What the DMV Scoring Summary Marks

Source: NY DMV Class D scoring summary. See also how the road test is scored and the point system for failing a NY road test. The DMV does not publish point values for each error on its public site.

Common NY Road Test Mistakes

1. Turning up with a car that does not qualify

The DMV requires valid registration, insurance and inspection, a car that operates properly and is clean, and permanent plates (no in-transit permits). See test car requirements. No car? Road Test Services packages include one.

2. Not ready inside the car

Seat, mirrors and belt before you move, and know where the wipers, defroster and lights are. "Unfamiliar with controls" is on the DMV scoring summary.

3. Letting anxiety take charge

Take a breath before you start. Slow, deliberate checks look better than rushing.

4. Mirrors only

Mirrors are not enough. Turn your head to check blind spots when you pull away from the curb and before lane changes.

5. Ignoring signs and signals

Stop before the stop line (or the crosswalk if there is no line). At a YIELD sign, slow down and stop if traffic requires it. In NYC, no right turn on red unless a sign allows it. See right on red in NYC.

6. Abrupt braking

Brake early and gently. Late or abrupt braking is on the scoring summary.

7. One-handed driving

Keep both hands on the wheel. The DMV recommends the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.

8. Indecision at four-way stops

If two drivers stop at the same time at right angles, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Do not assume the other driver will stop. See all-way stops.

9. Driving too slowly or too fast

NYC is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. Too slow and impeding traffic is also marked.

10. Not yielding to pedestrians

Yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, including when you turn. See when to yield the right of way.

11. Misjudging the parking space

DMV final position is no more than 1 foot from the curb. See parallel parking for the NY road test and the 3-point turn.

12. Distracted driving

Phones away. Holding a phone to talk or text while driving is illegal in New York.

13. Following too closely

Use the two-second rule (more in bad weather).

14. Rolling stops

Come to a full stop before the line. Rolling stops can cost you the test.

What to Bring on Test Day

• Your physical photo learner permit (glasses or contacts if your permit says you need them)
• Your original MV-278 (5-hour course) or MV-285 (driver education). Copies are not accepted. If you took the online 5-hour course, there is no paper certificate. See what the MV-285 is
• Form MV-262 if you are under 18, signed by a parent or guardian
• A supervising driver with a physical license valid for the car: 21 or older if you drive to the site, 18 or older if they drive you. Mobile ID is not accepted
• A qualifying car (see mistake 1)

Arrive up to 15 minutes early. Practice is not allowed at DMV test sites. Results are posted after 6 p.m. on the day of the test; see how to check your road test results. If you fail, wait at least 14 days to retest. Source: DMV Schedule and Take a Road Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common NY road test mistakes?

Rolling stops, mirror-only checks, wide or short turns, following too closely, poor speed control, failing to yield to pedestrians, and a weak parallel park or 3-point turn.

Does the DMV publish how many points fail the test?

The DMV publishes the error categories and items on its road test results page. It does not publish point values for each error. Treat third-party "30-point" charts as unofficial.

Can I pass without lessons?

Yes, but most failed tests come from habits nobody corrected. An instructor can find those in one or two lessons.

What if I fail?

Your permit stays valid until it expires. Wait at least 14 days to retest. After two failed tests, you pay for more tests. See what happens after you pass when you do.

Ready to Fix Your Mistakes

Know the DMV categories, fix the small habits, and bring the right documents and car. Want a test-ready car and a lesson on the real test skills? See Road Test Services.

Choose your borough:

• Brooklyn driving school
• Driving lessons in Queens
• Driving lessons in Manhattan
• Staten Island driving lessons

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About the author

Amir writes for Drive Rite Academy, a driving school serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island.

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked every rule in this guide on the official New York DMV and New York City pages listed below on October 15, 2026. Prices come from Drive Rite's current price list. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV, Class D scoring summary; NY DMV, Schedule and Take a Road Test; NY DMV, Chapter 5 Intersections and Turns; NY DMV, Chapter 8 Defensive Driving.