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New York Road Signs

New York Road Signs: DMV Test, $400 Bus Fine & 25 mph in NYC

Does New York require stopping for a school bus on the other side of a divided highway? How many road sign questions must you answer correctly on the NY DMV test? What happens after 3 school bus violations in New York? The NY DMV written test has 20 questions with a sub-requirement: answer 2 of the 4 road sign questions correctly. A 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course is mandatory before the road test. Three school bus violations in three years: minimum 6-month license revocation. Stop fines range from $250 to $400 for a first violation.

Table of Contents

= TABLE OF CONTENTS
  1. 1. Why Road Signs Matter in New York
  2. 2. Road Sign Shapes and Colors in New York
  3. 3. New York Regulatory Signs
  4. 4. New York Warning Signs
  5. 5. Guide Signs and Highways in New York
  6. 6. Traffic Signals in New York
  7. 7. New York Pavement Markings
  8. 8. New York Work Zone Signs
  9. 9. Railroad Crossing Signs in New York
  10. 10. New York School Zone Signs
  11. 11. Pedestrian and Bike Signs in New York
  12. 12. How to Pass the New York Road Sign Test

1. New York 5-Hour Course, 20-Question Test and Why Getting 2 Sign Questions Wrong Means You Fail

New York roads range from Manhattans dense grid and Long Island parkways to the Adirondacks two-lane mountain highways, Buffalo I-90 corridor, and the Southern Tiers rural county roads. Before taking a road test, all NY applicants must complete a state-approved 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course. The NY DMV written test has 20 questions. pass requires 14 correct, but the test also specifically mandates 2 of the 4 road sign questions must be answered correctly. Fail the sign sub-requirement and you fail regardless of your overall score. Take the test online at dmv.ny.gov or at any DMV office.

2. The NY DMV Mandates 2 of 4 Road Sign Questions Correct: Here is Every Shape and Color You Need

New York written test has a built-in sign sub-score: you must get at least 2 of the 4 sign questions right, independently of your overall score. On NYC streets, Long Island parkways, and Adirondack mountain routes, shape and color identify a signs category before the text is readable. Every row in this table is fair game for those 4 questions.

Shape Diagram Meaning Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided) New York octagon road sign shape diagram STOP. always and only New York stop sign octagon red regulatory
Triangle (inverted) New York triangle road sign shape diagram Yield to other traffic New York yield sign triangle give way
Diamond New York diamond road sign shape diagram Warning - hazard ahead New York deer crossing warning sign diamond
Rectangle (vertical) New York rectangle vertical road sign shape diagram Regulatory - rules of the road New York speed limit sign white rectangular regulatory
Rectangle (horizontal) New York rectangle horizontal road sign shape diagram Guide or informational New York highway route marker guide sign green
Pentagon (5-sided) New York pentagon road sign shape diagram School zone or crossing - exclusively New York school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
Round (circle) New York circle road sign shape diagram Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively New York railroad crossing ahead round yellow warning sign
Pennant New York pennant road sign shape diagram No passing zone - exclusively New York no passing zone pennant sign yellow
Orange (any shape) New York orange road sign shape diagram Construction and work zone warnings New York road work ahead orange warning sign construction
Blue (any shape) New York blue road sign shape diagram Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals New York motorist services blue sign hospital
Brown (any shape) New York brown road sign shape diagram Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes New York park recreation brown guide sign

3. New York Regulatory Signs: Point Violations, License Surcharges and What Goes on Your NY DMV Abstract

Regulatory signs carry legal force in New York. violations add points to your DMV driving record and can trigger mandatory insurance surcharges, suspension, or revocation. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are tested on the NY written exam, and disobeying them in a work zone doubles the ticket fine.

