how to drive

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how to drive

a how-to guide for new drivers

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how to driveA how-to guide for new drivers

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contents

intro

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driver’s license

Types Of LicensesApplying For Your First LicenseSchedule Your Road TestLearner Permit And Junior Restrictions

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keeping your license

Special Rules For Drivers With Jr. PermitsProbation Period For New Licensed DriversIf You Receive A Traffic TicketTraffic Tickets Received Out Of StateMandatory Suspension Or RevocationDriving While Suspended Or RevokedThe Point System

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owning a vehicle

Registration And TitleRegistration RenewalResident And Non-Resident ResponsibilityInspection

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traffic control

SignsTraffic SignalsPavement MarkingsTraffic Officers

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intersections and turns

Right-Of-WayEmergency VehiclesBlue, Green And Amber LightsTurnsU-Turns

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passing

Passing On The LeftPassing On The RightBeing PassedSchool Buses

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parallel parking

How To ParkParking On A HillPulling Out From Parallel ParkingParking RegulationsReserved Parking For The Disabled

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defensive driving

Be Prepared And Look AheadAggressive Drivers And Road RageSpeedAllowing Yourself SpaceSeat Belts, Child Safety Seats And Air BagsDriving Safely In Work ZonesDriving Through A RoundaboutDrowsy And Fatigued DrivingUsing A Cellular Or Mobile TelephoneVehicle Condition

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alcohol and other drugs

What Alcohol DoesOther DrugsAlcohol, Other Drugs And The LawYour BAC

The Consequences

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special driving situations

Expressway DrivingNight DrivingDriving In The Rain, Fog, Or SnowWinter DrivingDriving Emergencies

DMV Consumer DirectoryState DMV OfficesCounty DMV OfficesDMV Call CentersImportant DMV Addresses And Numbers

introduction

Congratulations! You are finally old enough to experience the awesome privilege that is driv-ing. As you know, there is a lot to learn before you can go out on the road. This workbook is meant to be a resource to you to learn the rules, figure out the basics and practice for the real thing.

Study this manual very carefully. It is a big responsibility to be a vehicle owner and driver, but you’ll be able to handle it! With this book you will be a well- equipped, prepared candidate for your official New York State drivers license!

Good luck!

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name

phone number

e-mail

address

address

test date

test date

goals & notes

91information for drivers & vehicle owners

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Rule number one: in order to drive in New York State, you must have a valid driver license. You’ll figure out how to do that throughout this workbook. (Valid

driver’s licenses from other states

are legal as long as the driver is 16 or

older.) There are lots of different kinds of licenses, but what you are looking for is most likely a junior license. It’s still a good idea to get an idea of the other types of people you’ll be sharing the road with.

types of licenses

driver licenses

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1 operator, class dAllows you to drive a vehicle that weighs 26,000 lbs or less. Also allows you to operate Class B and C mopeds. Minimum age is 18, 17 with Drivers Ed.

5 motorcycle, class mAllows you to drive motorcycles and mopeds. Minimum age is 18, 17 with Drivers Ed.

7 recreational vehicle This, in addition to a Class C, Class E or Class C license allows the operation of a recreational vehicle that weighs over 26,000 lbs.

6 limited jr motorcycle, class mjAllows you to drive the same vehicles as a Class M li-cense with certain restrictions. Minimum age is 16.

4 taxi/livery, class eAllows you to drive the same vehicles as Class D, plus carry up to 14 passengers. Minimum age is 18.

2 limited junior operator, class djAllows you to drive the same vehicles as Class D but with certain restrictions. Minimum age is 16.

3 non-cdl, class cAllows you to drive certain vehicles with tow supple-ments, up to 26,000 lbs. Minimum age is 18.

In order to obtain your learner’s permit, there are two tests you must take. The first is the vision

test. This can be taken at your doctor’s office or at the DMV. In order to pass the vision test, you must prove to have 20/40 vision or better– without corrective lenses– in at least one eye.

The second test is the written

knowledge test. This tests you on the rules of the road, safe driving techniques, road signs and their meanings, and the laws about the use of alcohol and drugs while driving. To pass the written test you must answer at least fourteen out of the twenty questions correctly. At least two of the four road sign questions must be asked correctly. You can practice for the written test by answering the questions in this book, reviewing the official New York State Driver’s Manual, and by taking practice quizzes on line at the DMV Internet Office.

If you wish to, students who are at least fifteen years old can take the written test online through the DMV Online Knowledge

Test Application (OKTA). This is offered at participating high schools using a personal com-puter and a staff person to moni-tor the test. If you pass the OKTA successfully you will receive a receipt and the required forms to apply for a permit as soon as you become sixteen! The test can be retaken as much as needed.

applying for your learner’s permit

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1st test you must pass

2nd test you must pass

vision required to pass the test

# of questions correct to pass written test

# of road sign questions correct to pass

min. age to get your permit

min. age to take the okta

notes

applying for your license

mv-44 form application & license fees

proof of age

proof of age & identity

vision test written test5-hour training course or driver’s ed

20 hours of supervised driving

proof of name

NEW YORK STATE

STATE OF NEW YORK

BIRTH CERTIFICATEZoë Scharf

WRITTEN TEST

1 2 3 4 5 6

SOCIAL SECURITY

012·34·567ZOË SCHARF

$ $$ $

APPLY FOR ALICENSE

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6 points

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proof of identity and age

You must provide your social security card to prove your name and age. All proofs must be in English or include a certified English translation.

proof of age

In order to prove your date of birth specifically, you must provide an original or a copy of the following:

Birth Certificate Certificate of Birth Registration Tribe Identification plus a Canadian Birth Certificate U.S. Military Photo I.D. Card U.S. Passport Foreign Passport Certification of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization

proof of name

This step is slightly more complicated. It is based on a point system. In order to successfully complete this step, you will need at least 6 points of the following item(s):

New York State Driver’s License/ Permit/ I.D. Card

Statement of Identity by parents (form MV-45) Valid U.S. Passport

Foreign Passport in English or translation, with U.S. Visa U.S. Military Photo I.D. Card

Photo Driver License from another U.S. State U.S. Military Dependant Photo I.D. Card U.S. Social Security Card U.S. High School I.D. Card with Report Card U.S. College I.D. with Photo and Transcript

Valid U.S. major Credit Card, ATM Card or Canceled Check U.S. Health Insurance Card U.S. High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Any combination of these forms is acceptable. If you have an item for another reason (proof of age or identity) the item can count for both. This list is most common forms, for a complete list check online.

There are three ways to schedule your Road Test. You will probably schedule your test about 3-4 weeks beforehand.

The first way is by telephone. The number to do this is 1-800-402-2100. At this time you must have your Pre-licensing

Course Certificate Completion Cer-

tificate or your Driver’s Education

Student Certificate of Completion

before you schedule your ap-pointment.

You may also schedule your appointment through the DMV

Internet Office, with the URL

www.nysdmv.com/road test.

Lastly, they can schedule their appointment in person or through the postal service.You’ll bring your own vehicle that is properly registered, inspected, insured and equipped. The DMV

does have the right to cancel a test due to poor weather so be prepared to check the weather!

Come with a licensed supervis-ing driver and remember, if you pass your Road Test during your first six valid months of having your permit, you will be issued a Junior License. This means there will be certain restrictions. For details about the restrictions, go to page 20.

schedule your road test

it’s go time

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signatureYou may be asked to provide a sig-nature at times to make sure the ID is a match.

id numberYou may need this to fill out certain forms and papers.

NEW YORK STATEDRIVER LICENSEID: 012 345 678 CLASS D12 KIMBERLY COURTDOB: 12-16-89

classThis indicates what your driving privi-ledges are. Most common D, DJ.

expirationIndicates when the ID will no longer be valid and you will need to go to the DMV to update it.

SEX: F EYES: BR HT: 5-04E: NONER: NONEISSUED: 01-07-11 EXPIRES: 10-01-16

day careThis applies to travel to and from a child’s daycare if the child’s at-tendance is necessary for a family member to maintain employment and/or attend a school course.

properly licensedThis means that the supervising driver has a license valid for driving the type of vehicle being driven by the learner or junior driver.

in loco parentsA person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of parent and is discharging parental duties as a result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.

employmentA place of business at which you are paid to work on a regularly scheduled basis. You may NOT drive during work or part of your work duties, such as deliveries.

medical appointmentMedical treatment necessary for you or a member of your household.

guardian A person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of parent and is discharging parental duties as a result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.

school courseInstruction, education or training that is licensed or approved by a state agency or department. This doesn’t include extracurricular activities, sports, or social events for which no credits are given.

work study programA state-approved cooperative work-study program. For example, a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) course for which academic credit is granted for work experience.

learner permit & junior operator restrictions

As long as you are under Eighteen, there are certain restrictions you might have to follow as a new driver. These restrictions range based on location, time of day, and type of current license. Here is a list of restriction definitions you might hear or see:

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general rules for drivers with learner permits

No matter what age, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive:

Without being accompanied by a supervising driver of at least 21 years with a valid license. In Long Island and New York City this must be a parent, a guardian, or a driving instructor. In a DMV road test area. On any street within a park in New York City, or in any jurisdiction

of the Tribourough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic

State parkways in Westchester County.

drivers from outside of new york state

If you are under Eighteen and hold a learner permit, junior permit or junior driver license from outside New York State, you must obey the rules in this publication as well as those from your home state. If you are under Sixteen, you cannot drive in New York State, even if you are licensed out of the state.

driving with a junior permit or junior license

You may not drive with more than two passengers under the age of Twenty-One unless they are your immediate family or if you are accompanied by a parent, guardian, person “in loco parentis,” driver’s education teacher or driving school instructor.

