Can You Use a Backup Camera on the NY Road Test? (2026)
Yes. On a New York road test, the DMV permits camera technologies, including rear, side view and surround view cameras, along with parking sensors and blind spot warnings. Automatic parallel parking and adaptive cruise control are not permitted. You can use a backup camera on the driving test, but the examiner still checks that you drive safely with mirrors and head checks and do not rely on the camera.
Reviewed by Michael, Professional Driving Instructor
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Here is the full DMV list of allowed features and how to use a camera the right way on test day.
Can You Use a Backup Camera on the NY Driving Test?
Yes, you can use a backup camera on the driving test in NY. The DMV Driver's Manual has a table of vehicle technologies permitted and not permitted for testing:
| Technology |
On the NY road test |
| Rear, side view and surround view cameras |
Allowed |
| Parking sensors |
Allowed |
| Blind spot warning |
Allowed |
| Rear cross-traffic alert |
Allowed |
| Automatic parallel parking (self-parking) |
Not allowed |
| Adaptive cruise control |
Not allowed |
Which Driver Assistance Features Are Allowed on the Road Test
In plain words: features that warn you or help you see are allowed. Features that drive or park the car for you are not. The examiner also checks that you did not rely on the allowed features, so you still need to show you can drive safely on your own. Read the full list in Chapter 13 of the DMV Driver's Manual.
Why Mirrors and Head Checks Still Decide Your Score
A camera only shows part of what is around you. The examiner watches for the habits that keep you safe:
- Check all mirrors before you move and before you reverse.
- Look over your shoulder before backing up, pulling out and changing lanes.
- Reverse slowly, so you can stop at any moment.
- Use See, Think, Do: see the hazard, decide what to do, then act smoothly.
The NY road test deducts points for mistakes, so missing a head check costs you even if the camera showed the area was clear. See how the road test score sheet works.
Parallel Parking and the Three-Point Turn With a Camera
Use the camera as a quick glance, then confirm with your mirrors and a head check. Know the parallel parking space dimensions for the road test and practice exiting a parallel parking space safely.
Drive Rite Instructor Tip: Practice parallel parking with the screen off a few times. When mirrors and head checks become a habit, the camera becomes a bonus instead of something you depend on.
Backup Camera Road Test FAQ
Can I use my backup camera on the NY road test?
Yes. Rear, side view and surround view cameras are permitted for testing in the DMV manual.
Can I use parking assist or self-parking?
Parking sensors are allowed, but automatic parallel parking, where the car parks itself, is not permitted.
Can I use cruise control on the road test?
No. Adaptive cruise control is not permitted on the road test.
Will the examiner cover my camera?
The DMV does not say the camera is covered. It says the examiner checks that you did not rely on these features, so keep using mirrors and head checks.
What car can I use for my road test?
Any car that is properly registered, insured and inspected. You can also use a Drive Rite car for your road test.
So yes, you can use a backup camera on the driving test in NY, as long as your mirrors and head checks show you are in control. Practice with an instructor using our driving lesson packages.
Parking is only half of the job on test day. Here is how to get out of a parallel parking spot safely, step by step.