New York DMV Right-of-Way Rules Permit Practice Test 2026
Master New York's right-of-way rules for NYC Right-on-Red bans, 4-way stops, roundabouts, Move Over laws, and pedestrians with 10 targeted practice questions. Right-of-way judgment is a core domain on the official 20-question NYS exam.
Updated for August 2026
This practice test is up to date as of August 2026. The 10 questions on this practice test are based on New York's official 2026 NYS Driver's Manual and the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL).
Understanding New York's right-of-way rules is critical for passing your permit test—and navigating everything from Manhattan's dense grid to upstate highways. In New York, right-of-way laws include distinct regional differences that frequently appear on the knowledge test.
This free practice test covers the right-of-way scenarios you will face on the actual NYS DMV knowledge exam. You'll master NYC's strict prohibition on turning right on red, 4-way stop precedence, roundabout entry priority, pedestrian crosswalk protections, and school bus stopping distances.
Expect questions about: who yields when two cars arrive simultaneously at a 4-way stop, New York's expanded Move Over Law for stopped vehicles on the shoulder, stopping at least 20 feet from school buses from both directions, and yielding to cyclists in NYC dedicated bike lanes.
Why is this on the New York Permit Test?
The New York DMV considers failure to yield the right-of-way one of the leading causes of intersection collisions in the state. Because of this, you will be tested on specific judgment rules:
- NYC Right-on-Red Ban
- Simultaneous 4-Way Stops
- NY Move Over Law
- School Bus 20-Foot Rule
New York City vs. Upstate Right-on-Red
This is one of the most frequently tested NY-specific questions. In New York City (all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), turning right on red is strictly ILLEGAL by default.
NYC Exam Rule: Right on Red
You can ONLY turn right on red in New York City if a specific regulatory sign explicitly states: "Right Turn on Red Permitted After Stop".
In Upstate NY and Long Island outside NYC: Right turn on red is permitted after coming to a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.
Protected Turns & Green Arrows
A green arrow means you have a protected turn in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped by a red signal. You may proceed in the direction of the arrow, but you must still yield to pedestrians lawfully in the intersection.
4-Way Stops & Roundabouts
At four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections in New York, the golden rule is first to stop, first to go. When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
Left Turns at Intersections
When making a left turn across traffic, you must yield to oncoming straight traffic and pedestrians. In roundabouts (traffic circles), traffic already circulating has the right-of-way; entering vehicles must yield.
Uncontrolled & T-Intersections
- • Uncontrolled Intersections: Yield to vehicle on your right.
- • T-Intersections: Vehicles on the terminating road must yield to through traffic.
- • Private Driveways: Yield to all traffic and pedestrians before entering a public street.
New York's Move Over Law
Multi-Lane Highways
Drivers must exercise due care and vacate the lane adjacent to ANY stopped vehicle on the shoulder with flashing emergency, hazard, or service lights (red, blue, amber, or white).
- • If Lane Change is Safe: Move over at least one lane away from the stopped vehicle.
- • If Lane Change is Unsafe: Slow down significantly to a safe, prudent speed.
Vehicles Covered
New York law covers police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, NYSDOT maintenance trucks, construction vehicles, and stranded passenger cars displaying hazard lights.
School Bus Stopping Rules (20 Feet)
Mandatory Stop in BOTH Directions
When a school bus stops with flashing red lights and extended stop arm, traffic approaching from BOTH directions must stop at least 20 feet away.
Strict NY Penalties
Passing a stopped school bus in New York results in severe penalties:
- • First Offense: $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, up to 30 days jail.
- • Three Convictions in 3 Years: Mandatory license revocation for at least 1 year.
Pedestrians, Service Animals & NYC Bike Lanes
Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable road users. In New York, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at every intersection.
"Blind pedestrians carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog have absolute right-of-way at all times. Come to a complete stop and yield until they have safely cleared."
NYC Dedicated Bike Lanes
When turning right across a bicycle lane in New York City, you must check blind spots and yield complete right-of-way to oncoming bicyclists before making your turn. Do not block or drive inside bike lanes.
Test Your Right-of-Way Knowledge
These 10 questions mimic the real NYS DMV exam's right-of-way scenarios. Can you score at least 70% to pass?
In New York City (all 5 boroughs), when are you legally permitted to turn right on red?
Questions are created and maintained by the DMV Question Bank content team following a rigorous editorial process. Content is updated regularly to reflect the latest NYS Driver's Manual and NY Vehicle & Traffic Laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turning right on red legal in New York City?
What does New York's Move Over Law require?
Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop in New York?
Do you have to stop for a school bus on a divided highway in NY?
Who has the right-of-way in a New York traffic circle or roundabout?
Ready for the New York Permit Exam?
Right-of-way is just one section. Master all 20 questions, mandatory road signs, and Leandra's Law with our comprehensive New York study package.