You and each passenger must wear a seat belt: one per person. Every child must use a proper child restraint.

If you hold a junior permit or a limited junior license, the only passenger allowed in the front seat is your accompanying driver.

driving alone with a (limited) junior license

If you hold a Junior License in the counties of Nassau or Suffolk, or a Limited Junior License in the upstate counties (except Westchester, Rockland and Putnam): You may drive alone between home and your employment, including farm work, if you carry the appropriate proof of employment. To drive between home and school or a work-study pro-

gram, you must carry proof of enrollment (must be dated and signed by a school official and must include address, telephone number, your name, date of birth, license identification number, and hours and days of enrollment). In upstate counties only (except the ones mentioned above), you may drive with an appropriate letter to/from medical

examinations and daycare.

for a junior permit

regional restrictions

You may drive only under the im-mediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person “in loco paren-tis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven. The vehicle must have dual brakes.

You may drive only under the im-mediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person “in loco paren-tis,” driving teacher or instructor, or anyone who has been designated in writing . This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven. The vehicle must have dual brakes.

You may drive only under the im-mediate supervision of a person who is age 21 or older and has a license valid for the vehicle being driven.

You may drive only under the im-mediate supervision of your parent, guardian, person “in loco paren-tis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

5 AM - 9 PM

9 PM - 5 AM

new york city (5 boroughs) long island & westchester upstate new york

NO driving.

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for a limited junior license

for a junior license

5 AM - 9 PM

NO Driving alone.You may drive under the immediate supervision of your parent, guard-ian, person “in loco parentis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven. The vehicle must have dual brakes.

NO Driving alone.You may drive under the immediate supervision of your parent, guard-ian, person “in loco parentis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

You may drive alone for:1. School Course or activity 2. Employment 3. Medical appointment 4. Daycare for immediate family All other driving must be under the supervision of a person who is at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

5 AM - 9 PM

You may drive alone only directly between your home and employ-ment, a work-study program, a school course, or for a driver education course. You may drive otherwise when accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, person “in loco parentis” or driving instructor/ teacher.

You may drive without being accompanied.

9 PM - 5 AM

9 PM - 5 AM

You must NOT drive alone.You may drive under the supervi-sion of your parent, guardian, person “in loco parentis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven. The vehicle must have dual brakes.

You must NOT drive alone.You may drive under the immediate supervision of your parent, guard-ian, person “in loco parentis,” driving teacher or instructor. This person must be at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

You may drive alone only directly between your home and a work-study program, a school course, or for a driver education course.

You may drive alone for:1. School Course or activity 2. Employment 3. Medical appointment All other driving must be under the supervision of a person who is at least 21 and has a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

You may drive alone only directly between your home and employ-ment, a work-study program, a school course. You may drive otherwise when accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, person “in loco parentis” or driving instructor/ teacher.

new york city (5 Boroughs) long island & westchester upstate new york

new york city (5 Boroughs) long island & westchester upstate new york

NO driving

If you commit a serious traffic violation or several violations that are less serious, you may lose your driving privilege through suspension or revocation.Suspension: means your license is taken away for a period of time before it is returned. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to pay a suspen-sion fee.Revocation: means your license is cancelled. To get it back, you’ll have to re-apply to the DMV after the revocation period is over.

Driving Privileges: means the courtesy extended to out-of-state drivers, allowing them to drive in New York State. Compliance: begins when you turn in your driver license to a court or to the DMV. You may not drive once a suspension or revo-cation is ordered, and the credit for the period does not begin until you turn in your license.

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keeping your license

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special rules for drivers with junior permits & licenses

As a new driver, you have to be aware that you will be punished more harshly for your mistakes. For example, your permit, license or privi-leges may be suspended for 60 days if you are convicted of a serious traffic violation or two other violations.

In addition, your permit, license or privileges will be revoked for 60 days if you are convicted of a serious violation , or 2 other violations within the first six months after you receive your license or privileges back following suspension or revocation.

A junior license will automatically turn into a full junior license

upon passage of six months of combined learner permit and

limited license time, excluding any time under suspension or revo-

cation. You can do it!

probation period for all other new license drivers

If you are age 18 or older when you pass the road test for a driver license, or obtain a license following revocation, you will be on probation for 6 months. Any convictions during this time will result in your license be-ing revoked for 60 days.

if you receive a traffic ticket

Don’t freak out! This happens to the best of us. Proceed calmly and take the actions necessary to adhere to the ticket and learn from your mistake! Do not delay– follow the instructions on the ticket for the plea you wish to make. Your driver license will be suspended indefinitely if you do not answer the ticket in the time allowed and you might be asked to pay a fine. If you do not respond to the ticket, you can be found guilty by default conviction, resulting in a suspended license and a fine.

traffic tickets received out of state

The New York State DMV does not record convictions of moving traf-

fic violations in other states except in Ontario and Quebec. However, failing to answer a ticket will cause your license to be suspended in all states besides Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon or Michi-gan. The license will be revoked until you answer the ticket.

If you are over 21 years old and convicted of any alcohol or drug-related driving violation in another state, your license will be revoked for at least 90 days. If you are under 21 years old and convicted of any alcohol or drug-related driving violation in another state, your license will be revoked for at least 1 year,

Your driver license or privileges can be suspended or revoked for many reasons. The following revocations and suspensions are required by law:

alcohol and drug violations

Aggravated driving while intoxicated with .18 of 1 percent BAC minimum one-year revocation

Driving while intoxicated with .08 of 1 percent BAC minimum six-month revocation

Driving while ability impaired by alcohol ninety-day suspension

Driving while ability impaired by drugs minimum six-month suspension

Driving under the influence or alcohol or drugs out-of-state minimum ninety-day to six-month revocation, depending

chemical test refusals

Chemical test refusal, drivers over age 21 minimum one-year revocation

Chemical test refusal, over 21, ≤ 5 years after previous violation minimum eighteen-month revocation

Chemical test refusal, drivers under age 21, first time minimum one-year revocation

Chemical test refusal, drivers under age 21, second time minimum revocation until age 21, or one year, whichever is longer

Zero Tolerance test refusal minimum one-year revocation

mandatory suspension or revocation

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drivers under age 21

If you are under age 21 when arrested, conviction for any of the alcohol or drug related violations listed will result in a minimum one-year revo-cation. A second violation while under 21 requires a revocation for one year or until you reach age 21, whichever is longer. These penalties apply even if you are adjudicated as a youthful offender.

Under the state’s “Zero Tolerance Law,” a driver under 21 will have his or her license suspended for six months if found to have a BAC from .02 to .07. This kind of level could occur with as little as one drink. For a second Zero Tolerance violation, the license will be revoked for one year or until the driver turns 21, whichever is longer.

speeding and other violations

Your license will be revoked for at least 6 months if you are guilty of: Three speeding and/or traffic violations within 18 months (based

on date of violation, not on date of conviction) Three “passed a stopped school bus” violations within three years One violation of “leaving the scene of an injury or fatal accident” One “participating in a speeding contest” violation

no insurance

Your license will be revoked for at least one year if you operate or

allow another person to operate your uninsured vehicle, or if the DMV receives evidence that you were involved in a traffic crash without being insured. If your vehicle has a lapse in insurance coverage, you must turn in the license plates and registration to a motor vehicle office. Even if the vehicle is taken off the road and not being driven, you must surrender the plates or you may face civil penalties, registration suspen-sion and/or license suspension.

indefinite suspensions/revocations

Your license will also be suspended indefinitely if you fail to file an ac-cident report, submit a bad check for DMV fees, fail to pay child support, or fail to satisfy a court judgement that results from a traffic accident. This suspension will be in effect until you correct the condition that led to the suspension.

The DMV point system identi-fies “persistent violators”; that is, drivers who commit a series of violations in a relatively short period of time. Each individual violation may not be serious enough to require suspension or revocation, but the accumula-tion of several violations on your record indicate that there should be consequences.

The point values charged against your record are based on the date that you commit the violation. If you acquire 11 or more points

within 18 months, you will be notified by mail that your license will be suspended.

You can reduce your point total by taking DMV approved accident prevention courses. This can reduce up to four points on your record as well as save money on your car insurance policy.

the point system

speeding when the MPH is not specific

speeding when the MPH is 1–10 over posted limit




speeding when the MPH is > 40 over posted limit

reckless driving

failing to stop for a school bus

inadequate breaks

following too closely (tailgaiting)

improper passing, unsafe lane change or direction

violation involving traffic signal, stop or yield sign

failing to yield the right-of-way

railroad crossing violation

leaving scene of incident involving property damage

safety restraint violation involving person under 16

inadequate breaks (with employer’s vehicle)

any other moving violation

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what is suspension

what is revocation

how long does it take for a jr license to become a full license?

how long should you wait to deal with a traffic ticket?

what is the “zero tolerance law”

what is the consequence for driving without insurance

notes

what happens if this law is violated

Whether you are a vehicle owner or registrant, or a driver of a vehicle owned or registered by someone else, you are re-sponsible for making sure it is properly registered, insured, and inspected before the vehicle is used on a public roadway.

