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New York Driver License Class D/DJ/E Knowledge Test Practice Test

The New York Class D/DJ/E knowledge test covers rules and judgment needed to operate a passenger vehicle safely on public roads. Practice subjects include lane changes, warning signs, speed selection for curves, following distance around motorcycles, alcohol and fatigue risks, and safe conduct near parked vehicles, tunnels, hills, and braking problems.

Exam overview

Exam providerNew York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Exam codeNot listed
CategoryDriver Licensing

About the New York Driver License Class D/DJ/E Knowledge Test Exam

Safe driving depends on noticing hazards early and choosing a response that preserves space and control. Lane changes call for checking traffic around the vehicle before moving; curve warnings call for adjusting speed before entering the bend. Motorcycles need extra following distance on loose surfaces because gravel can reduce traction. Drivers also need to recognize how alcohol and drowsiness impair attention and reaction time, and to use safer alternatives rather than continue driving. Other situations involve reducing tunnel risks, preventing rollback when starting uphill in traffic, and responding to a brake pedal that feels abnormal. These decisions connect traffic awareness with vehicle control: identify the hazard, avoid abrupt maneuvers, and make adjustments before the situation becomes harder to manage.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

Before changing lanes, what should a driver do?

  1. ASignal, check mirrors, and look over the shoulder for a vehicle in the blind spot
  2. BSignal and move immediately because signaling gives the right of way
  3. CCheck the rearview mirror only
  4. DSlow to a stop in the current lane before moving
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A signal communicates your intention but does not make the lane clear. Check mirrors and the blind spot, then move only when there is adequate space.

Question 2

A driver sees an orange sign with a black arrow showing a sharp curve ahead. What is the best response?

  1. AMaintain speed because orange signs provide information only.
  2. BSlow as appropriate and follow the indicated route carefully.
  3. CStop immediately in the travel lane.
  4. DAccelerate before reaching the curve.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Orange signs commonly warn of temporary traffic conditions, such as work-zone routing or hazards. A driver should respond to the specific message, adjust speed as needed, and follow the indicated path.

Question 3

You are driving behind a motorcycle on a road with loose gravel. What is a safe adjustment?

  1. AFollow closely so other vehicles cannot enter the gap
  2. BIncrease following distance because the rider may need extra room to maneuver
  3. CDrive beside the motorcycle in the same lane
  4. DUse high beams to make the rider move aside
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Motorcycles can be more affected by loose surfaces and may need room to respond. Extra space gives both road users more time and room to react.

Question 4

A driver is approaching a sharp curve on a dry road. When is it generally best to reduce speed?

  1. ABefore entering the curve.
  2. BOnly after the vehicle begins to skid.
  3. CAt the midpoint of the curve by braking hard.
  4. DAfter leaving the curve.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Slowing before a curve helps maintain control. Abrupt braking or sudden steering while already turning can upset the vehicle's balance and make loss of control more likely.

Question 5

Before opening a vehicle door on the traffic side after parking, what should the occupant do?

  1. AOpen it quickly so approaching drivers can react
  2. BCheck for approaching traffic, bicyclists, and other road users
  3. CTurn on the hazard lights and open it without looking
  4. DAsk another occupant to sound the horn
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Check mirrors and look directly for traffic and other road users before opening a door. Open it only when there is a safe gap.

Question 6

Why is it unsafe to drive after drinking alcohol, even if you feel capable of driving?

  1. AAlcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time before a driver notices it
  2. BAlcohol affects only vision, not driving decisions
  3. CCoffee reliably removes alcohol’s effects
  4. DA short trip is safe if the driver stays below the speed limit
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Alcohol can impair skills essential to safe driving, including judgment and reaction time. Feeling normal does not reliably show that impairment is absent; the safest choice is not to drive after drinking.

Question 7

A driver is becoming drowsy on a long trip. Which response is safest?

  1. AOpen a window and continue at the same speed
  2. BTurn up the radio and drive faster to arrive sooner
  3. CStop in a safe place and rest before continuing
  4. DFollow another vehicle closely to stay alert
Show answerCorrect answer: C

Drowsiness impairs attention and reaction time. Pull over somewhere safe and rest; measures such as fresh air or loud music are not reliable substitutes.

How to use this practice test

The free practice bank contains 50 questions, with up to 20 random questions in a session. Answer each scenario as if you were driving, then use the results shown at the end to identify missed decisions, such as when to slow down or how to respond to a vehicle-control problem.

Preparation tips

  • For lane-change scenarios, practice checking mirrors and blind spots and judging whether there is enough space before moving.
  • Compare when to reduce speed before a curve with how to respond to an orange warning sign; avoid waiting until you are already in the turn.
  • Review how extra space helps when following a motorcycle on loose gravel, and how abrupt braking or steering can increase risk.
  • For alcohol and drowsiness questions, distinguish impaired driving from the safer choice to stop driving and arrange another option or rest.
  • Practice emergency responses for a soft brake pedal and uphill starts, focusing on maintaining control and preventing vehicle movement.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