Preparing for your New York State (NYS) road test can be nerve-wracking. However, knowing what to expect and understanding how you’ll be scored can help boost your confidence.
That’s where we come in! In this article, we breakdown everything you need to know about the NYS road test scoring system so you can set yourself up for success on test day.
Overview of the NYS Road Test Scoring System
The road test evaluation sheet (shown below) outlines the specific driving maneuvers and behaviours that examiners will assess during your test.
It is divided into five sections, each listing potential infractions you may commit. The severity of an infraction determines the number of points you accumulate:
- 5 points: Minor infractions, such as forgetting to signal when parking.
- 10 points: Moderate infractions, such as following too closely.
- 15 points: Serious infractions, such as speeding.
If you accumulate more than 30 points, you will fail the test. If you accumulate 30 points or below, you will pass.
Avoiding Points
Now that you know how the scoring works, let’s talk about how to avoid infractions.
| Section | Infraction | Number of Points | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Leaving Curb | Fails to observe | 10 | Before pulling away from the curb, check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure it’s safe to proceed. |
| Fails to signal | 5 | Always signal before leaving the curb, even if no vehicles are nearby. | |
| Uses mirror only/fails to check blind spot | 5 | In addition to using mirrors, look over your left shoulder to check for hazards. | |
| B. Turning & Intersections | Poor judgement approaching or at intersections | 10 | Reduce speed, check for oncoming traffic, and proceed only when safe. |
| Fails to stop near center of intersection when waiting to make left turn | 10 | When waiting to turn left, stop in the center of the intersection and keep your wheels straight to avoid blocking traffic. | |
| Turns wide – short right | 5 | When making a right turn, hug the right curb and avoid drifting into another lane. | |
| Turns wide – short left | 5 | When making a left turn, steer directly into the leftmost lane without drifting. | |
| Inattentive to traffic signs, signals, or lane markings | 10 | Always pay attention to and obey traffic signals, signals, and pavement markings. | |
| C. Parking, Backing, and U-Turn | Fails to signal | 5 | Always signal before changing lanes, parking, or making a U-turn. |
| Fails to adequately observe/use caution | 10 | Check mirrors, blind spots, and surroundings before parking or backing up. | |
| Unable to park properly | 15 | Align with the curb, use mirrors for reference, and make controlled movements to fit within the space. | |
| Unable to make a 3-point turn | 15 | Use the correct sequence: signal, check surroundings, turn the wheel fully, back up, and complete the turn safely. | |
| Excessive space for parking/too far from the curve | 5 | Park within 12 inches of the curb. | |
| Excessive maneuvers in 3-point turn or parking | 5 | Avoid needing to make corrections – unnecessary movements can indicate a lack of control. | |
| D. Driving in Traffic | Fails to keep right | 10 | Stay in the right lane unless passing, turning, or instructed otherwise. |
| Improper lane of traffic | 10 | Select the correct lane before turning or merging, and stay in it unless instructed otherwise. | |
| Follows too closely | 10 | Maintain a safe following distance – at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. | |
| Speed excessive for conditions | 15 | Adjust your speed based on traffic flow and weather conditions. | |
| Too slow/impedes traffic flow | 15 | Drive at the speed limit and keep up with the flow of traffic when safe to do so. | |
| Fails to yield right-of-way | 15 | Always yield when required – to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and at stop or yield signs. | |
| Poor judgement in traffic | 10 | Stay aware of surrounding vehicles and anticipate their movements. | |
| When changing lanes, fails to: observe, signal, use caution | 10 | Always signal, check your mirrors, and look over your left shoulder before initiating a lane change. | |
| Fails to anticipate actions | 10 | Watch for signs of change from other vehicles, such as brake lights or signals. | |
| Fails to anticipate potential hazards | 10 | Continuously scan the road for hazards such as merging traffic and pedestrians. | |
| E. Vehicle Control | Repeated stalling | 10 | If driving a manual car, practice clutch control and shifting smoothly. |
| Poor engine control/acceleration | 10 | Avoid jerky acceleration and maintain steady control of the gas pedal. | |
| Poor steering control | 15 | Keep both hands on the wheel and steer smoothly. | |
| Delayed braking/abrupt braking | 10 | Anticipate stops and apply the brakes gradually. | |
| Poor use of gears | 10 | Shift gears smoothly and avoid unnecessary gear changes. | |
| Poor clutch control | 5 | If driving a manual car, avoid unnecessary clutch riding or abrupt releases. | |
| Poor reactions to emergencies | 10 | Stay calm, brake smoothly, and steer away from danger. |
Additional Tips for Passing Your Road Test
- Practice, practice, practice: The more time you spend behind the wheel, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.
- Stay calm: Feeling nervous is normal, but don’t let it impact your driving. Take deep breaths and stay focused on the road.
- Follow examiner instructions: Listen carefully to what the examiner says and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you need it.
- Drive defensively: Anticipate the movements of other drivers to adjust accordingly and stay safe
Helpful Links
- Our guide on Getting Your Driver’s License in New York
- Make your road test appointment online
Conclusion
Passing the NYS road test requires strong driving skills, along with good judgement and awareness. The road test scoring sheet is a helpful tool to help you understand the infractions that lead to points and how to avoid them.
By reviewing the scoring system and practicing key maneuvers, you’ll be well prepared for test day. Good luck, and drive safely!