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owning a vehicle

A registration allows a vehicle to be driven on public roads and highways. A title certificate proves who owns the vehicle. You must be at least 16 years

old to register.

to register a vehicleTo register a vehicle, you must prove that you own the vehicle or that the owners authorizes you to register it, that the vehicle is insured, that the taxes on the vehicle have been paid, and pro-

vide any mileage and/or damage disclosure statement. To apply for registration, you must complete a Vehicle Registration/ Title

Application (MV-82). You must also present proof of name worth six points and proof of date of birth. When your vehicle is reg-istered, you will receive license plates, a registration document, and a registration sticker for the windshield or license plate. If the vehicle was purchased from a New York State registered dealer-

ship, the car should already be validated, otherwise you have 10 days to have the vehicle inspected and validated.

When you buy a new or used behicle from a dealer registered with the DMV, the dealer may register the vehicle for you and give you a temporary registration and, if necessary, license plates. The dealer may charge a process-ing fee for this service.

registration and title

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proof of ownershipIf you purchase your vehicle from a New York State registered dealer, the proof of ownership for a new vehicle will be a Manufacturer’s Certificate of

Origin (MCO) and a dealer’s Certificate of Sale (MV-50).

If the dealership does not register the vehicle for you, make sure if gives you the ownership documents listed above and a completed Application

for Registration/ Title (MV-82) signed by the dealer’s representative. Ex-

amine the ownership documents carefully before closing the deal.

If you buy a used vehicle from a dealer registered outside New

York State – the proof of ownership is the prior owner’s title certificate or transferable registration signed over to the dealer, plus the dealer’s bill of sale and/or invoice and other proofs from the dealer.

For a used vehicle bought from a private seller – the proof of owner-ship is the Certificate of Title (MV-999). The seller must complete, and you must acknowledge by signing, the appropriate odometer and damage disclosure statements.

Before you accept the title certificate from any seller, check the front of the title for names and addresses of “lien” holders. A lien indicated the current owner owes money on a loan for the vehicle. If a lien is listed on the title, ask the seller to give you proof the lien has been paid – in most cases, it will be an official lien release from the lender. If proof is not provided and the loan has not been paid, the lien holder could repossess the vehicle from you.

Important: The DMV must examine every vehicle identified “rebuilt

salvage,” or similar wording, for stolen parts before the vehicle

can be registered or titled. If you are going to buy a vehicle that

is registered or titled out-of-state, contact a DMV Call Center for

more information.

proof of sales tax paymentWhen you buy a vehicle from New York State registered dealer, the dealer collects the sales tax. If you are buying a vehicle from someone other than a NYS registered dealer, obtain a Statement of Transaction –

Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle (DTF-802), available at any motor vehicle office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and from the DMV Internet Office. This form certifies the purchase prices and determines sales tax.

A motor vehicle office will not accept a title certificate if the appropriate odometer or damage disclosure statement is not completed, or if any information on the title is altered, erased, or crossed out, including any name or signature.

!

When you buy auto liability insurance, the insurance agent or broker gives you two insurance identification cards. The name(s) and vehicle identification number (VIN) on these cards must exactly match the information on the registration application. You must present one card when registering your vehicle. Keep the second card with the vehicle.

proof of insurance

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fees Registrations for most vehicles under 18,000 pounds maximum gross weight are valid for two years, and registration fees are based on vehicle weight. There are also plate and title fees. By law, fees cannot be

refunded if you use the license plates or registration sticker on

your vehicle for even only one day. However, if your license plates and registration sticker are returned completely unused within 60 days after registering your vehicle, you may receive a full-refund, minus a processing fee. You may receive a full refund of the fee for the second year of a two-year registration, minus a processing fee, if you use plates and registration only during the first year. Be sure to obtain a DMV Universal Receipt for turning in your plates.

registration renewalMost registrations are renewed every two years. About 45 to 60 days before your registration will expire, you should receive a renewal re-minder in the mail. You may not receive a reminder if you have changed your address and did not notify the DMV of if you have failed to answer three or more parking tickets, of if your registration is suspended or revoked. Allow up to two weeks for processing and delivery. Whether

or not you receive a reminder, you are responsible for knowing

when your registration expired, and for renewing it on time. You may renew your license by mail, online or at a local DMV.

insuranceYour vehicle must be covered by liability insurance, even if you do not drive it. Before your liability insurance lapses or is canceled, turn in your plates at a DMV and be sure to obtain a DMV Universal Receipt. If you receive a letter from DMV about auto insurance, read it carefully and respond as directed.

resident and non-resident responsibilityAnyone who drives or permits his or her vehicle to be driven in New York State, even a non-resident, must be able to prove the vehicle has adequate liability insurance. If you are convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle or permitting another person to operate your unin-sured vehicle, your license or privilege to drive in New York State will be revoked for at least one year. The same applies if the DMV receives evidence that you were involved in a traffic crash without being insured.

inspection

Every motor vehicle dealership is required to have each vehicle pass inspection within 30 days before the vehicle is delivered to a cus-tomer. If you buy a vehicle from someone other than a New York State dealer, you must have the vehicle inspected within ten days after you register it. Be sure to re-quest a “Motor Vehicle Inspection Extension.” After your vehicle’s first inspection, it must be

inspected at an official state-

licensed inspection station at

least once every 12 months and

whenever ownership changes. When you sign a registration renewal form, you are certify-ing under penalty of law that the vehicle was inspected as required by law. Keep track of when your yearly inspection is due. Schedule a new inspection early, so you will have time to repair your vehicle if it does not pass. After inspec-tion, the vehicle inspector will issue a sticker for the vehicle to prove it has passed inspection.

If your vehicle did not pass, the inspector will give you a rejection notice. Then, your vehicle must be repaired to meet inspection standards and be re-inspected. Every gasoline-powered vehicle, with the exception of motor-cycles, must also be inspected for exhaust emissions at the time of the safety inspection.

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review

There are lots of different kinds of licenses, but what you are looking for is most likely a junior

license.

You must pass two tests to receive your permit: the first is the vision test. The second test is the written knowledge test.

You must provide your social security card to prove your name and age. You will need at least

6 points of identification to prove your name and age.

If you hold a permit, you may not drive without a 21 year old, in a dmv road test area, on and streets within a park in NYC, or on the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County.

Regional restrictions differ based on location, time of day, and type of license.

Suspension: means your licenseis taken away for a period of time before it is returned. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to pay a suspension fee.

Revocation: means your license is cancelled. To get it back, you’ll have to re-apply to the DMV after the revocation period is over.

If you acquire 11 or more points within 18

months, you will be notified by mail that your license will be suspended.

You must be at least 16 years old to register.

Review the documents of your new or old vehicle carefully to ensure that you have the proper paperwork.

By law, registration fees cannot be refunded if you use the license plates or registration sticker on your vehicle for even only one day.

Whether or not you receive a reminder, you are responsible for knowing when your registra-

tion expired, and for renewing it on time.

392the rules of the road

Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, special hazards, where you are, how to get where you are going and where services are available. The shape and color of traffic signs give clues as to the type of information they provide.

Know the following signs and what the mean– they will be on your written test!

signs

4

traffic control

STOPYIELD

ROCHESTER 55LOCKPORT 10

ROUTE

66

stop sign

Come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection. You must come to a stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Go when it is safe.

destination sign

Show the distance and direction to various upcoming locations.

route sign

Indicates an interstate, U.S., state or county routes. Each shape is specific to the kind of route.

service sign

Shows the location of services, such as rest stops, gas stations, hospitals and campgrounds.

yield sign

Slow down as you approach the intersection. Prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection. You must come to a full stop if conditions require it.

regulation sign

These signs give informa-tion about rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special requirements. Some have a red circle with a slash, indicating that this action is not allowed.

signs you should know

Study the signs below to get a sense of what you should be looking for on the road, and what it will mean.

SPEEDLIMIT

55

43

R RROADWORK

1000 FT

warning sign

You are approaching an especially hazardous location or a place where there is a special rule. Sometimes a warning sign is coupled with a rectangular yellow and black “recommended speed” sign.

railroad crossing sign

There is a railroad crossing ahead. Use caution and be pre-pared to stop. If you are following a truck or bus, be careful. Be absolutely sure it is clear to go before proceeding.

work area signs

People are working near or on the roadway, and traffic may be controlled by a flag person. The speed limit here will be lower, even if there is no sign reduce speed through the work zone.