New York stop sign octagon red regulatory
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding
New York yield sign triangle give way
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians
New York speed limit sign white rectangular regulatory
Speed Limit Sign
Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions
New York do not enter sign red white regulatory
Do Not Enter Sign
You are going the wrong way; do not proceed
New York wrong way sign red white one way road
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road going against traffic
New York no u-turn sign red circle slash
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
New York no left turn sign red circle slash
No Left Turn Sign
Left turns are not allowed
New York no right turn sign red circle slash
No Right Turn Sign
Right turns are not allowed
New York one way sign black white rectangular
One Way Sign
Traffic moves in one direction only
New York keep right sign white regulatory arrow
Keep Right Sign
Stay to the right of an island or obstruction
New York no passing zone pennant yellow sign
No Passing Zone Sign
Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign
New York do not pass regulatory sign white
Do Not Pass Sign
Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead
New York no turn on red sign regulatory
No Turn on Red Sign
No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection
New York no left turn on red sign regulatory
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Left turn on red is prohibited here
New York no right turn on red sign regulatory
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Right turn on red is prohibited here
New York turn left only sign blue white lane control
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane
New York turn right only sign blue white lane control
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane
New York straight or turn right lane use control sign
Straight or Turn Right Sign
You may go straight or turn right from this lane
New York minimum speed limit sign white rectangular
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed on this road
New York slower traffic keep right sign highway regulatory
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Slower vehicles must use the right lane
New York no parking sign red white
No Parking Sign
Parking is prohibited in this area
New York no trucks sign regulatory
No Trucks Sign
Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road
New York no bicycles sign regulatory
No Bicycles Sign
Bicycles are not permitted on this road
New York no pedestrian crossing sign regulatory
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here
New York reserved parking accessibility handicap sign
Reserved Parking Sign
Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)
New York four way stop sign all way intersection
Four Way Stop Sign
All four directions must stop at this intersection
New York stop except right turn sign regulatory
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
All traffic must stop except those turning right
New York left turn yield on green sign regulatory
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green
New York lane use control sign directional arrow
Lane Use Control Sign
Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane
New York restricted lane ahead sign
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. New York Warning Signs: Adirondack Grades, NYC Pedestrian Crossings, Long Island Interchanges and Deer Country

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on New York roads that means steep grade warnings on Catskill and Adirondack mountain approaches, pedestrian crossing alerts in NYCs dense pedestrian zones, merge and lane-drop warnings on Long Island expressways, and deer crossing signs across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region. Orange marks work zones where speeding fines are doubled. workers do not need to be present for the doubled fine to apply.

New York left curve ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Left Curve
A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed
New York right curve ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Right Curve
A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed
New York sharp left turn warning sign yellow
Sharp Left Turn
A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly
New York sharp right turn warning sign yellow
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly
New York winding road ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Winding Road
Series of curves ahead
New York series of curves left right warning sign yellow
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right
New York series of curves right left warning sign yellow
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left
New York winding road sharp turns left right warning
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right
New York slippery when wet warning sign yellow
Slippery When Wet
Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed
New York deer crossing warning sign diamond yellow
Deer Crossing
Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer are serious hazards across Upstate New York, the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Southern Tier rural highways, especially at dusk and dawn
New York pedestrian crossing warning sign yellow
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic
New York bicycle crossing warning sign yellow
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes
New York school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
School Zone / Crossing
Children may be present. obey the posted school zone speed; U-turns are prohibited in NY school zones; school bus fine is $400-$1,500 with 6-month revocation for 3 violations in 3 years
New York school crossing ahead warning sign pedestrian children
School Crossing Ahead
A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards
New York divided highway begins warning sign
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right
New York divided highway ends warning sign
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes
New York merging traffic ahead warning sign
Merging Traffic
Another lane of traffic is joining yours
New York added lane ahead no yield required sign
Added Lane
A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield
New York lane ends ahead warning sign taper
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane
New York lane ends merge left warning sign
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends. move to the left lane
New York left lane ends warning sign
Left Lane Ends
The left lane ends ahead. merge right
New York road narrows warning sign yellow diamond
Road Narrows
The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert
New York narrow bridge ahead warning sign yellow
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully
New York low clearance warning sign yellow
Low Clearance
Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance
New York railroad crossing sign
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains
New York hill downgrade warning sign steep grade ahead
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes
New York bump ahead warning sign yellow
Bump
A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down
New York dip ahead warning sign yellow
Dip
A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed
New York loose gravel warning sign reduce speed
Loose Gravel
Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance
New York pavement ends warning sign
Pavement Ends
Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface
New York shoulder drop off warning sign
Shoulder Drop Off
Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge
New York watch for ice on bridges warning sign
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather
New York two way traffic ahead warning sign divided ends
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead
New York crossroad intersection ahead warning sign
Cross Road
An intersection with a crossing road is ahead
New York cross traffic warning sign yellow
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield
New York T intersection ahead warning sign
T Intersection
The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right
New York side road intersection warning sign
Side Road
A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle
New York highway intersection ahead warning sign
Highway Intersection Ahead
A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop
New York road entering curve warning sign
Road Entering Curve
A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic
New York roundabout intersection circle yield sign
Roundabout
A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise
New York truck rollover warning sign steep grade
Truck Rollover
High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly
New York weave area sign highway on off ramp
Weave Area
Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging
New York advisory speed sign yellow curve warning
Advisory Speed
Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised
New York traffic signal ahead warning sign
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. New York Guide Signs: I-87 Thruway, I-495 Long Island Expressway, Taconic State Parkway and Every Exit to Albany

