must you do?

Nudge — Two options differ only in a single condition about the crosswalk itself. Check how Chapter 5 defines a crosswalk — that definition decides which of the two survives.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
40.

You have entered an intersection to make a left turn on a green light, but oncoming traffic prevents you from turning immediately. What should you do with your wheels while you wait?

Nudge — Consider what happens if you're rear-ended while waiting with your wheels already turned toward oncoming traffic.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
CHAPTER 6Passing — MV-21 Chapter 6
41.

Under most conditions, on which side do you pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction?

Nudge — Start from the keep-right principle: slower traffic holds the right side of the road, so overtaking traffic moves toward where the faster flow belongs. Two of these options break the law outright — eliminate those first.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
42.

May you exceed the speed limit to complete a pass?

Nudge — Three of these options claim an exception to the posted limit exists. Before choosing one, ask: does the manual ever describe the speed limit as flexible, or as a ceiling that no maneuver changes? Test each "yes" against that.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
43.

A vehicle ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. What may you do?

Nudge — Ask yourself why that car might really be stopped there, and exactly what you could — and couldn't — see if you started to pull around it.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
44.

You want to pass on the left, but an oncoming vehicle is approaching. How much clearance must you be able to maintain before that oncoming vehicle reaches you?

Nudge — Chapter 6 gives an exact figure here — pure recall. If you're stuck, picture two vehicles closing at highway speed and how quickly the gap between them disappears each second.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
45.

You are on a two-way road and within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. Can you pass on the left?

Nudge — Chapter 6 attaches special passing rules to railroad crossings on two-way roads — this is recall, not judgment. If you're torn, flag it and look up the crossing rules with your mentor.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
46.

Before you change lanes to pass on the left, why should you look over your shoulder rather than rely only on your mirrors?

Nudge — Test each option: is it factually false, is it trivial, or is it a real safety reason? Focus on what a mirror physically cannot show you, even when it is perfectly adjusted.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
47.

After passing a vehicle on the left, how do you know it is safe to return to the right lane?

Nudge — Test each option for reliability: which are vague, arbitrary, or impossible to judge consistently? The manual favors a check any driver can repeat the same way every time.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
48.

Which of the following is a situation where you may legally pass on the right?

Nudge — Chapter 6 lists a small set of situations where a right-side pass is legal. Recall that list first and match against it — don't reason backward from whichever option sounds handiest in traffic.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
49.

When passing on the right, can you drive on or across the shoulder of the road?

Nudge — Ask what the shoulder exists for — and who might already be occupying it: a stalled car, a cyclist, someone walking. Test each option against that picture.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
50.

Another vehicle is passing you on the left. What should you do?

Nudge — Your goal while being passed is to shorten the time the other driver spends exposed alongside you. Test each option: does it shorten that exposure, stretch it out, or create a new hazard?
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
51.

You notice many vehicles passing you on the right. What does the manual say you should do?

Nudge — Treat a repeated pattern like this as feedback about your own driving. Ask which option actually responds to the message rather than ignoring it or punishing the messenger.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
52.

A school bus ahead of you is stopped with its red lights flashing. What must you do?

Nudge — Several options make your duty conditional — on which side you're on, or on what you can see. Check whether Chapter 6's school-bus rule accepts any conditions like those before you choose.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
53.

A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the opposite side of a divided highway. What must you do?

Nudge — Don't import logic from other states or from what a divider 'should' mean — answer from New York's manual alone. Chapter 6 addresses divided highways by name in its school-bus rule.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
54.

A school bus ahead begins flashing yellow warning lights. What do these indicate?

Nudge — School-bus lights borrow their logic from the traffic signals in Chapter 4. Work out the color sequence — which comes before which — and what a driver behind should be doing at each stage.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
55.

After a school bus's red lights stop flashing but before you drive on, what should you especially watch for?

Nudge — The flashing red lights protect people while the bus is stopped — but the danger doesn't vanish the instant they switch off. Ask yourself who was just outside the bus, and where they might be standing now.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
56.

What is the minimum fine for a first conviction of illegally passing a stopped school bus?

Nudge — Pure recall — Chapter 6 prints the fine schedule for this violation. Anchor the first-offense figure in memory, and verify it in the manual with your mentor rather than guessing.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
57.

If you are convicted of three school-bus-passing violations within three years, what happens to your driver license?

Nudge — First separate suspension from revocation — they're different penalties. Then recall which one Chapter 6 attaches to three convictions in three years, and the minimum period that goes with it.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
58.

When you pass a motorcycle, how much lane space should you give it?

Nudge — Set the bike's physical width aside. Ask what road space the law grants any vehicle traveling in a lane, and whether Chapter 6 makes motorcycles an exception to that grant.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
59.

You are within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed. What is the rule about passing on the left?

Nudge — This pairs with Question 45 — Chapter 6 handles a small family of fixed locations with one shared rule. If you worked that one out, ask whether the same family logic applies here.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):
60.

When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, what does New York law require?

Nudge — Decide first whether the law treats a bicycle as traffic or as an obstacle, then apply the standard passing procedure this chapter has drilled — every step of it, start to finish.
My answer:
Why I picked this (in my own words):

Reflection

Which chapter's questions were hardest for you — Traffic Control, Intersections & Turns, or Passing? Which questions did you need the Nudge for? Name the section of the manual you will re-read before your next practice run.

FOR MENTOR USE — STUDY THIS TOGETHER

Mentor Guide

How to run this practice test — and why there is no answer key

1. How this test works, and what the reason boxes reveal

Every question has three parts: the answer letter, a Nudge (a hint about how to think, never what to answer), and a "Why I picked this" box. The reason box is the important part. A right answer with a wrong reason is a future wrong answer — the real test rewords everything, so only the rule survives, not the memorized letter. Read the written reasons as carefully as the letters: they show you exactly which rules are solid and which are lucky guesses.

2. How to run it

3. Using the nudges

4. Reviewing answers together — without a key

5. Signs of readiness