Traffic lights are usually red, yel-low and green from top to bottom or left to right. At some intersec-tions, there are single red, yellow or green lights. Some lights are steady, others flash. Some are circular and some are arrows. State law requires that if for some reason the traffic lights aren’t working, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign. Then proceed according to the rules of the right-of-way (chapter 5).

traffic lights

45

steady red lightStop. Do not go again until the light is green. If a green arrow appears, you may go only in the direction of the arrow if it is clear. After coming to a full stop, you may make a right turn at a red light if it is clear.

flashing red lightThis is the same as a stop sign: stop, yield the right-of-way, and go when it is safe.

red arrowDo not go in the direction of the arrow until the red arrow light goes out and a green light or arrow light goes on. A right or left turn on a red arrow is not permitted at a red arrow.

steady yellow lightThe light is changing from green to red. Be ready to stop for the red light.

flashing yellow lightDrive with caution.

yellow arrowThe green arrow is ending. If you intend to turn in the direction of the arrow, be prepared to stop.

steady green lightGo, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law.

green arrowYou may go in the direction of the arrow, but you must yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by the law.

Lines and symbols on the roadway divide lanes and tell you when you may pass other vehicles or change lanes, which lanes to use for turns, and where you must stop for signs or traffic signals. The most basic to know are edge

and lane lines. Solid lines along the side of the road tell you where its edge is–where the travel lane ends and the road’s shoulder begins. It is illegal to drive across the edge line, except when

directed to do so by an authorized official or when allowed by an official posted sign. An edge line which slants toward the center of the road shows that the road is narrower ahead. Lines separat-ing lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are all white. Lines separating traffic moving in the opposite directions are all yellow. There may be two lines between lanes, and lines may be solid or broken.

Directions given by traffic of-ficers take precedence over signs, signals or pavement markings. If a traffic officer signals at you to stop at a green light, for example, you must stop. If an officer sig-nals at you to drive through a red light or stop sign, you must do so.

Among those authorized to direct traffic are police officers, peace officers such as on-duty auxiliary or fire-police, highway work area flag persons, and school crossing guards.

pavement markings

traffic officers

47

single broken lineYou may pass vehicles or change lanes if you can do so safely without interrupting traffic.

solid line & broken lineThe side on near the solid line may not pass or cross the line except for left turns. The broken line side may pass and cross.

single solid lineYou may pass other vehicles or change lanes, but you should only do so if road obstructions or traffic make it necessary.

arrowsArrows show which lane must be used to go a certain direction. Sometimes only one lane allows you to turn, go straight, etc.

diamondDiamonds are used to indicate lanes reserved for special vehicles (car-pools, bikes, etc.). Check signs for details.

passing permitted

no passing

must stay in lane

passing permitted

no passing

must stay in lane

stop at line

stop at line

passing permitted

no passing

double solid line You may not pass or change lanes. You may not cross the line except to make a left turn to enter or leave a highway.

stop & crosswalk lines When stopping for a stop sign or a light, stop before reaching the line or the crosswalk.

Most traffic crashes occur at intersections when a driver is making a turn. Many occur in large parking lots that are open to public use, such as shopping centers. To avoid such crashes, you must understand the right-

of-way rules and how to make

proper turns.

5

intersections and turns

almeria road

rege

nt s

tree

t

myr

on s

tree

t

vale

ncia

roa

d

story ave

grand blvd

dexter street

alton st

reet

If drivers approaching from opposite directions reach an intersection at about the same time, a driver turning left must yield to approaching traffic going straight or turning right.

A driver approaching an inter-section must yield the right-of-way to traffic already lawfully using the intersection.

You may not enter an inter-section if traffic blocks the intersection to the point that you would not be able to get all the way through. Wait for traffic ahead to clear to not further block the intersection.

51

who goes first?Traffic lights, signals and pavement markings do not always resolve traffic conflicts. A green light, for example, does not determine what happens between a car turning left at an intersection while an oncom-ing car goes straight. Right-of-way helps solve these types of conflicts. It tells drivers who goes first and who must wait in different situations.

clift

on p

ark

road

ballt

own

road

alton street

barcelona road

almeria road

NISKAYUNA, NY

Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally using marked or unmarked crosswalks, slowing down or stop-ping if need be to yield.

At intersections not controlled by signals where one or more drivers are at right angles to one another, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.

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emergency vehiclesYou must yield the right-of-way to fire, ambulance, police and other authorized emergency vehicles when they are responding to emergen-cies. The will display lights that are flashing red, red and blue, or red and white and sound a siren or air-horn. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction, safely pull over

immediately to the right edge of the road and stop. Wait until the vehicle passes before driving on. If you are in an intersection, drive out of it before you pull over.

An emergency vehicle using lights and a siren may be unpredictable.

The driver may legally exceed the speed limit, pass red lights, and stop

or yield signs, go the wrong way in a lane and turn in directions not nor-

mally allowed. Be very carefully when these vehicles approach.

blue, green and amber lightsPersonal vehicles driven by volunteer fire fighters responding to alarms are allowed to display blue lights, and those driven by volunteer ambu-lance or rescue squad members may display green lights. Amber lights on hazard vehicles such as snow plows and tow trucks warn other driv-ers of possible dangers. These vehicles are not authorized emergency vehicles, and their drivers must obey all traffic laws. While you are not

required to yield the right-of-way, you should yield as a courtesy

if you can do so safely.

turnsAlways signal before you make a turn or change lanes. It is important that the other highway users know your intentions. You are required to signal a turn or lane change at least 100 feet ahead. A good safety tip is to signal your intention to turn before you actually begin breaking to make the turn.

You must pull over and stop for an emergency vehicle even if it is coming toward you in the opposite lane of a two-way roadway. !

lexington parkwaylexington parkway

dorwaldt boulevard

dean

str

eet

salem road

myr

on s

tree

t

keye

s av

enue

rege

nt s

tree

t

left turn from one-way to anotherGet into the left lane or side as close as you can to the edge of the road. Turn into the left lane, if there is one.

left turn from one-way to two-wayFrom the left of the one-way, enter the two-way to the right of the center line. Watch for oncoming traffic.

basic left turnBe close to the center of the exit-ing lane. After checking, enter to the right of the next center line. Be alert for opposing traffic.

turning rules

55

lexington parkway

lexington parkway

coolidge place

clift

on p

ard

road

ballt

own

road

rankin road

vale

ncia

roa

d

rankin road

NISKAYUNA, NY

basic right turnStay as far right as you can. Avoid wide, sweeping turns. Turn into the right lane of the road you enter.

left from two-way to one-wayBe close to the center of the exit-ing lane. Check for oncoming traffic and enter into the left lane of the road.

u-turns

three-point turns

1

1

2

3

4

2

There are some tips to keep in mind when turning, no matter what turn.

Reduce your speed

Be alert for traffic on all sides. Watch for motorcycles.

Keep in mind that your rear wheels will travel inside the path of the front wheels, closer to the curb and opposing traffic.

Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially on right turns. They can be difficult to see in traffic.

There are also some more complicated types of turns. For example, there are U-turns. A “U-turn” is any turn “executed so as to proceed in the oppo-site direction.” Do not attempt a U-turn on a highway unless absolutely necessary. You make a U-turn from the left portion of the lane closest to the center line of the roadway, never from the right lane. Unless signs tell you otherwise, you can make a U-turn when you have a green left-turn

arrow. Be careful to yield to oncoming traffic.

Another complex turn is the three-point turn in which you signal with your right directional, pull over to the right and stop. Signal with the left directional, check for oncoming traffic, and cross the road. Turning the steer-ing wheel as far right as possible, back up to the edge of the road. Stop and check for traffic one last time, and carefully pull away from the curb.

57

what does it mean to yield the right-of-way

what do you do when you see or hear an emergency vehicle trying to pass

what are blue, green and amber lights

how early should you signal a turn

notes

In general, the law requires that we drive on the right side of the road. When passing is allowed, we usually pass other vehicles on the left. Passing on the right is permitted only in limited cir-cumstances, and should be done so only when necessary and safe.

When passing other vehicles or changing lanes to avoid hazards, do so with caution and only when necessary. You must not exceed

the speed limit to pass another vehicle.

When passing a motorcycle, remember to give the motorcycle the same full lane width as other vehicles. Never move into the

same lane space as a motor-cycle, even if the lane is wide enough and the motorcyclist is riding towards one side.

The law requires you to use direc-tional or hand signals at least 100 feet before making a lane change. You may never pass a vehicle which has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross.

6

passing

59

passing on the leftThe left lane is usually used for passing other vehicles. However, you may not pass a vehicle on the left if:

Your lane has a solid yellow center line. You cannot safely return to the right lane before reaching a solid

yellow center line for the right lane. You cannot safely return to the right lane before any approaching

vehicle comes within 200 feet of you. You are approaching a curve or the crest of a hill on a two-way road

and cannot see around or over it. You are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-way highway. You are within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way

road and your view is obstructed. Passing will interfere with oncoming traffic.

If conditions are right for passing, check your mirrors and signal your lane change. Glance over your left shoulder through the rear side window and make sure no vehicle is passing you or close behind you in the left lane. Never rely on your mirrors alone, even properly adjusted mirrors will leave a “blind spot,” you may not see.

passing on the rightPassing on the right is only allowed in certain situations. You may not drive on or across the shoulder or edge of the road to pass another vehicle, unless signs permit it or you are directed by a traffic officer. You may pass on the right when:

When a vehicle ahead is making a left turn. When you are driving on a two-way road that is marked for two

or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction, and passing is not prohibited, or restricted by parked cars or obstructions. When you are driving in a one-way road that is marked for two or

more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes, and passing is not prohibited by signs, or restricted by parked cars or obstructions.

