New York Road Signs: DMV Test, School Bus Rules & 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. Before the road test, new drivers must complete either the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course or an approved high school or college Driver Education Course. Three school bus violations in three years: minimum 6-month license revocation. Stop fines range from $250 to $400 for a first violation.

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, new drivers must complete an approved safe-driving course: either the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course or a New York State-approved high school or college Driver Education 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. Class D knowledge tests are offered at DMV locations, and eligible students may also take the written test through the DMV Online Knowledge Test Application at participating high schools.

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. Study the sign shapes, colors, and meanings shown below for the road-sign portion of the test.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory information or instruction; follow the posted traffic rule or restriction
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. New York Regulatory Signs: Point Violations and What Goes on Your NY DMV Record

Regulatory signs carry legal force in New York. Some violations add points to your DMV driving record and can contribute to suspension or a Driver Responsibility Assessment. White rectangular signs and other regulatory signs are covered in the NY DMV manual, and speeding in a work zone carries doubled fines.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

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.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

High rollover risk for trucks on this curve or ramp; reduce speed

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready 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.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

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

What does a flashing yellow light mean in New York? Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = drive with caution. The NY DMV written-test material covers steady, arrow, flashing, pedestrian, and lane-use control signals. In New York City, turning on red is prohibited unless a sign specifically permits it.

If a New York traffic signal is out of service or does not operate correctly, stop as you would for a STOP sign, then proceed according to right-of-way rules unless a traffic officer directs otherwise.

New York lane-use control signals: a steady red X means do not drive in the lane; a steady yellow X means move from the lane; a flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for a left turn; and a green arrow means the lane may be used.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop; after a full stop and yielding, right on red and a one-way-to-one-way left on red may be allowed unless prohibited; in New York City, no turn on red unless a sign permits it

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed in the arrow direction, yielding the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law

Yellow Arrow

The protection of the green arrow is ending; if turning in the arrow direction, be prepared to stop

Red Arrow

Do not go in the arrow direction until the red arrow is off and a green light or arrow appears; no right or left turn on red is permitted at a red arrow

Circular Green (no arrow)

Go or turn as permitted; a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians unless the turn is prohibited

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red means stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow means drive with caution. The written test has four road-sign questions and requires at least two correct; traffic signals are separately covered in the DMV traffic-control material.

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

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. The NY DMV written-test material covers lane lines, road arrows, stop and crosswalk lines, and reserved-lane diamond symbols. New York also prohibits passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road, and DMV material covers dedicated bicycle-lane markings and bike boxes.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; a solid yellow line on your side prohibits passing

White lines

White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction; solid white edge lines mark the roadway edge

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when safe; from the solid-line side, do not pass or cross except to make a permitted left turn into a driveway

Double solid yellow lines

Do not pass or change lanes across double solid lines; they may be crossed to make a permitted left turn to enter or leave the highway

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

A single solid lane line may be crossed only when obstructions or traffic conditions make it necessary; a solid edge line marks the roadway edge and generally may not be crossed

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Yield to pedestrians who are legally using the crosswalk; if a stop is required and no stop line is present, stop before the crosswalk

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

A single solid lane line may be crossed only when obstructions or traffic conditions make it necessary; a solid edge line marks the roadway edge and generally may not be crossed

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Marks a dedicated bicycle space; drivers are prohibited from operating in these dedicated spaces

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Reserved-lane symbol; use the lane only if your vehicle meets the occupancy or other requirements shown on signs

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. White is also used for edge lines, stop lines, and crosswalk markings.

8. New York Work Zone Laws: Ticket Fines Double Even When Workers Are Not There

Orange diamond-shaped work-zone warning signs are often placed before road construction projects and other work areas in New York. The NY DMV manual states that when you speed in work zones, ticket fines double even when workers or work vehicles are not present. Expect lane shifts, closures, flaggers, and workers or work vehicles near the travel lane.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• 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. The current NY DMV point schedule assigns 8 points to speeding in a work zone.
• 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 work-area signs warn that people may be working on or near the roadway. Reduce speed and obey flaggers and temporary traffic controls.

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. School buses with or without passengers, other buses carrying passengers, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable cargo must stop at railroad crossings. Never enter the tracks unless there is enough room for your entire vehicle on the far side.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop.
• 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.
• School buses with or without passengers, other buses carrying passengers, and vehicles carrying explosives or flammable cargo must stop at railroad crossings. Be prepared to stop if you are following one of these vehicles.

Key test point: Passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road is prohibited. School buses must stop at railroad crossings even without passengers, and other buses carrying passengers must also stop.

10. New York School Bus Laws: $250-$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. For an operator conviction, the fine is $250-$400 for a first violation, $600-$750 for a second violation within three years, and $750-$1,500 for a third or subsequent violation within three years. The current NY DMV point schedule assigns 8 points for passing a stopped school bus, and three convictions in three years triggers a minimum 6-month license revocation.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• 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.
• 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 bus starts moving again or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals you to proceed.
• Operator conviction fines are $250-$400 for a first violation, $600-$750 for a second violation within three years, and $750-$1,500 for a third or subsequent violation within three years. The current DMV point schedule assigns 8 points for passing a stopped school bus. Three convictions in three years = license revoked for a minimum of 6 months.
• New York school bus camera tickets are separate owner-liability penalties: $250 for a first violation, $275 for a second within 18 months, and $300 for a third or subsequent violation within 18 months. Camera owner liability is not an operator conviction and is not added to the owner's driving record.
• 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 who are legally crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks in New York have the right-of-way; drivers must slow or stop when necessary. NY DMV guidance also tells drivers not to operate in dedicated bicycle spaces and to give bicyclists extra room when passing. New York uses fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds for school signs and for designated pedestrian-crossing signs.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; slow down and yield to pedestrians who are legally using the crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists may cross here; slow down, watch for bicycles, and yield when required

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Pedestrians who are legally crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right-of-way. Drivers must decrease speed or stop when necessary.
• NY DMV guidance says drivers are prohibited from operating in dedicated bicycle spaces such as bicycle lanes, bike boxes, and two-way cycle tracks.
• When overtaking a bicyclist from behind, New York law requires passing on the left at a safe distance until the bicycle has been cleared.
• Bicyclists and bicycle passengers ages 1-13 must wear an approved helmet in New York State.
• NYSDOT uses fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds for all school signs and for designated pedestrian-crossing signs; bicycle and pedestrian warning sign colors are coordinated under New York traffic-control standards.

Key test point: Pedestrians who legally use marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right-of-way. Drivers must slow down or stop when necessary, and must never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian.

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 required safe-driving course before scheduling the road test. New drivers can satisfy the requirement with the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course or an approved high school or college Driver Education Course.
• NYC speed limit is 25 mph unless another limit is posted.
• School bus: stop even on a divided highway. New York requires stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights even when it is on the opposite side of a divided highway. Operator fines range from $250-$1,500 depending on prior violations, and three convictions in three years = a 6-month minimum revocation.
• Work zone speeding fines double even when workers or work vehicles are not present.
• No passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way road.
• 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.
• If no speed limit is posted, drive no more than 55 mph, while some cities have lower limits that are not always posted; New York City is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. Some rural expressways are posted at 65 mph.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, yield, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = drive with caution. Traffic-signal rules are part of the DMV traffic-control material.
• Practice at dmv.ny.gov. The NY DMV manual includes chapter quizzes and a Road Signs Quiz, and DMV states that its interactive quizzes include actual test questions.