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

New York highway route marker guide sign green
Interstate Route Marker
Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-87 NY Thruway, I-90, I-95, I-495 LIE, I-278)
New York US route marker highway sign black white shield
US Route Marker
Marks US highways (e.g., US-9, US-11, US-20 Historic Route, US-17, US-202)
New York state route marker highway sign
State Route Marker
Identifies NY state routes (e.g., NY-17 Southern Tier, NY-28 Adirondacks, NY-9A Taconic, NY-25 Long Island)
New York exit only highway guide sign
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance
New York mile marker highway sign distance
Mile Marker
Indicates distance from the state line or route origin
New York motorist services sign blue
Services Sign
Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities
New York hospital blue guide sign H
Hospital Sign (H)
Indicates direction to the nearest hospital
New York diesel fuel service guide sign blue
Diesel
Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area
New York park recreation brown guide sign
Park / Recreation Sign
Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. New York Traffic Signals: What the 20-Question DMV Written Test Covers and Why NYC Signals Are Different

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The NY DMV written test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. New York City intersections use a combination of signals, pedestrian countdown timers, and turn restrictions that do not appear on suburban roads. know what applies statewide.

Standard Traffic Lights

New York red traffic light stop signal
Steady Red
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.
New York yellow traffic light caution slow signal
Steady Yellow
Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.
New York green traffic light go signal
Steady Green
Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
New York green traffic light green arrow left protected turn
Green Arrow (left)
You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.
New York red traffic light yellow no arrow left caution
Yellow Arrow (no left)
The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.
New York red light green arrow left protected left turn
Red Arrow (no left)
Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.
New York green traffic light no arrow left yield on green
Green. no left arrow
Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.
New York opposing traffic extended green signal sign
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

New York flashing red traffic light stop sign equivalent
Flashing Red
Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
New York flashing yellow traffic light caution yield
Flashing Yellow
Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.
New York flashing red beacon stop sign railroad crossing
Flashing Red Beacon
Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
New York flashing green traffic light proceed signal
Flashing Green Arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

New York pedestrian walk don not walk signal
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.
New York pedestrian walk don not walk signal
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. These are among the 4 road sign and signal questions that NY DMV mandates you answer correctly. know them cold.

7. New York Pavement Markings: Expressway Lane Lines, NYC Bike Lane Rules and the 100-Foot Railroad No-Passing Zone

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The NY DMV written test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the no-passing zone within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road, and NYC-specific bike lane markings that are legally enforceable.

Line Colors

New York solid and broken yellow centerline no passing
Yellow lines
Separate traffic moving in opposite directions
New York solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
White lines
Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

New York single broken yellow center line passing allowed
Broken yellow line (Single)
Passing allowed when safe on your side
New York solid and broken yellow centerline no passing
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Passing allowed only on the broken-line side
New York double solid yellow line no passing both directions
Double solid yellow lines
No passing in either direction
New York solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Broken white line
Lane changes permitted when safe
New York solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Solid white line
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
New York solid double yellow broken white line center
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
New York center turn lane two way left turn marking
Center Turn Lane
Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only
New York center turning lane shared left turn pavement
Center Turning Lane (sign)
Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