If you are at an intersection, check traffic ahead carefully that an oncom-ing vehicle is not turning left into your path.

On multilane roads, make sure to check your mirrors, use turn signals for lane change, and look over your right shoulder for vehicles. After, check over your shoulder and signal before returning to the left lane.

being passed If another vehicle passes you on the left, slow down slightly and keep to the right. When the vehicle passed safely, resume to your normal speed.

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school buses

When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic approaching from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before reaching the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. You can identify this bus by a “SCHOOL BUS” sign, the red lights on top, and its unique yellow/orange color.

Before a bus stops to load or unload passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. When you see them, slow down and be prepared to stop.

After you have stopped for a school bus, you may not drive again until the red lights stop flashing or when the bus driver or traffic officer waves you on. This law applies on all roadways in New York State. You

must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a

divided highway.

After stopping for a school bus, watch for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until you have passed them.

Safety tip: Most school related deaths and injuries occur while children are crossing the street after leaving the bus, not in collisions involving school buses.

Keep in mind that vehicles transporting disabled persons may be equipped as school buses, and you must stop for them just as you would for other school buses.

The fine for passing a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. In addition, if you are convicted of three such violations in three years, your license will be revoked for a minimum of six months.

Parallel parking takes practice

and skill, and is part of every road test. Know also where park-ing is illegal and what “NO PARK-ING,” “NO STANDING,” and “NO STOPPING” signs mean.Many motorists consider parallel parking the most difficult part of driving. But practice will teach you how to back up properly and to judge distances and angles. Patience and self confidence will help you master the trick. The following instructions

are basic and general. You

must adjust parallel parking

procedures to the particular

situations. Plenty of practice is

the only way to learn properly.

To get closer to the curb, alter-nately pull forward and back up, turning the steering wheel first toward the curb and then quickly straight ahead.

After parking, remember not to open the door on the road side if it will interfere with traffic.

how to park

7

parallel parking

63

Select a space that is large enough for your vehicle. Check your mirrors before stopping, and signal to other drivers. Pull up to the vehicle in front of the space, leaving 2 ft. between both vehicles.

Look behind you and check for traffic. Back up slowly and turn the wheel all the way to the near curb. Look through the rear window and back up. Check to the side and front to make sure you are clearing the vehicle ahead.

When your front wheels are op-posite the bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the wheel the other way, still backing up. Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead. Look back and avoid bumping the vehicle behind you.

Straighten your wheels and pull forward. Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind you to get out. Make sure you are no more than 1 foot away from the curb. Congrats!

1

2

3

4

After you park on a hill, be sure to set your parking brake. Just in case the parking brake fails, turn the wheels so they will keep your vehicle from rolling into traffic. If there is a curb, turn your steer-ing wheel all the way away from

it if you’re facing uphill, or all the way toward it if you’re facing downhill. If your vehicle starts to roll, the wheels should stop the vehicle at the curb and prevent it from rolling downhill.

parking on a hill

To pull out of a parallel parking space, make sure your wheels are straight, back up the vehicle behind you, and turn your wheels away from the curb. Six steps to entering more safely into traffic:

1) Turn your head to look over your right shoulder and check through the backseat rear-win-dow for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other vehicles that may become a pattern.

2) use your vehicle’s interior mirror to help keep an eye on hazards behind your vehicle.

3) Signal your intentions to move from your parking space into traffic.

4) Check your vehicle’s side view mirrors, especially on the driver’s side, for approaching vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other highway users.

5) Turn your head to look over your left shoulder out through the backseat rear-window, and begin to slowly drive forward, making sure you can enter traffic without hitting the vehicle parked ahead.

6) Again turn your head and look over your left shoulder to re-check through the backseat rear-window, pull out into the traffic lane only when it is safe to do so.

pulling out from parallel parking

65

what is the first step of parallel parking

what is the best way to learn parallel parking

how should you take caution on hills

what is the first precaution to take pulling out of a parallel parking spot

when do you signal your intended direction

besides the mirrors, how do you check behind before pulling out

how quickly should you accelerate out of the spot

notes

What people generally under-stand as “parking” is legally divided into three categories: parking, standing and stopping.

No Parking means you may only stop temporarily to load or unload merchandise or passengers.

No Standing means you map only stop temporarily to laod or unload passengers.

No Stopping means you may stop only in order to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.

Besides posted parking, stand-ing and stopping rules, there are state-wide rules not always indicated by signs:

Parking, standing or stopping

is not allowed:

Within 15 feet of a fire hy- drant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in case of an emergency On the road side of a parked

vehicle (“double parking”) On a sidewalk or crosswalk In an intersection On rainroad tracks Alongside or opposite of road

excavations, construction or other obstructions Within 30 feet of a pedestrian

safety zone On a bridge or in a tunnel

Parking or standing is not

allowed:

In front of a driveway Within 20 feet of a crosswalk

at an intersection Within 30 feet of a traffic

light, STOP or YIELD sign Within 20 feet of a fire station

driveway Along a curb that has been cut

down, lowered, or constructed for access to the sidewalk

parking regulations

67

24

57

6

review

Different kinds of signs include: stop signs,

yield signs, regulations signs, destination

signs, route signs, service signs, warning

signs, railroad crossing signs and work

area signs.

A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution, a flashing red is treated as a stop sign.

Lines separating lanes of traffic going in the same direction are white pavement mark-

ings and lines indicating opposite directions are yellow pavement markings.

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.

At intersections where there is no signal and one or more drivers are at right angles to one another, the driver to the right has the right-of-way.

You must always stop and pull to the side of the road when an active emergency vehicle passes.

Signal for a turn about 100 feet in advance.

You may not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle. You also may not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to allow pedestri-ans to cross.

Never rely on your mirrors alone, always check

your blind spot before switching lanes.

You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Parallel parking is really only perfected with practice and skill.

When parking on a hill, be sure to use your

emergency parking brake.

When parallel parking, the trick is to go very slowly and not to overexaggerate your turns.

713safe driving tips

Most drivers are good drivers. But even the best drivers make mistakes. Equipment fails, weather conditions may be bad, and some drivers ignore traffic laws or drive unpredictably. To avoid being involved in a crash because of someone else’s mistake, learn to drive defensively:

Be prepared and look ahead.

Maintain the proper speed.

Signal before turning or changing lanes.

Allow yourself space.

Wear your seat belt.

Do not drive if you are very tired, are on medication or have been drinking alcoholic beverages.

Keep your vehicle in good operating condition.

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defensive driving

75

be prepared and look ahead

You should sit comfortably, but upright, and keep both hands on the

steering wheel. Slumping in the driver’s seat, or steering with one hand makes it more difficult or even dangerous to control your vehicle.

Traffic conditions change constantly. Always scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or even the vehicle directly as your only focal point. Look ahead so you can avoid, or lessen, potential problems.

Keep your eye moving, notice what’s happening at the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every few seconds.

Anticipate mistakes by other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians and think about what you will do if a mistake does happen. Do not always assume that a driver approaching a STOP or YIELD sign is actually going to stop or yield. It is better to assume the other driver may not stop.

aggressive drivers and road rage

Aggressive driving includes speeding, which often leads to following too closely, frequent or abrupt lane changes without signaling, passing on the shoulder or unpaved portions of the road, or harassing motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians who just happen to not get out of the way. Aggressive drivers also may run stop signs and red lights, pass stopped school buses, fail to keep right, drive while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, and drive recklessly. A few threaten, or attempt to cause, physical damage to another driver. And that is how aggressive driving becomes road rage. When confronted by an aggressive driver:

Avoid eye contact. Stay calm and relaxed. Make an attempt to get out of the way. Don’t escalate the situation. Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge an aggressive

driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your position in your travel lane. Wear a seat belt and encourage passengers to do the same. Ignore harassing gestures and name calling, and do not return them. Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate law enforcement

authorities by providing vehicle description, location, license plate number and direction. If you are being followed by an aggressive or threatening driver, do

not stop or get out of your vehicle. Drive directly to a police station. If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, stop a safe distance

from the crash scene. When the police arrive, report the behavior you witnessed.

You must obey the posted speed limit, or, if there is no limit posted, drive no faster than 55 mph. Often, it is just common sense to keep your actual speed limit well below the posted limit. For example, the legal limit on an icy or foggy expressway might be 55 mph but the safe speed to drive would be much lower. Even if you were to drive 50 mph on that hazardous highway, a police officer could ticket you for driving at a speed “not reasonable and

prudent” for existing conditions.

To keep traffic flowing smoothly, some highways also have mini-mum speed limits. Driving slower than the minimum speed can interrupt the traffic flow and cre-ate a dangerous situation. Even if there is no minimum speed limit, those driving much slower than the posted speed limit can be as dangerous as driving too fast.

Be aware that some cities have

speed limits lower than 55

mph that may not be posted. For example, the speed limit is 30 mph in New York City unless otherwise stated.

speed

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allowing yourself space

Four out of every ten crasshes involve rear-end collisions, usually be-cause someone is following too closely (tailgating). Leave enough room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you so you can stop safely if the other vehicle stops suddenly. Brake early and gently when preparing to stop or turn. It gives you plenty of warning that you are slowing down.

