The passenger car road test usually takes about 15 minutes. It will test your ability to make basic maneuvers needed in everyday driving. You will have to make left and right turns, stop at intersections controlled by stop signs and traffic lights, and to parallel park. You also will be asked to turn your vehicle around in a narrow street (three-point turn) and to drive in fairly heavy traffic. The motorcycle test is slightly different from the passenger car test. For example, instead of parallel parking, you will be required to make figure-eights in a small area such as a narrow streets and to make left and right circles.

Follow the examiner's instructions. The license examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate basic driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws. He or she is not there to trick you into making mistakes or committing traffic violations. During your test, the examiner will point out mistakes you make and will give you information that will help you correct them. Relax, and listen to what the examiner tells you. He or she may have you repeat a maneuver to see if you can correct a mistake you made earlier.

Safe driving tips to help pass your road test:

STEERING  Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning or backing up.

ACCELERATION  Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.

BRAKING  Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid "jerky" stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.

CLUTCH/GEAR  Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or a manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.

SPEED  Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility and traffic conditions.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE  Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES  Know the meanings of signs, signals and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.

STOPPING POSITION  If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can clearly see your way, then stop again if necessary.

LANE SELECTION AND POSITION  Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.

COMMUNICATION  Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.

OBSERVATION  Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you - not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.

ANTICIPATE & REACT TO OTHERS  Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.

Most drivers pass their road test on their first or second try. The amount of practice driving can make a positive difference on the road test for just about every driver.

During the test, the examiner must assess a "negative" score for important safe driving mistakes. To pass, you must not accumulate more than 30 negative points. Automatic disqualification can result from making a dangerous driving action or a serious violation of traffic laws, or becoming involved in an accident.

When you qualify for a non-commercial license Class D, DJ, E, M, or MJ, the examiner will issue you a printed receipt - this receipt plus your photo learner permit together will serve as a temporary license valid for 90 days. Your new photo-license will arrive in the postal mail within two to three weeks.

NOTE TO MOTORCYCLISTS:  If you are adding an M or MJ endorsement to an existing license previously issued by New York State, you must go, in person, to any state or county motor vehicle office and amend your previous license. Wait at least seven business days after passing the road test before you request the amendment. If you did not have a previous NYS driver license, your new Class M or MJ license will arrive in the postal mail within two to three weeks.

Your Class D or DJ permit, or other permit for a non-commercial license, is valid for up to two road tests. If you do not pass your second road test, you may continue to practice driving until the date the permit expires. Before you schedule another road test, you must return to a motor vehicle office and pay a $10 fee for two additional road tests.

After you qualify for a Commercial Driver License (Class A, B, or C) the examiner will return your Road Test Evaluation Form (CDL-200) to you as a receipt for passing. To activate your permanent license, you must amend your original license, in person, at any state or county motor vehicle office. Wait at least seven business days after passing the road test before you make the amendment.

If you did not pass your CDL road test, you may continue to practice driving until the date the permit expires. There is a fee of $40 for each additional road test.

 http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/c28.htm