New York DMV Permit Test Defensive Driving and Special Conditions Summary

Keep at least two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead in good conditions. Leave more space in rain, snow, at night, or behind large vehicles.

Wrong choices

• At least one second behind the car ahead: One second is not enough time to react and stop.
• One car length, no matter the speed: Car lengths do not change with speed. Use time instead.
• Close enough to read its license plate: That is often much too close.

Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle so you do not blind the other driver.

Wrong choices

• Within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle: 100 feet is too late. The other driver would already be blinded.
• Within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle: You may dim earlier, but the rule is 500 feet.
• Only if the other driver flashes their lights: You must dim even if they do not flash.

In New York State, the speed limit is 55 mph unless a sign shows another limit. Always drive slower when conditions are poor.

Wrong choices

• 65 mph: 65 mph is allowed only where it is posted.
• 50 mph: 50 mph is not the general state limit.
• 70 mph: New York does not have a 70 mph speed limit.

In New York, you must turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers because of rain, snow, sleet, or other bad weather.

Wrong choices

• Only when it is completely dark: Headlights are also required in bad weather during the day.
• Only in heavy snow: The rule covers rain, snow, sleet, and fog, not only snow.
• Only on highways: The rule applies on all roads.

Hydroplaning happens when your tires ride on a layer of water. Ease off the gas, keep the steering wheel straight, and do not brake hard until the tires grip the road again.

Wrong choices

• Brake hard right away: Hard braking can make you skid.
• Speed up to get through the water: Speeding up makes hydroplaning worse.
• Turn the wheel sharply: Sharp steering can make you lose control.

In fog, use your low beams. High beams reflect off the fog back into your eyes. Slow down and leave more space.

Wrong choices

• High beams: High beams reflect off the fog and make it harder to see.
• Parking lights only: Parking lights are not bright enough, and you may not be seen.
• No lights: Driving without lights in fog is dangerous and illegal.

When following another vehicle, dim your high beams within 200 feet. For oncoming vehicles, dim within 500 feet.

Wrong choices

• Within 500 feet of the vehicle ahead: 500 feet is the rule for oncoming vehicles, not ones you follow.
• Within 50 feet of the vehicle ahead: 50 feet is too late. Your lights would already blind the driver.
• Only when you pass the vehicle: Your high beams would blind the driver through the mirrors long before that.

Your headlights must be on from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. They are also required when you cannot see clearly for 1,000 feet and when wipers are used for bad weather.

Wrong choices

• From sunset to sunrise only: The rule starts half an hour after sunset and ends half an hour before sunrise.
• From one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise: The rule uses one-half hour, not one hour.
• Only between midnight and 5 a.m.: Headlights are needed for the whole night.

In a skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not brake hard.

Wrong choices

• Opposite to where you want the car to go: Steering the wrong way makes the skid worse.
• Hold the wheel still and brake hard: Hard braking makes a skid worse.
• Turn sharply back and forth: Large, quick steering moves can spin the car.

New York requires headlights when you cannot see clearly for at least 1,000 feet, even during the day. Slow down and leave more following distance.

Wrong choices

• Turn on your hazard lights and keep driving: Hazard lights are not a replacement for headlights while driving.
• Use your parking lights: Parking lights do not meet the headlight rule.
• Pull over and stop right away: You may continue carefully with headlights on.