For a good “space cushion,” use the two-second rule: Choose and object near or above the road, such as a sign or a tree. As the vehicle ahead passes it, count aloud, slowly, “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach the same object before you finish counting, you are follwoing too closely. In bad weather and when following large trucks, increase the count to at least three or four seconds for extra space.

If a driver tailgates you, move into another lane if possible, or slow down and pull off the road to let the driver go by you. Be sure to signal when you drive off the road and when you return to it. Do not press your brakes to warn the offending driver– this could make a difficult situation become even more dangerous.

In case you have to change lanes quickly or pull over to avoid a hazard, leave yourself some “escape” room to your left and right.

seat belts, child safety seats and air bags

seat belts save lives and help prevent serious injuries in traffic crashes. This is why New York State requires seat belt use by adults in motor vehicles, and seat belts, booster seats, or child safety seats for children.

New York is a “primary enforcement” state. A law enforcement officer can issue a traffic ticket just for failure to wear a seat belt. This law also applies to visitors from outside New York State.

Hightlights of New York State’s occupant restraint law:

In the front seat, the driver and each passenger must wear a seat belt, one person per belt. The driver and front-seat passengers aged 16 or older can be fined up to $50 each for failure to buckle up. Every occupant, regardless of age or seating position, of a motor

vehicle being operated by the holder of a Class-DJ learner permit, or a (Limited) class-DJ driver license must use a safety restraint. The driver must make sure that each passenger under the age of 16

obeys the law. The driver can be fined $25 to $100 and receive three driver license penalty points for each violation. Seat belt use is not requires in taxis or livery vehicles, emergency

vehicles, 1964 or older vehicles, or by passengers in buses other than school buses.

correct incorrect

seat belts continued

Every passenger under age 16 must use a safety restraint. If under four, he or she must be properly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat that is attached to the vehicle by a safety belt. A child under four who weighs more than 40 pounds may be restrained in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. A child of age 4, 5, or 6 must use a booster seat with lap and shoul-der belt or a child safety seat.

79

driving safely in work zones

Roadwork zones are dangerous to drive in. And to work in. That is why speeding ticket fines are doubled in work zones, even when the workers or work vehicles are not there. Expect to encounter a work zone sud-denly wherever you drive – you may have to strongly slow down, or even stop. Traffic lanes may shift sideways ot be completely closed. Workers and work vehicles may be on or near your driving lane. Make your work zone driving safer by knowing what to do.

Diamond-shaped orange “work zone” signs are often posted in advance of the road construction projects or other work areas that can affect traf-fic flow. One sign might read: “flagger ahead.” A flagger is a worker who motions for you to stop, proceed with caution, or hange lanes. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, which means you can be ticketed for disobeying his or her directions.

driving through a roundabout

A “roundabout” is a circular intersection with a relatively small diameter that makes drivers slow down, usually to 30 mph or less. Studies show a roundabout can reduce the number and severity of accidents at an intersectionm compared to intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic signals.

drowsy and fatigued drivers

When you are behind the wheel of a car, being fatigued is dangerous. Drivers who are tired have slower reaction times, decreased awareness, and impaired judgment. Symptoms of fatigue include: your eyes close or go in and our of focus, you have trouble keeping your head up, you cannot stop yawning, you do not remember driving the last few miles, you drift between lanes and keep jerking the car back. You are most at-risk if you are sleep-deprived, driving long distances, driving through the night or taking medication that increases sleepiness. Shift-workers, young people, and people with sleep disorders are prone to this acci-dent. To prevent fatigue on the road, get a good night’s sleep, drive with a companion, and schedule regular stops every 100 miles or 2 hours. If you find that you are drowsy on the road, immediately take action. Pull off into a safe area from traffic and take a brief nap. Coffee or other sources of caffeine provide short-term alertness if needed (it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream).

A driver may become distracted from safe driving while using a mobile phone. In New York State, it is a traffic infraction, punish-able by a fine up to $100, to speak into or listen to a hand-held mobile telephone while driving. The phone may be hand-held to activate, initiate or deactivate a

call. Exemptions are provided for calls made to certain persons regarding emergency situations. In New York State, a hands-free mobile telephone allows the user to communicate without the use of either hand. A driver may use a hands-free telephone at any time.

Vehicles must be inspected at least once a year, but that does not mean it is the only time you should have safety equipment checked. Follow your owner’s manual for routine maintenance. Have any problems that arise cor-rected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Do not wait

until mechanical problems result in breakdowns or traffic crashes.

Pay special attention to the main-tenance and repair of brakes, steering mechanism, lights, tires and horn. Rely on your owner’s manual and a knowledgeable mechanic as your guides to a safe, smooth running vehicle.

using a cell phone

vehicle condition

common problems include:

brakes: brakes that pull to one side may be wet, or may need to be repaired. If wet, you can dry them by riding lightly on the pedal. Otherwise, have the brakes checked by a mechanic.

horn: Your vehicle’s horn is an important safety equipment that could become your only way to warn other drivers or pedestrians of possible trouble. Fix a broken horn as soon as possible.

glass: Keep your vehicle’s windows clear and clean all the way around. Replace wiper blades that streak, keep your defroster and read window defogger in good working condition with washing fluid.

tires: The law requires that your vehicle’s tires have at least 2/32

nds of an inch of tread. Most tires have “wear bars” that show across the tire grooves when the minimum tread depth is reached.

lights: Keep your vehicle’s lights clean and clear of dirt, snow and ice. Broken lenses can cause dangerous glare for other drivers. Make sure headlights are adjusted to give you the best view of the road.

steering: There should not be too much “play” in the steering wheel. If your vehicle has power steering, check the liquid fluid level peri-odically. A whining noise can be a sign of trouble.

81

what is the first step of parallel parking?

2nd test you must pass

vision required to pass the test

# of questions correct to pass written test

# of road sign questions correct to pass

min. age to get your permit

min. age to take the okta

notes

You’ve heard the facts– driving while impaired or intoxicated is a serious traffic safety problem in the United States. In New York State, over 20 percent of highway deaths involve the use of alcohol or drugs. Behind the numbers are thousands of lives cut short, permanent or disabling injuries, and families devastated because someone drove under the influ-ence of alcohol or other drugs.

After you drink alcohol or take drugs, safe driving is simple not

possible. Not every impaired or intoxicated driver causes a traffic crash, but each one is dangerous, risking his or her life and the lives of those sharing the road.

Young people, who have less experience with both alcohol and driving, are at greatest risk. Driv-ers under 21 years old represent about 5 percent of the driving population but 11 percent of the drivers involved in an alcohol or drug related fatalities. This is the number one reason the license

revocation penalties are more severe for young drivers under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

The penalties for alcohol or drug related violations are very tough and enforcement by the police is a priority. Your chances of

being caught and convicted

are very high, and New York does not allow you to plea bargain to an offense related to alcohol or drugs.

9

alcohol & other drugs

83

what alcohol doesAlcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, distorts your judgment of speed and distances, often reduces your inhibitions from taking chances and makes you less alert. The important physical and mental skills you need to drive safely are weakened.

Because your vision is already restricted at night, driving after drinking is especially dangerous after dark. In addition to its other effects, alcohol reduces your ability to recover from headlight glare. When another vehicle approaches, you can be blinded by its headlights for a dangerously long period of time.

You do not have to look or feel drunk for these things to happen. The effects if alcohol can begin long before you become intoxicated or even legally impaired and begin with the first drink.

As alcohol limits your physical ability to drive, it also makes you less

aware of what is happening to your safe driving abilities. It becomes difficult for you to judge your own condition. You may actually feel more confident about your driving, when you should not be driving at all.

During each mile, you make literally hundreds of decisions that turn into actions and keep your vehicle under control and away from crashes. Alcohol makes it hard to correct decisions and to take the safest actions.

other drugs

Drugs other than alcohol, including many prescription and over-the-counter medications, can affect your driving ability. The can have effects similar to alcohol or even worse. If you are taking medication, even a nonprescription allergy or cold remedy, check the label for warnings about its effects. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor or phar-macist about driving after taking the medication.

Never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. It could be dangerous and multiplying the effects of the alcohol and the other drug.

It can be a criminal offense to drive while impaired by the combined effect of drugs or alcohol and drugs, illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin and opium, and by some prescription drugs such as tranquilizers. Drugs can affect your reflexes, judgment, vision and alertness in ways similar to alcohol and they may have other dangerous side effects.

Combining alcohol with other drugs severely reduces your driv-

ing abilities and can cause serious health problems, including

death.

.02% bac can be as little as:

BEER

5 oz glass of wine 12 % alcohol

12 oz can of beer 5 % alcohol 12 oz wine cooler

5 % alcohol

1½ oz liquor80 proof

blood alcohol content

85

alcohol, other drugs and the law

In New York State, you may be arrested for any of these offenses: ag-gravated driving while intoxicated (Agg-DWI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more (0.08 BAC), driving while ability impaired by a drug (DWAI-drug), driving while ability impaired by alcohol (DWAI), or driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in your blood and is usually determined by a chemical test of breath, blood, urine, or saliva. A BAD of more than .05 % is legal evidence that you are im-paired, a BAC of .08 % or higher is evidence of intoxication, and a BAC of .18 % or more is evidence of aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Many people thing chemical test evidence is required to prove you were intoxicated or impaired. However, a police officer’s testimony about your driving, appearance, and behavior when arrested can provide enough evidence alone to convict you, even without a chemical test.

