New York DMV Permit Test · Learner Permit Written Test
New York DMV Permit Test: Sharing the Road Concepts
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Overview
The road is shared by people walking, riding bicycles and motorcycles, driving large trucks and buses, and by trains at crossings. This chapter covers what each of these road users needs from you, and the strict rule about stopping for school buses.
When a school bus has its red lights flashing, you must stop, whether you are behind it or coming toward it, even on a divided highway. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing or the bus driver or a police officer waves you on. Children may cross the road in front of or behind the bus without looking.
Large trucks have big blind spots on all four sides, so if you cannot see the truck driver in their mirror, they cannot see you. Trucks also swing wide on right turns, so never try to squeeze in on their right. Give bicycles a safe distance when passing, remember that a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane, and check for cyclists before opening a car door. At a railroad crossing with flashing lights or a lowered gate, stop and wait, and never stop on the tracks.
Key concepts
School bus stop rule
When a school bus shows flashing red lights, stop before reaching it, whether you are behind it or approaching from the other direction, even on a divided highway. Stay stopped until the red lights go off or the bus driver or a police officer signals you to go.
Memory tipRed lights on a school bus: everyone stops, both directions.
Source: NY Vehicle and Traffic Law / NYS DMV Driver's Manual · as of 2026
Truck blind spots
Large trucks have large blind spots, sometimes called No-Zones, in front, behind, and along both sides. If you cannot see the driver's face in the truck's side mirror, the driver probably cannot see you.
Memory tipNo mirror view of the driver means the driver has no view of you.
Wide right turns
Trucks and buses often swing left before making a right turn because they need extra room. Do not try to pass on the right or squeeze between a turning truck and the curb.
Memory tipA truck turning right may first move left. Stay back.
Motorcycles
A motorcycle has the right to use a full lane. Do not share a lane with one. Motorcycles are small and easy to miss, so check mirrors and blind spots carefully and leave extra following distance.
Memory tipTreat a motorcycle like a car: give it the whole lane.
Bicycles and dooring
Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. Pass them with plenty of room, and before opening your car door on the traffic side, look behind for cyclists to avoid hitting one with the door.
Memory tipLook back before you open your door.
Railroad crossings
If crossing lights are flashing, a gate is down, or a train is coming, stop and wait until it is safe. Never drive around a lowered gate, and never stop on the tracks; cross only when there is room on the other side.
Memory tipTrains cannot stop quickly. Wait, and never stop on the tracks.
Often tested
- Stop for a school bus with red lights flashing, from either direction, even on a divided highway.
- Large trucks have big blind spots on all four sides.
- Do not squeeze in on the right of a truck making a right turn.
- A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane.
- Never stop on railroad tracks or drive around a lowered crossing gate.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. You stopped behind a school bus with flashing red lights. When may you start driving again?
- ① As soon as the children are off the road
- ② After waiting 10 seconds
- ③ When the bus door begins to close
- ④ When the red lights stop flashing, or the bus driver or an officer waves you on
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Answer: ④ When the red lights stop flashing, or the bus driver or an officer waves you on
Key point: School bus: wait until red lights stop
When a school bus has its red lights flashing, you must stop and stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, or the bus driver or a police officer signals you to go.
Wrong choices
- As soon as the children are off the road: Wait for the lights to stop, even if you see no children.
- After waiting 10 seconds: There is no time limit. Wait for the lights to stop.
- When the bus door begins to close: Wait until the red lights stop flashing.
Question 2. A pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog is crossing the street. What should you do?
- ① Honk to let the person know you are there
- ② Stop and let the person cross
- ③ Drive slowly around the person
- ④ Go first if your light is green
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Answer: ② Stop and let the person cross
Key point: White cane or guide dog: always yield
A white cane or guide dog means the person may be blind or have low vision. Always yield: stop and let them cross. Do not honk.
Wrong choices
- Honk to let the person know you are there: Honking can confuse or frighten the person.
- Drive slowly around the person: Do not drive around. Stop and wait.
- Go first if your light is green: You must always yield to a blind pedestrian.
Question 3. At a railroad crossing, red lights are flashing but you do not see a train. What should you do?
- ① Stop and wait until the lights stop and it is safe
- ② Slow down and cross if no train is visible
- ③ Drive around the lowered gate
- ④ Cross quickly before the train arrives
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Answer: ① Stop and wait until the lights stop and it is safe
Key point: Flashing lights at a rail crossing: stop
When railroad crossing lights are flashing, you must stop. Wait until the lights stop and you are sure the tracks are clear. Another train may be coming.
Wrong choices
- Slow down and cross if no train is visible: Flashing red lights mean stop, even if you do not see a train yet.
- Drive around the lowered gate: Never drive around a crossing gate.
- Cross quickly before the train arrives: Trains are faster and closer than they look.