New York Safe Driving practice test

Practice following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road, with questions based on the New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21).

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Sample Safe Driving questions

What must a child under age 4 ride in under New York law?

  • A federally approved child safety seat
  • A regular seat belt in the back
  • An adult's lap in the back seat
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A federally approved child safety seat

The seat must be attached with a safety belt or a universal anchorage (LATCH) system.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

An aggressive driver confronts you on a New York road. What does the manual advise?

  • Hold your lane and speed up
  • Avoid eye contact and stay calm
  • Stare back so the driver backs off
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Avoid eye contact and stay calm

The other driver can read eye contact as a challenge. Try to move away safely.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

You feel drowsy while driving in New York. Which step does the manual warn against relying on?

  • Pulling off for a brief nap
  • Turning up the radio or opening a window
  • Finding a safe place to stop
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Turning up the radio or opening a window

Those tricks don't work reliably. Stop somewhere safe and away from traffic for a break.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

Can a New York police officer pull you over only because someone isn't wearing a seat belt?

  • No, only on an expressway
  • Yes, it is primary enforcement
  • No, only after another violation
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Yes, it is primary enforcement

Police don't need another reason. The law also applies to visitors from outside New York.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

What following distance does New York's manual suggest in bad weather or behind a large truck?

  • At least three or four seconds
  • About one second
  • Exactly two seconds
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At least three or four seconds

Two seconds is the basic rule. These conditions call for more space.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

How often must a vehicle driven on New York public highways be inspected?

  • At least once a year
  • Only when the vehicle is sold
  • At least once every five years
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At least once a year

That is a minimum. Follow your owner's manual for routine maintenance as well.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

How often does New York's manual suggest stopping on a long trip to prevent fatigue?

  • Every 100 miles or two hours
  • Every 500 miles or eight hours
  • Every 10 miles or fifteen minutes
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Every 100 miles or two hours

Regular stops are part of preventing drowsy driving, along with enough sleep and, if possible, a companion for the drive.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

In New York, until when must a child stay in a rear-facing car seat?

  • Age 5, in every case
  • Age 6 months, in every case
  • Age 2, or the seat's height or weight limit
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Age 2, or the seat's height or weight limit

After outgrowing an infant-only seat, a convertible or all-in-one seat is recommended for continued rear-facing use.

Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), Chapter 8, Defensive Driving

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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.