If you are found guilty of any alcohol or drug-related driving viola-tion, the court must revoke or suspend your license at the time you are sentenced. Even if the court allows you a 20-day continuation of driving privilege, your license itself will be taken immediately.

your bac

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) depends primarily on:

How much alcohol you drink. How much time passes between drinks. Your weight.

Your BAC does not depend on what kind of alcoholic beverages you drink, how physically fit you are, or how well you can “hold your liquor.” Different types of drinks do not affect you differently, it is the amount

of alcohol you consume, not whether it is in beer, wine or liquor, that raises your BAC and lowers your drinking ability. These drinks contain about the same amount of alcohol (see left). None is “safer to drink” than the others.

It only takes a few drinks to raise your BAC to levels at which it is illegal to drive. And remember, the effects of alcohol on your driving ability actually begin at even lower BAC levels after just one drink.

Eating before or while you drink helps slow down alcohol absorp-tion somewhat, but it cannot prevent you from becoming impaired or intoxicated if you have too many drinks.

The table to the left summarizes fines, surcharges, license penal-ties and possible imprisonment you would face if convicted or an alcohol or drug-related violation. In addition to these penalties, impaired or intoxicated driving can result in other serious conse-quences:

Zero tolerance for drivers

under 21: Under the state’s “zero tolerance” law, it is a violation for a person under 21 to drive with any measurable BAC (.02 to .07). After finding a violation, the driver’s license will be suspended and there will be a fine issued.

Illegal purchase of alcoholic

beverages: If you illegally pur-chase alcoholic beverages, state law requires the suspension of your drivers license or privilege to apply for a license.

Open container law: It is a traffic infraction for a driver or passenger in a motor vehicle on a public highway, street or road to possess an alcoholic bever-age with the intent to drink it. Penalties range from fines, to imprisonment to both.

The ignition interlock program:

A judge can order an ignition in-terlock device as a condition of a probation period that is installed into the motorist’s car. It mea-sures the BAC of the operator’s breath and the vehicle cannot be started until the driver proves an acceptable breath sample.

the consequences

1st Offense (misdemeanor)

2nd Offense(Class E Felony)Within 10 years

conviction

Minimum $1000 Maximum $2500


fine only

Up to 1 year

Up to 4 years; minimum 5 days jail or 30 days community service

jail sentence

Minimum 1-yearrevocation

Minimum 18-monthrevocation

license action



conviction



fine only

Up to 1 year

Up to 4 years; minimum 5 days jail or 30 days community service

jail sentence



license action



conviction



fine only

Up to 1 year

Up to 4 years

jail sentence



license action

1st Offense (traffic infraction)

2nd Offense(traffic infraction)Within 5 years

conviction



fine only

Up to 15 days

Up to 30

jail sentence

90-day suspension


license action

driving while intoxicated or impaired by a drug (dwi & dwai-drug – 0.08 and higher bac)

driving while impaired by combined alcohol & drugs (dwi – combination)

driving while ability impaired (dwai – more than 0.05 up to 0.07 bac)

aggravated driving while intoxicated (agg-dwi – 0.18 and higher bac)

penalties for alcohol/ drug violations

Even under the best conditions, driving demands your full at-tention and your best judg-ment. When special situations or hazards arise, attention and judgement become even more important. To be a competent and safe driver, you must learn how to drive on expressways, at night, in poor weather and when an emergency occurs.

10

special driving situations

“Expressway” means any divided highway where traffic is going in one direction on two or more lanes. Usually, you enter and exit the expressway by using ramps. The speed limit is usually 55 mph, but varies on location. Before traveling an expresway, identify your entrance and exit points on a road map. Know where to get on and off the expressway, and be prepared to be in the proper lanes. If you miss your exit, never

back up to get back on the

expressway. Get off at the near-est exit and look for signs that tell you how to get back on the expressway going the other way.

Unless there is a STOP or YIELD sign or traffic light on the entrance ramp, use the ramp to accelerate to expressway speed and blend with traffic. Signal, then look over your shoulder for approaching traffic already on the expressway. If necessary, slow down to merge into traffic.

expressway driving

91

night driving

About 90 percent of your driving decisions are based on what you see. At night, you must use extra caution to make up for reduced visibility. You should also be aware that the ability to see well at night generally declines with age.

Night driving is more dangerous because the distance you can see ahead or to the side is reduced. You should drive slower than you would in day-light, especially in unfamiliar areas or on narrow, winding roads. Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to react and stop safely within that distance. This is called “driving within the range” of your headlights.

The law requires you to use your headlights from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, when visibility is less than 1,000 feet and whenever you are using your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet, etc. Turn your headlights on at dawn and disk and in fog. Even when headlights do not help you see in low light periods, they make it easier for other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle. Do not use parking lights or daytime running lights as a substitute, head-lights will do a better job. Is an approaching driver flashes headlights at you during a period of low visibility, it probably means your vehicle was hard to see and you should turn on your headlights.

Be considerate in using your vehicle’s high beams. Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle, or within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead of you, even if the approaching vehicle is in a different lane. If an approaching driver does not dim his or her lights for you, flash yours to high beam for a second and then back to low beam. To help avoid the glare of approaching high beams, shift your eyes to the right and use the road edge as a guide until the ap-proaching vehicle passes by.

Light from inside your vehicle makes it harder to see the road ahead. Keep the interior dome light off and dim the dashboard lights. Adjust your sun visor to reduce glare from overhead lights.

driving in rain, fog or snow

A thin coat of rain, snow or ice makes roads slippery. Wet leaves can be especially slippery and hazardous. Improve your driving by slowing down under these conditions and by increasing your following distance (see chapter 8). Be extra careful on turns, curves and expressway ramps. In heaving rain, your vehicle’s tires may begin to actually ride on the water lying on top of the road pavement. This “hydroplaning” can cause complete loss of traction and steering control. Hydroplaning usually

driving in rain, fog or snow, cont.

occurs at higher speeds, but it can also occur if your vehicle’s tires are tread worn or improperly inflated. When there is heavy rain, it is almost always wise to drive more slowly. If your vehicle begins losing traction, slow down even more. Good tires with deep tread help prevent hydroplaning.

Rain, fog, or snow makes it harder to see out through your vehicle’s windshield, and difficult for other drivers to see you. New York State law requires you to

turn on your vehicle’s headlights whenever the weather conditions would ordinarily require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet and other precipita-tion. “Daytime running lights”

do not qualify as headlights. If your windshield wipers cause streaks or smears, the blades must be replaced. High headlight beams reflect off rain, fog and falling snow. This makes it even harder for you to see where you’re going. For better visibility during

these weather conditions, keep your vehicle’s headlights on low beam. Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further ahead of time than usual to give other drivers and roadway users increased warning. Brake early when slow-ing behind another vehicle or coming to an intersection stop.

93

winter driving

Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only o you have snow and ice to deal with, but there are also fewer hours of daylight as well.

Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Make sure your vehicle has good snow tires. Put them on the vehicle before the first snowfall. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. It is best to put snow tires or “all-season” tires on all four wheels, not just the front. Tires with metal studs may be used in New York State only from October 16 through April 30.

During ice or snowstorms, especially when a traveler’s advisory is is-sued, do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, first clear the ice and snow from your vehicle, including the headlights and taillights, the windshield wipers and all of the windows. Be sure the windshield washer reservoir is adequately filled with a freeze-resistant cleaning solution.

In rear-vehicle driving, you can usually feel a loss of traction or the beginning of a skid. Though front-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive vehicles generally do handle better in ice or snow, they do not have flawless traction; skids can usually occur unexpectedly. Do not let the better feel and handling of a vehicle with front-wheel or four-wheel drive cause you to drive faster than you should.

Despite the popular misconception, the best approach to recovering from a skid is the same for both front-wheel and rear-wheel vehicles. If your rear-wheels start to skid:

Turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. cle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), keep your foot with even pressure on the brake pedal. If your vehicle does not have ABS, pump the pedal gently, pumping more rapidly only as your car slows down. Braking hard with non anti-lock brakes will make the skid worse.

If your front-wheels start to skid:

Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral or push in the clutch, but do not try to immediately steer. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction

will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch and accelerate.

To avoid skids on snow and ice, break early, carefully and gently. “Squeeze” your brakes in slow, steady strokes. Allow the wheels to keep rolling. If they begin to lock up, ease off the brake pedal. As your vehicle slows, you also may want to shift into a lower gear. Be aware that slip-pery spots may still remain after road crews have cleared the highway,

driving emergencies

The single most important rule in an emergency is do not panic! You have a better chance of handling the emergency safely if you do not let fear take over. In most emergencies, you will have a second or two to think before you need to actually act.

