New York Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 38 questions based on the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), 15 of them on New York's own rules.
Key New York facts: Lanes & Turns
Sample Lanes & Turns questions
From what part of a New York road must you start a U-turn?
The shoulder, after you stop The right lane, next to the curb The left part of the lane nearest the center line Show the answer
The left part of the lane nearest the center line
A U-turn is never made from the right lane.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5, Intersections and Turns
On a New York limited access expressway, a path connects the two directions. May you use it for a U-turn?
Yes, in an emergency only No, never Yes, if traffic is light Show the answer
No, never
Those connecting paths aren't for drivers making U-turns. Stay on until the next exit.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5, Intersections and Turns
New York bans U-turns near hills or curves if other drivers can't see you from what distance?
50 feet 5,000 feet 500 feet Show the answer
500 feet
Hilltops, curves and any other spot without that much sight distance in both directions are off limits.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5, Intersections and Turns
A vehicle is passing you on the left in New York. What should you do?
Hold your speed and move left Slow slightly and stay centered Speed up and move right Show the answer
Slow slightly and stay centered
Return to your normal speed after the other vehicle is safely ahead.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6, How to Pass
After passing on the left in New York, what should your interior mirror show before you return right?
The front bumper of the car you passed The headlights of the car behind it The roof of the car you passed Show the answer
The front bumper of the car you passed
Also look over your right shoulder to check for several feet of pavement between you and that vehicle.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6, How to Pass
May you make a U-turn in a New York school zone?
Yes, after you sound your horn No, it is prohibited Yes, outside school hours Show the answer
No, it is prohibited
The manual lists school zones among the places where a U-turn isn't allowed.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 5, Intersections and Turns
When may you pass or change lanes across a single solid line on a New York road?
When obstructions or traffic make it necessary Whenever no one is beside you At no time, under any conditions Show the answer
When obstructions or traffic make it necessary
One solid line limits these moves to cases where something in the road or traffic conditions make them necessary.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4, Traffic Control
How close to a railroad crossing on a two-way New York road is passing on the left banned?
Within 100 feet Within 2,000 feet Within 10 feet Show the answer
Within 100 feet
Stay in your lane when you are this close to the crossing.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6, How to Pass
May you exceed the speed limit to pass a slower vehicle in New York?
Yes, on a road with two lanes Yes, up to 10 mph over No, not for any pass Show the answer
No, not for any pass
If you can't pass within the limit, wait behind the vehicle until you can do so safely.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 6, How to Pass
A New York edge line marks the shoulder. When may you drive across it?
Whenever traffic in your lane is slow When an officer or official sign allows it Whenever you want to pass on the right Show the answer
When an officer or official sign allows it
The edge line shows where the travel lane ends and the shoulder begins.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 4, Traffic Control
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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.
