New York DMV Permit Test · Learner Permit Written Test
New York DMV Permit Test: Passing and Parking Concepts
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Overview
Passing means spending time in a lane where other traffic may be coming toward you, so it calls for patience and good judgment. This chapter explains how to pass safely, how to behave when someone passes you, and the places where state law does not allow you to park.
In general you pass on the left. Before passing, check that the road ahead is clear, signal, and pass with enough room. Return to your lane only when you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. Do not pass where a solid yellow line is on your side of the center, near a hill or curve where you cannot see far enough ahead, or when a school bus has its red lights flashing.
When someone is passing you, stay in your lane and do not speed up. New York also has parking rules that apply even where no sign is posted. You may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 30 feet of a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign, or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
Key concepts
Passing on the left
Pass other vehicles on the left side. Check ahead and behind, signal, move over, pass, and return to your lane only when you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
Memory tipSee the car you passed in your inside mirror before you move back.
Passing on the right
Passing on the right is allowed only in limited cases, such as when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on a road with two or more lanes going your way. You may never drive off the pavement or onto the shoulder to pass.
Memory tipThe shoulder is never a passing lane.
Being passed
When another vehicle is passing you, stay in your lane and keep a steady speed or slow down a little. Do not speed up, so the other driver can finish passing safely.
Memory tipMake passing easy: hold your lane and do not race.
Where not to pass
Do not pass where a solid line is on your side of the center, near the top of a hill or on a curve where you cannot see far enough ahead, or when a school bus has its red lights flashing.
Memory tipIf you cannot see the road ahead clearly, do not pass.
Statewide no parking distances
Even without a sign, do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (unless a licensed driver stays in the car), within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 30 feet of a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign, or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
Memory tipHydrant 15, crosswalk 20, signal or sign 30, railroad 50.
Source: NY Vehicle and Traffic Law / NYS DMV Driver's Manual · as of 2026
Often tested
- Pass on the left. Return to your lane only when you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
- Never drive onto the shoulder to pass on the right.
- When someone passes you, stay in your lane and do not speed up.
- Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Do not park within 30 feet of a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. On most roads, on which side should you pass another vehicle?
- ① On the left
- ② On the right
- ③ On either side, whichever is faster
- ④ On the shoulder
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Answer: ① On the left
Key point: Pass on the left
In normal driving, pass other vehicles on the left. Pass on the right only in special situations, and never by driving onto the shoulder.
Wrong choices
- On the right: Passing on the right is allowed only in a few special situations.
- On either side, whichever is faster: Pass on the left in normal situations.
- On the shoulder: Never drive on the shoulder to pass.
Question 2. In New York, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?
- ① No closer than 5 feet
- ② No closer than 15 feet
- ③ No closer than 10 feet
- ④ No closer than 30 feet
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Answer: ② No closer than 15 feet
Key point: No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters need space to connect hoses quickly.
Wrong choices
- No closer than 5 feet: 5 feet is too close. Firefighters need room to reach the hydrant.
- No closer than 10 feet: 10 feet is still too close. The rule is 15 feet.
- No closer than 30 feet: 30 feet is the distance for stop signs and traffic signals.
Question 3. Another car is passing you on the left. What should you do?
- ① Speed up so it cannot pass
- ② Move toward the center line
- ③ Stay in your lane and do not speed up
- ④ Brake hard to let it pass
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Answer: ③ Stay in your lane and do not speed up
Key point: Being passed: keep right, do not speed up
When another vehicle is passing you, keep to the right in your lane and do not speed up. Help the other driver finish passing safely.
Wrong choices
- Speed up so it cannot pass: Speeding up while being passed is unsafe and against the law.
- Move toward the center line: Moving left puts you in the path of the passing car.
- Brake hard to let it pass: Hard braking can cause a rear-end crash. Just keep steady.