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New York permit test: road signs and signals 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 road signs and signals questions

What is the normal shape and color of a warning sign?

  1. A white rectangle with red letters
  2. An orange circle with black letters
  3. A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols
Show the answer

A yellow diamond with black letters or symbols. Signs that alert you to a hazard or a special rule ahead are diamond-shaped and yellow.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

What shape and color are most regulation signs?

  1. White rectangles with black letters or symbols
  2. Yellow diamonds with black symbols
  3. Blue rectangles with white letters
Show the answer

White rectangles with black letters or symbols. Signs that state traffic rules are normally white rectangles, though a few take other shapes or use red.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

What does a green sign with white letters indicate?

  1. Directions and distances to locations
  2. Road work ahead
  3. Services like gas and rest areas
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Directions and distances to locations. Destination signs are green. They show where you are going and how far away it is.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

A blue sign with white letters marks what kind of information?

  1. The posted speed limit for trucks and buses on that road
  2. Locations of services like rest areas and gas stations
  3. Mileage to the next state line or county border
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Locations of services like rest areas and gas stations. Service signs are blue with white letters. They point out services along the road, such as rest stops, fuel, campsites and medical care.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

A regulation sign shows a red circle with a slash across a symbol. What does that mean?

  1. The action shown is not allowed
  2. The road ahead is closed
  3. Only emergency vehicles may pass
Show the answer

The action shown is not allowed. A red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol means that action, such as a right turn, is prohibited.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs > Other Regulation Signs (page 29)

Must you always come to a complete stop at a YIELD sign?

  1. Yes, every time you reach one
  2. No, only when traffic conditions require it
  3. No, a YIELD sign never requires a stop
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No, only when traffic conditions require it. At a YIELD sign you slow down and prepare to stop. A full stop is required only when traffic makes it necessary.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 29)

At a STOP sign with no stop line and no crosswalk, where must you stop?

  1. In the middle of the intersection, where you can see best in every direction
  2. Just before the intersection, where you can see cross traffic
  3. Anywhere within 100 feet of the sign, as long as you stop fully
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Just before the intersection, where you can see cross traffic. Stop at the stop line if there is one, otherwise before the crosswalk. With neither, stop before entering the intersection, at the spot closest to it that lets you see traffic on the cross road.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs > Stop Sign (page 29)

What do orange work area signs tell you?

  1. A rest area is one mile ahead on the right
  2. The expressway ends ahead
  3. Workers are on or near the road ahead
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Workers are on or near the road ahead. Orange signs mark road work. Slow down and be ready for people, equipment and a flag person controlling traffic.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs > Work Area Signs (page 30)

A yellow and black speed sign hangs with a warning sign. What does it tell you?

  1. The maximum legal speed for all vehicles
  2. A speed that is advised for that area
  3. The minimum speed required on that stretch
Show the answer

A speed that is advised for that area. A yellow and black recommended-speed sign next to a warning sign means a lower speed is advised there.

From the handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Control > Signs (page 30)

You come to an X-shaped sign that says RAILROAD CROSSING, with no lights or gates. What does it require?

  1. Yield, and look and listen for trains before you cross
  2. Nothing, unless a train is already in the crossing at that moment
  3. Stop for at least one minute every time
Show the answer

Yield, and look and listen for trains before you cross. This crossbuck sign marks a crossing where you must yield to trains. Look and listen in both directions, and do not cross if a train is close enough or fast enough to be a danger.

From the handbook: Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions > Railroad Crossings (page 61)

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