New York DMV Handbook (2026)
Handbook
1. Driver Basics
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Under 18: need a learner’s permit before a license.
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Must complete supervised driving hours (50 total; 15 at night) and a pre-licensing course or driver’s ed.
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Junior license restrictions:
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No driving 9 PM–5 AM without adult.
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Passenger limits (no more than 1 under 21, unless family).
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Always carry license + insurance while driving.
2. Speed Limits
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55 mph = maximum on most NY highways (unless posted otherwise).
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65 mph = some posted rural interstate/highway sections.
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30 mph = business/residential districts (unless posted).
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15 mph = school zones when lights flashing.
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Always follow work zone signs; fines are doubled in work zones.
3. Signs, Signals, Markings
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Red = Stop.
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Yellow = Slow down, prepare to stop.
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Green = Go if safe.
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Flashing red = Stop (like stop sign).
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Flashing yellow = Proceed with caution.
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Solid yellow lines = no passing.
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Broken yellow lines = passing allowed if safe.
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Double solid white = no lane change.
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Arrows on pavement = must follow direction.
4. Right of Way
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Pedestrians in crosswalks always first.
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At 4-way stops: first come, first go; tie → yield to the right.
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Emergency vehicles with lights/sirens: pull over right + stop.
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School buses with flashing red lights: stop both directions until lights stop, even on divided highways (unless separated by barrier).
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Yield to blind pedestrians (white cane or guide dog).
5. Turns & Lane Use
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Right on red: allowed after full stop, unless sign says “No Turn on Red.”
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Left turns: yield to oncoming traffic/pedestrians.
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U-turns: not legal in business districts or near hills/curves with poor visibility.
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Bike lanes: don’t drive/park in them; only enter briefly to turn.
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Roundabouts/traffic circles: yield to traffic already inside.
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Move Over Law: slow down and move lanes for stopped emergency or service vehicles with lights flashing.
6. Parking Rules
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Park within 12 inches of curb.
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Illegal to park:
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In front of fire hydrant (15 ft).
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In crosswalk, on sidewalks, or in intersections.
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On bridges, tunnels, or highways.
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School bus zones: no standing/parking during posted hours.
7. Vehicle Equipment
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Must have: working brakes, headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, horn, wipers, tires.
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Inspection sticker required (annual safety/emissions inspection).
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No heavily tinted front windows.
8. Safety Must-Knows
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Seat belts: driver and all passengers (primary law).
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Child seats:
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Under 2 → rear-facing.
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Under 4 → child safety seat.
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Up to 8 → booster seat.
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Headlights: use half-hour after sunset to half-hour before sunrise, or anytime wipers are on.
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Phones: handheld phone use and texting = illegal.
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3-second following distance minimum.
9. Sharing the Road
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Bicycles: same rights as vehicles; give 3 ft clearance when passing.
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Motorcycles: full lane; check blind spots.
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Trucks/buses: allow extra stopping room, don’t cut in.
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School zones: extra caution when children present.
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Snowplows/slow vehicles: don’t tailgate, give space.
10. Alcohol & Drugs
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BAC limits:
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0.08% = 21+ DWI.
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0.05–0.07% = DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired).
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0.04% = commercial drivers.
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0.02% = under 21 (Zero Tolerance).
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Open container: not allowed in vehicle.
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DUI penalties: fines, license suspension/revocation, possible jail.
11. Defensive Driving & Emergencies
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Skids: steer in direction you want front wheels to go.
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Hydroplaning: ease off gas, don’t brake suddenly.
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Tire blowout: hold wheel, slow down gradually.
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Accident: stop, give info, help injured, report if injury/death/property damage over $1000.
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Work zones: slow down, obey flaggers; fines doubled, license points added.
12. Driving Environment
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Highways/Expressways:
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Enter: match speed on ramp, merge safely.
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Exit: signal early, reduce speed in exit lane.
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Winter driving: clear snow/ice off car, drive slower, increase distance.
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Fog: low beams only.
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Mountains/hills: use lower gears when descending.
13. Test-Day Reminders
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Make complete stops at stop signs.
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Yield to pedestrians always.
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Don’t block crosswalks or intersections.
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Signal 100 ft before turns/lane changes.
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Parallel parking is on the test → practice it.