Are you a potential new driver? Before you can be licensed in New York state, you must pass a written exam as well as a road test. The written test for a Class D, M, DJ, MJ or E license examines your knowledge of 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 correctly answer at least 14 of the 20 questions on the exam, but you must correctly answer two of the four questions about road signs.

You can practice for the written test by answering the questions included in the NYS Driver’s Manual and by taking practice quizzes online at the DMV Internet Office at: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/drivers-manual-practice-tests

At this website, you will find a number of 20-question tests similar to the questions you will find when you take the written exam for your license. The tests will show you any question you may have missed. It is a great way to learn the multitude of signs and their meaning as well as the rules of the road.

The DMV website is not the only location for practice written tests. A reader of this column in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise made me aware of the value of practice tests found on “DrivingOffice.com: www.drivingoffice.com. This site has practice tests for each state. She said when her granddaughter was studying for her driver permit test, she wanted the best opportunity for her to pass the test, and more importantly, to make sure she had the knowledge she’d need to be a safe driver, and this site was extremely helpful It gives you the choice to take permit tests, road sign tests, and motorcycle permit tests. In each case you will need to click on the state you wish (New York) and the tests comprise about 50 questions. I visited this website before including it in this article, took several of their practice tests, and found it to be quite comprehensive. I also missed several questions that surprised me.

As with most everything, one gets better with practice. Don’t assume you know everything about driving before you take your test. In fact, the old adage that “practice makes perfect” may not hold completely true, but practice will certainly make you better at whatever you do. If you are about to apply for your driver license, try it!

For more articles on traffic law and safety, go to the traffic safety board’s website at www.franklincony.org and click on “Traffic Safety Board” under departments then look for Did You Know articles under “services.” You may also email me at dwerner151@verizon.net