Here’s what to do in various

emergency situations:

the blowout

running off ofthe pavement

steering failureloss of a wheel

car approachinghead-on in your lane

stalling out onrailroad tracks

R R

A thumping sound may be a warning that a blowout is about to occur. If you hear it, get safely off the road and check your tires. If a tire blows out, hold the wheel firmly and ease your foot off the gas pedal. Do not brake until your vehicle is under control. Get off the road as soon as it is safe to do so.

If your wheels drift of the pavement onto the shoulder of the road, do not yank the steering wheel back. Ease your foot off of the gas pedal and brake gently. When your vehicle has slowed down, check for traffic behind you, then steer gently back onto the pavement.

Handle this as you would a blow out. A thump or clunk in the wheel may be a warning sound. Pull off the roadway and stop. Then check your vehicle or have it checked.

Slow down, pull over to the right and sound your horn to alert the other driver. Do not swing over to the left lane – if you do, the other driver might suddenly recover and pull back into that lane too, causing a head-on collision.

If your vehicle suddenly stops responding to the steering wheel, ease your foot off the gas pedal, turn on your four-way flashers and keep your foot off the brake as long as it is safe and practical to maintain control. As the vehicle slows, you may be able to brake very gently to bring it to a stop.

If a train is approaching, unfasten your seat belt and get as far away from the vehicle as possible. Run towards the direction the train is coming from to avoid hitting debris. If you are sure that no trains are coming, open your window and start the engine. If that fails, shift into neutral and push.

stuck gas pedal

blocked vision

headlight failure

fire

brake failure

going into water

If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, try pump-ing it to build up pressure. If that does not help, use your emergency or parking brake – but use it gently. Shifting to a lower gear will also help your vehicle slow down.

Unfasten your seat belt and es-cape through a window. Do not open a door – water may rush in. If the vehicle sinks before you can climb out, climb into the rear seat. An air pocket may form there as the weight of the engine pulls the car nose first. Escape through a window when the vehicle settles.

If your headlights suddenly go out, try your vehicle’s four-way flashers, parking lights and directional signals. These may still work and should give you enough light to get safely off the road. If your headlights begin to dim, drive to a nearby service station, or pull off the road and go for help.

If you see smoke come from under your vehicle’s hood, pull off the road and park your vehicle. Turn off the ignition. Get away from the car and call the fire department. Trying to fight the fire yourself is dangerous.

Hook your toe under the pedal and see if you can free it. If not, shift into neutral and use the brake to slow your vehicle and get off the road. Do not turn off the ignition if your vehicle has power steering or a locking column because, if you do, you will lose power steer-ing or be unable to steer at all.

If your vehicle’s hood flies open suddenly, or your vision through the windshield be-comes blocked by some other object or wipers that have failed, you should roll down the side window to see. Turn on your vehicle’s four-way flashers and carefully pull over your vehicle off the road.

97

review

38

9

10

Always be prepared and look ahead. Both hands should always be on the steering wheel and you should be sitting upright.

The default speed limit in most areas without signs is 55 mph.

The “two-second rule” helps you to ensure there is enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

It is a serious New York State law to be wearing a seat belt at all times.

Your chances of being caught if driving under

the influence of alcohol or drugs is very high,

and the penalties are much more severe.

Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, distorts your judgment of speed and distances, often reduces your inhibitions from taking chances and makes you less alert.

Certain nonprescription drugs can have the same effects as drugs.

BAC stands for blood alcohol content. If your BAC is higher than .08, it is considered driving while intoxicated.

If you are under 21, the zero tolerance law finds your guilty for any measurable BAC at all for the illegal purchase and/or consumption of alcohol.

Never back up on the expressway. At the particu-larly high speeds, be careful to look over your shoulder, signal and merge.

You also have to be especially careful at night (be aware of turning on and off headlights) and in the rain, fog or snow.

Be familiar with the necessary measures to

take if you skid.

Be prepared for all potential situations and what should be done in case of an emergency.

state dmv offices

albany

224-260 south pearl street 12228

peekskill

1045 park street 10566

syracuse

620 erie boulevard west 13204

north syracuse

5801 east taft road 13212

west haverstraw

50 samsondale plaza 10993

white plains

200 hamilton avenue 10601

amityville

1100 broadway, route 110 11701

bethpage

4031 hempstead turnpike 11714

garden city

801 axinn avenue 11530

hauppauge

250 veterans memorial highway

11788

hempstead

66 cooper street north 11550

huntington

813 new york avenue 11743

medford

2799 route 112 11763

port jefferson

1055 route 112 11776

riverhead

200 old country road 11901

upstate region

long island region

dmv consumer directory

101

state dmv offices

county dmv offices

manhattan

11 greenwich street 10004

harlem

159 east 125th street 10035

herald square

1293-1311 broadway 10001

licence x-press

300 west 34th street 10001

brooklyn

625 atlantic avenue 11217

coney island

2875 west 8th street 11224

bronx

696 east fordham road 10458

bronx licensing center

1350 commerce avenue 10461

queens

168 91st avenue, 2nd floor 11432

springfield gardens

168 rockaway blvd. 11434

college point

30 whitestone expressway 11354

staten island

141 east service road 10314

yonkers

1 larkin plaza 10701

allegany

7 court street, belmont 14813

broome

124 washington ave, edcot 13760

binghamton

181 clinton street 13901

cattaraugus

303 court street, lin valley 14755

deleven

1006 main street 14042

olean

1701 leo moss drive, 14760

cayuga

16 genesee street, auburn 13021

chautauqua

3 n. erie street, mayville 14757

dunkick

1170 central avenue 14048

jamestown

110 e. 4th street 14701

chemung

425 penn ave, elmira 14904

chenango

5 court street, norwich 13815

clinton

137 mar street, plattsburgh 12901

columbia

560 waren street, hudson, 12534

cortland

46 greenbush st. 13045

delaware

court house square, 13753

deposit

333 state highway 10 13754

margaretville

773 main street, 12455

sidney

21 liberty street, 13838

dutchess

22 mark st, poughkeepsie, 12601

beacon


Metropolitan Region

county dmv offices

millbrook

15 merritt ave 12545

pawling

9 memorial avenue, 12508

pawling

9 memorial drive 12564

wappingers falls

29 marshall road, 12590

erie

77 broadway, buffalo 14202

olean


cayuga


chautauqua


dunkick


jamestown

110 e. 4th street 14701

chemung


chenango


clinton


columbia


cortland


delaware


deposit


margaretville


sidney


dutchess


beacon


millbrook

15 merritt ave 12545

pawling

9 memorial avenue, 12508

pawling

9 memorial drive 12564

wappingers falls

29 marshall road, 12590

erie

77 broadway, buffalo 14202

olean


cayuga


chautauqua


dunkick


jamestown

110 e. 4th street 14701

chemung


chenango


clinton


columbia


cortland


delaware


deposit


margaretville


sidney


dutchess


beacon


103

office of traffic violations

6 empire state plaza

albany, ny 12228

(see dmv call centers)

to contact a traffic violations bureau

new york city: 1 (718) 488-5710

buffalo: 1 (716) 851-8257

rochester: 1 (716) 232-2340

suffolk: 1 (516) 952-6589

driver improvement bureau


albany, ny 12228

1 (518) 474-0700

bureau of consumer services

po box 2700-esp

albany, ny 12220

complaints about dealership/repair

1 (518) 474-8943

questions about emissions inspection

1 (877) 486-6438

custom plates unit


po box 2775

albany, ny 12220

1 (518) 402-4838

title services bureau


albany, ny 12228

1 (518) 486-4714

telephone numbers

dmv call centers

metropolitan new york city – 1 (212) 645-5550 or 1 (718) 966-6155

long island and lower hudson valley – 1 (800) DIAL-DMV (342-5368)

all other area codes within new york state – 1 (800) CALL-DMV (225-5368)

outside new york – 1 (518) 473-5595

telecommunications device for the deaf – 1 (800) 368-1186

to schedule a road test – 1 (518) 402-2100

important dmv addresses and telephone numbers

The information in this manual is as accurate as possible at the time of publication, but is subject to change. This manual is in-tended to provide basic information and connot possible cover every traffic law or situation. For more information or further questions, visit www.nysdmv.com.

!

kids, rock this test.parents, sleep soundly.

it’s okay to be nervous.

Your driver’s test is a big deal! Driving is a big deal. And you’re only 16, right? So how are you supposed to

learn something so huge by simply reading a thick, boring government-issued drivers manual? And parents

– let’s not even get into how nervous you are. well relax. This book was designed, written and catered to the

new teen driver. With “How to Drive” you’ll have the chance to take information in slowly, in an interesting

and interactive way. Chapter quizzes and unit flash cards will help you prepare for your test in a way that’s

more comfortable for you, and better yet, you’ll actually retain the information. “How to Drive” is geared

towards young New York State driver candidates. All laws, information and tips are meant for this audience.

Disclaimer time – you caught me – this book is actually not technically approved as a legal student driver

manual. While all the material was pulled from the real New York State driver’s manual, this particular

manual is, in fact, a thesis project created by Zoë Alexandra Scharf for a class called Informational Books taught

by Heather Corcoran at Washington University in St. Louis in Spring 2011. Printed on an IKON CPP 500 using

font families Filosofia and Nobel. Happy driving!

how to drive

Documents

aheadaggressive drivers

valid drivers licenses

new drivers1

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