New York DMV Permit Test Passing and Parking Summary

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.

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.

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.

After passing, return to your lane only when you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. Signal before moving back.

Wrong choices

• As soon as your back bumper passes its front: That is too soon and you may cut the other car off.
• When the other driver honks: Do not wait for a honk. Use your mirror.
• When you are side by side with the car: Side by side, you would hit the car.

Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Parked cars there block the view of pedestrians crossing.

Wrong choices

• 10 feet: 10 feet is too close. The rule is 20 feet.
• 15 feet: 15 feet is the distance for fire hydrants.
• 50 feet: 50 feet is the distance for railroad crossings.

Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic light. A parked car there can hide the sign or signal from other drivers.

Wrong choices

• 20 feet: 20 feet is the distance for a crosswalk at an intersection.
• 15 feet: 15 feet is the distance for a fire hydrant.
• 10 feet: 10 feet is far too close to a sign or signal.

Do not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

Wrong choices

• 30 feet: 30 feet is the distance for stop signs and traffic lights.
• 20 feet: 20 feet is the distance for a crosswalk at an intersection.
• 15 feet: 15 feet is the distance for a fire hydrant.

You may pass on the right only in special cases, such as when the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is enough room on the pavement, or on roads with two or more lanes going your way. Never drive onto the shoulder to pass.

Wrong choices

• Any time the vehicle ahead is going slowly: A slow vehicle alone is not a reason to pass on the right.
• When you can use the shoulder: You must never use the shoulder to pass.
• Whenever the left lane is busy: You need a lawful reason and enough room on the road.

When parallel parking, your car must be within 12 inches of the curb and facing the same direction as traffic.

Wrong choices

• Within 24 inches of the curb: 24 inches is too far from the curb.
• Within 36 inches of the curb: 36 inches leaves your car sticking out into traffic.
• Touching the curb: Your tires do not need to touch the curb.

When parking uphill with a curb, turn your front wheels away from the curb. If the car rolls back, the back of the front tire will stop against the curb. Downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb. Always set the parking brake.

Wrong choices

• Toward the curb: Turn the wheels toward the curb when parking downhill, not uphill.
• Straight ahead: Straight wheels will not stop the car from rolling into traffic.
• It does not matter if the parking brake is on: Turn the wheels as well, in case the brake fails.