FirstTryEn españolNew York permit test: right-of-way questions
The New York permit test has 20 questions. You need 14 right to pass (70%). Test format source
The real New York test also has 4 road-sign questions, and you need 2 of them right. This practice covers the written rules.
These 10 questions come from FirstTry's New York bank, written from the New York State Driver's Manual. Pick your answer, then open "Show the answer". Each answer links to the handbook section it comes from.
10 right-of-way questions
At an intersection with no signs or signals, you and a driver on the cross street stop at the same moment. The other driver is on your right and both of you will go straight. Who goes first?
- The driver on your right
- The driver on your left
- Whoever entered the intersection first
Show the answer
The driver on your right. When drivers stop at the same time at an uncontrolled intersection, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)
You are about to enter a traffic circle. Who has the right-of-way?
- The drivers already in the circle
- The driver on your right
- The driver who approaches the circle at the higher speed
Show the answer
The drivers already in the circle. Vehicles already circulating in a traffic circle or rotary have the right-of-way over a driver who is entering it.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 35)
Another driver has just yielded to you. What should you keep in mind?
- Having the right-of-way means you may keep your speed
- The right-of-way is not complete, so be ready to yield anyway
- You never have to yield once you have the right-of-way
Show the answer
The right-of-way is not complete, so be ready to yield anyway. Even with the right-of-way, be ready to yield to others. Waiting a few seconds is far better than risking a crash.
From the handbook: Chapter 8: Defensive Driving > Be Prepared and Look Ahead (page 46)
A personal car with a flashing blue light comes up behind you. Are you required to yield the right-of-way to it?
- No, but yield as a courtesy if you safely can
- Yes, exactly as for an ambulance with its siren on
- Yes, but only when it sounds its horn
Show the answer
No, but yield as a courtesy if you safely can. Blue lights mark volunteer firefighters driving their own cars to an alarm. Like green and amber lights, they do not make a vehicle an authorized emergency vehicle, so yielding is a courtesy, not a duty.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Blue, Green and Amber Lights (page 35)
You approach an intersection on a green light. A vehicle is already in it, making a left turn. What must you do?
- Enter the intersection and pass on its right side
- Let the vehicle finish its left turn before you enter
- Sound your horn and go through first
Show the answer
Let the vehicle finish its left turn before you enter. When a vehicle is already inside the intersection completing a left turn, you must stay out until it has finished, even though your light is green.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)
You want to turn left at an intersection. An oncoming vehicle is approaching fast. What does the law require?
- Turn left quickly before the oncoming vehicle arrives
- Turn left only if you signal at least 200 feet ahead
- Yield to any oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard
Show the answer
Yield to any oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard. On every left turn you must wait for oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard. If you have any doubt, let it pass before you turn.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)
You are stopped at a red light. A pedestrian enters the crosswalk in front of you, and then the light turns green. What must you do?
- Go, because the green light now gives you the right-of-way
- Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries across
- Wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing
Show the answer
Wait for the pedestrian to finish crossing. A green light does not take away a pedestrian's right-of-way in a crosswalk. Wait until the pedestrian has crossed before you go.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)
What must you do for a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk, whether or not it is painted?
- Yield only if the pedestrian started to cross on a walk signal
- Slow down or stop as needed, and never risk hitting them
- Yield only when a traffic officer is directing traffic
Show the answer
Slow down or stop as needed, and never risk hitting them. Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right-of-way. You must slow down or stop if necessary, and always avoid hitting them.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 34)
Traffic is backed up on the far side of an intersection. Your light is green. May you enter the intersection?
- Yes, as long as your light is still green when you enter
- No, you must wait until you can get completely through
- Yes, if you sound your horn before entering
Show the answer
No, you must wait until you can get completely through. Entering an intersection when you cannot get all the way across blocks cross traffic. Wait until traffic ahead clears so you do not cause gridlock.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Right-of-Way (page 35)
An emergency vehicle with flashing red lights and a siren is coming toward you from behind. What must you do?
- Stop right where you are, even in the middle of an intersection
- Speed up and stay ahead of it until it passes
- Pull over to the right edge of the road immediately and stop
Show the answer
Pull over to the right edge of the road immediately and stop. When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction, pull over to the right edge at once and stop. If you are inside an intersection, clear it first, then move to the right edge.
From the handbook: Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns > Emergency Vehicles (page 35)
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