Sample Emergencies questions
Your steering suddenly stops responding on a New York road. What should you do with the gas and brake?
Ease off the gas and stay off the brake at first Press the gas pedal to hold your speed Press the brake pedal down hard right away Show the answer
Ease off the gas and stay off the brake at first
The vehicle's balance keeps it going straight, but a sudden speed change could send it out of control. Brake very carefully once it has slowed.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
According to New York's manual, what is the most important rule in any driving emergency?
Brake immediately Do not panic Leave the car immediately Show the answer
Do not panic
Most emergencies leave you a moment to think before acting, so keep fear from taking over.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
You see smoke coming from under your hood in New York. What should you do after you pull off and turn off the ignition?
Keep driving to a repair shop Open the hood and put out the fire Get away and call the fire department Show the answer
Get away and call the fire department
Don't try to fight the fire yourself, as that is dangerous.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
You got out of a car stalled on New York railroad tracks. What phone number should you call?
The one on your insurance identification card The one on the Emergency Notification System sign The one on your DMV registration Show the answer
The one on the Emergency Notification System sign
Get everyone out and clear of the rails, even with no train in sight, then report the stalled vehicle.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
Your gas pedal sticks and you can't free it. What does New York's manual say to do?
Turn off the ignition right away Shift to reverse while moving Shift to neutral and brake to a stop Show the answer
Shift to neutral and brake to a stop
Turning off the ignition could cost you steering control or lock your steering wheel.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
Your hood suddenly opens while driving in New York. What should you do?
Brake hard and steer to the left Stop right in your lane at once Look out the side window and pull off Show the answer
Look out the side window and pull off
Use the side window for your view, switch on emergency lights and park carefully off the road.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
Your car goes into water and is still floating. How does New York's manual say to get out?
Through the door Through a window Through the trunk Show the answer
Through a window
With a door open, water rushes in and the car could roll onto you.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
At a New York crossing with only a crossbuck sign and no signals, what should you do?
Wait for a flag person Yield, looking and listening for trains Cross without slowing down Show the answer
Yield, looking and listening for trains
Be sure no train is coming first, and if one is near enough to be a danger, you can't cross.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
Your headlights suddenly go out at night on a New York road. What should you try?
Your wipers, to clear the windshield Your emergency lights, parking lights and signals Your horn, to warn other drivers Show the answer
Your emergency lights, parking lights and signals
These lights may keep working, which may be enough to get you safely off the road.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
A vehicle is heading toward you in your lane on a New York road. What should you do?
Slow, pull right and sound your horn Speed up and flash your lights Turn into the left lane Show the answer
Slow, pull right and sound your horn
If you move left and the other driver recovers, you could meet head-on in that lane.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 10, Special Driving Conditions
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Full practice test All topics, as in the knowledge test Road Signs What signs mean and what to do when you see them Right-of-Way Who goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts Traffic Signals Lights, arrows and pedestrian signals Lanes & Turns Lane markings, turns, passing and merging Speed Limits Limits and how to adjust your speed Parking Curb colors, hills and where you can't park Safe Driving Following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road Alcohol & Drugs Blood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication License Rules Permits, restrictions for new drivers and points Insurance & Collisions Required coverage and what to do after a crash Phones & Distraction Phone rules and other distractions
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) (Undated PDF, file created 2026-04-20; copyright line reads 2018 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the New York State DMV, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
