New York DMV Permit Test · Learner Permit Written Test
New York DMV Permit Test: Intersections, Turns, and Right of Way Concepts
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Overview
Most crashes in town happen where roads cross. This chapter covers who goes first at intersections without signs, how to make right and left turns from the correct lane position, how to use traffic circles, and when you must yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Right of way is something you give, not something you take. At an intersection without signs or signals, yield to vehicles already in the intersection, and if two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians. Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and to a blind person using a white cane or guide dog.
Signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes. Make a right turn from as close to the right edge of the road as you can, and a left turn from the part of your lane nearest the center line. When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren approaches, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. In a traffic circle or roundabout, yield to traffic already in the circle.
Key concepts
Uncontrolled intersection
An intersection with no signs or signals. Yield to any vehicle already in the intersection. If you arrive at about the same time as a vehicle on your right, let that vehicle go first.
Memory tipWhen in doubt, the car on the right goes first.
Left turn yield
A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians crossing the street they are turning into.
Memory tipTurning left means crossing someone's path, so you wait.
Turn signal distance
Use your turn signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes, so others know what you are about to do.
Memory tipSignal early: give others at least 100 feet of warning before you move.
Source: NY Vehicle and Traffic Law / NYS DMV Driver's Manual · as of 2026
Emergency vehicles
When a police car, fire truck, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle approaches with flashing lights and a siren, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed. Do not stop inside an intersection; clear it first.
Memory tipLights and siren: pull right and stop.
Pedestrians and blind people
Yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks and when they are legally crossing as you turn. Always yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or walking with a guide dog.
Memory tipA white cane or guide dog means you always wait.
Traffic circle (roundabout)
Traffic in a circle moves counterclockwise, to the right around the center island. Slow down when you enter, yield to vehicles already in the circle, and signal before you exit.
Memory tipEnter right, go around to the right, yield to cars already circling.
Often tested
- When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians.
- When an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches, pull over to the right and stop until it passes.
- Signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
- At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle on your right if you arrive together.
- In a traffic circle, yield to traffic already in the circle.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. In New York, at least how far before a turn must you signal?
- ① 100 feet
- ② 50 feet
- ③ 25 feet
- ④ 500 feet
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Answer: ① 100 feet
Key point: Signal at least 100 feet before turning
New York law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before you turn or change lanes. This gives other drivers and pedestrians time to react.
Wrong choices
- 50 feet: 50 feet is too short. New York law requires at least 100 feet.
- 25 feet: 25 feet gives other drivers far too little warning.
- 500 feet: You may signal earlier, but the minimum is 100 feet.
Question 2. A fire truck with its siren and red lights on is coming toward you from behind. What should you do?
- ① Speed up to stay ahead of it
- ② Stop right where you are in your lane
- ③ Pull over to the left side of the road
- ④ Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop
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Answer: ④ Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop
Key point: Emergency vehicle: pull right and stop
When an emergency vehicle with a siren and flashing lights approaches, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Wait until it has passed before moving again.
Wrong choices
- Speed up to stay ahead of it: Speeding up is dangerous. Let the emergency vehicle pass.
- Stop right where you are in your lane: Stopping in the lane can block it. Pull to the right first.
- Pull over to the left side of the road: Pull to the right unless an officer tells you otherwise.
Question 3. You are turning left at an intersection with a green light (not a green arrow). Whom must you yield to?
- ① No one, because the light is green
- ② Only vehicles behind you
- ③ Oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing
- ④ Only buses and trucks
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Answer: ③ Oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing
Key point: Left turn on green: yield to oncoming and walkers
When turning left, you must yield to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Wait in your lane until there is a safe gap.
Wrong choices
- No one, because the light is green: A green light does not give a left-turning driver the right of way over oncoming traffic.
- Only vehicles behind you: Vehicles behind you are not the ones you yield to when turning.
- Only buses and trucks: You must yield to all oncoming traffic, not only large vehicles.