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Passing — New York Driver's License Practice Test

PassingQuestion 1 of 30

36 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round

How can you identify a school bus?

NY Driver's Manual

All questions are based on the official New York State Driver's Manual. Study the relevant section to reinforce your knowledge.

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This New York Driver's License Passing practice set has 36 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 70% on the real New York Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This chapter explains that passing on the left is the standard method in New York, while passing on the right is only allowed in specific situations, and covers the correct technique for checking mirrors and blind spots before moving back into the right lane. It also sets out where passing on the left is prohibited outright, such as near obscured curves, hilltops, railroad crossings, and bridges.

The most heavily tested material covers the exact conditions that forbid passing on the left — a solid yellow center line, not being able to safely return before oncoming traffic gets close, or approaching a spot with obstructed visibility — as well as giving motorcycles a full lane width and never passing a vehicle stopped for pedestrians at a crosswalk. School bus lights are also central: red flashing lights require traffic from both directions to stop, while yellow flashing lights mean slow down and prepare to stop.

A common mistake is thinking a divided or multi-lane highway is exempt from the school bus stop rule — the manual states this applies on all roadways statewide, including divided highways, so traffic from both directions must stop for red flashing lights. Another is pulling back into the right lane too soon after passing, before actually seeing the front of the passed vehicle in your mirror.

Can I pass on the right if the car ahead of me is turning left?

Yes, this is one of the specific situations where passing on the right is allowed, along with two-way or one-way roads that are marked for two or more lanes with no restrictions. You should still check for pedestrians and cyclists at the roadside first.

How much space do I need to give a motorcycle or bicycle when passing?

A motorcycle is entitled to the same full lane width you'd give any other vehicle — you should never try to share a lane with one. Cyclists must also be given sufficient room to pass safely rather than being squeezed to the edge of the road.

Do I have to stop for a school bus with flashing lights even on the opposite side of a divided highway?

Yes. New York's rule for red flashing school bus lights applies on all roadways statewide, including divided highways, so traffic from either direction must stop.

Written from the official New York State Driver's Manual — Passing ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Passing bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

On a normal road, which side do you usually pass another vehicle on?
- On the left — Correct answer
- On the right
- On the shoulder
- Whichever side is clear
Explanation: The law requires driving on the right side of the road, so passing normally occurs on the left.
Handbook: Passing — Driving on the Right
When is passing on the right allowed?
- Only in certain circumstances, and it must be done safely — Correct answer
- Anytime the left lane is busy
- Never under any circumstances
- Only at night
Explanation: Passing on the right is permitted only in certain circumstances and must always be done safely.
Handbook: Passing — Passing on the Right
May you exceed the speed limit while passing another vehicle?
- No, you must not exceed the speed limit — Correct answer
- Yes, by up to 10 mph
- Yes, as long as you slow down afterward
- Yes, there is no limit while passing
Explanation: A driver must not exceed the speed limit while passing another vehicle.
Handbook: Passing — Speed Limit