New York lane arrows pavement marking direction
Arrows in lane
Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane
New York stop line white pavement marking railroad crossing
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs
New York stop here on red pavement marking white line
Stop Here on Red
Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red
New York crosswalk white lines pedestrian crossing pavement
Crosswalk lines
Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines
New York solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Broken white line (pavement)
Lane changes permitted when safe
New York solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Solid white line (pavement)
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
New York solid double yellow broken white line center
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
New York railroad crossing pavement markings RXR stop line
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing
New York diagonal yellow lines no driving area pavement
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone
New York bicycle lane pavement marking white bike symbol
Bicycle lane marking
White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it
New York carpool HOV lane diamond pavement marking
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours
New York yellow curb loading zone limited stopping
Yellow curb
No parking or stopping at any time
New York red curb no stopping fire lane parking prohibited
Red curb
No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone
New York white curb passenger loading zone
White curb
Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. New York Work Zone Laws: Ticket Fines Double Even When Workers Are Not There: That is a Tested NY Rule

Orange diamond-shaped work zone warning signs appear before every road construction project and work area in New York. NY law explicitly states: when you speed in work zones, ticket fines double. even when the workers or work vehicles are not present. This "not present" clause is unique and tested. Expect to find work zones anywhere, expect sudden lane shifts or closures, and expect workers and vehicles to appear without warning.

New York road work ahead orange warning sign construction zone
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert
New York flagger ahead sign orange construction worker
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately
New York workers ahead orange construction zone warning
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop
New York active work zone sign orange construction
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution
New York end of active work zone sign orange
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume
New York work zone headlights required sign
Work Zone Headlights
Headlights required in this work zone
New York lane ends ahead warning sign taper
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane
New York road closed sign red regulatory
Road Closed
Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs
New York orange traffic barrel cone work zone sign
Orange barrels / cones
Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones
New York channelizing device barricade work zone
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas
  • You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
  • New York work zone speeding fines double. even when workers or work vehicles are not present. This is explicitly stated in the NY Drivers Manual and is a tested fact.
  • Expect work zones anywhere in New York. Traffic lanes can shift or close completely; workers and vehicles can appear in or near your driving lane without warning.
  • Never drive through or around a lane closure barrier. wait for the flagger or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. New York Railroad Crossings: No Passing Within 100 Feet and Why Buses Still Stop When There is No Train

On two-way roads in New York, passing is prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. Buses carrying passengers and trucks with hazardous materials must stop before all crossings even when no train is visible. be prepared for those stops when following these vehicles. Never stop on the tracks; make sure there is room on the far side before crossing.

New York railroad crossing ahead round yellow warning sign
Advance Warning Sign
Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.
New York railroad crossbuck sign X yield to trains
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.
New York railroad crossing sign
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
Marks the exact railroad crossing location
New York railroad crossing gate flashing lights stop
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate
New York railroad crossing pavement markings RXR stop line
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning
New York flashing red traffic light stop sign equivalent
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.
New York stop line white pavement marking railroad crossing
Stop Line
Stop behind this line before the tracks; NY prohibits passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road; buses must stop before all crossings
  • The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a NY railroad crossing. slow down and look both ways.
  • On a two-way road, you may not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. this is a no-passing zone.
  • Never stop on the tracks. Make sure there is room for your vehicle on the far side before beginning to cross.
  • Buses carrying passengers and trucks with hazardous materials must stop at all crossings. even without a visible train. Be ready to stop behind these vehicles.

Key test point: Passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road is illegal in New York. Buses must stop at all crossings regardless of train visibility. Both rules are tested on the NY DMV written exam.

10. New York School Bus Laws: $400-$1,500 Fines, 6-Month Revocation and Stopping Even on a Divided Highway

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark New York school zones. U-turns are prohibited in school zones. When a stopped school bus flashes its red lights, you must stop at least 20 feet away. and this law applies even if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. The fine ranges from $400 minimum for a first violation to $1,500 for three violations in three years, and three violations in three years triggers a minimum 6-month license revocation.

New York school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
School Zone
School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed
New York school zone speed limit sign children present
School Speed Limit
Obey the posted school zone speed; NY school bus stop fine is $400-$1,500; must stop even on the opposite side of a divided highway. unique NY rule
New York speed limit sign flashing lights school zone
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active
New York school crossing ahead warning sign pedestrian children
School Crossing Ahead
Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students
  • U-turns are prohibited in New York school zones. Obey posted school zone speed limits.
  • When a stopped school bus flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction. including in school parking lots. must stop before reaching the bus. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
  • New York requires stopping even if the school bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. This is one of the strictest rules in the nation and is directly tested on the NY DMV exam.
  • Before a school bus stops, the driver flashes warning lights. decrease speed and prepare to stop when you see them.
  • After stopping, you cannot drive again until the red lights stop flashing or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals you to proceed.
  • The fine for passing a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $400 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,500 for three violations in three years. Three violations in three years = license revoked for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Vehicles that transport disabled persons may also be equipped as school buses. you must stop for them as you would for any school bus.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. New York Pedestrian and Bike Signs: NYCs Dense Pedestrian Zones, Protected Bike Lanes and What Drivers Owe Cyclists

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks in New York. marked or unmarked. In New York City and other urban areas, dedicated bike lanes are legally protected and drivers may not block or travel in them. Share the road with cyclists. give them adequate space, especially on narrow streets. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are covered on the NY DMV written exam.

New York pedestrian crossing warning sign yellow
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing
New York bicycle crossing warning sign yellow
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes
New York no bicycles sign regulatory
No Bicycles
Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path
New York no pedestrian crossing sign regulatory
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here
  • Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in New York crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This is especially critical in NYC where pedestrian volume is extremely high at all hours.
  • Protected bike lanes in NYC and across New York State are legally enforced. drivers may not block, park in, or drive in them.
  • Give cyclists adequate room when passing. On narrow NYC streets, wait for a safe gap before overtaking a cyclist.
  • Young cyclists ages 1-13 must wear an approved helmet in New York State. watch for children on bicycles in residential and school areas who may be unpredictable.
  • Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. How to Pass New York DMV Written Test: 20 Questions, a Mandatory Sign Sub-Score and 3 NY-Specific Rules Everyone Misses

  • 20 questions, need 14 correct. but 2 of the 4 sign questions are mandatory. You must answer at least 2 of the 4 road sign questions correctly, independently of your overall score. Fail the sign sub-requirement and you fail the test. Practice sign identification specifically.
  • Complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course first. You cannot take a NY road test until you have your Pre-Licensing Course certificate. Schedule and complete it before booking your road test appointment.
  • NYC speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise. This applies throughout New York Citys five boroughs. Many NYC streets have no posted limit. the default is 25. This is tested.
  • School bus: stop even on a divided highway. Unlike most states, New York requires stopping for a school bus even when it is on the opposite side of a divided highway. Fine: $400-$1,500. Three violations in three years = 6-month minimum revocation. This rule is directly tested.
  • Work zone fines double. workers do not need to be present for the doubled fine to apply. NY explicitly states this. You cannot argue the workers were not there. the doubling applies to the zone itself, not worker presence.
  • No passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road. This is a no-passing zone, not just a caution. it is tested.
  • U-turns prohibited in school zones. New York specifically prohibits U-turns in school zones. this is in addition to the standard school zone speed rules.
  • Default unposted speed limit is 55 mph statewide on most roads; 25 mph in NYC. Some rural interstates are posted at 65 mph. Always look for posted signs.
  • Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. These are among the mandatory sign questions on the NY test.
  • Practice at dmv.ny.gov. The NY DMV website has an online practice quiz for the written test. Use it. the actual test is drawn from the same question bank.

New York DMV Driver License

SOURCE:NEW YORK DMV INSTRUCTION PERMIT
BY SHORO AI TECHNICAL TEAM | REVIEWED BY A USA CERTIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
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New york DMV Questions? Get Official Answers Instantly

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Accurate official answers for your New york DMV journey — no outdated info.

Uses official New york DMV data only
Built for permit test accuracy
Explains rules in plain language
Powered only by official DMV sources — no guesswork, no outdated info
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Learners Who Passed with Shoro

★★★★★

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New Driver

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Permit Holder

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G2 Candidate

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