New York State Driver's Manual and Practice Tests

Many newer vehicles on the road today have driver assistance safety features designed to save lives and prevent injuries, if used properly. Some of the driver assist safety features sense and monitor conditions; identify present and potential dangers; and may help you avoid a potential crash. These safety features may provide alerts, such as sounds or vibration or may take control of your vehicle, such as adjusting the braking or steering. Safety features include, but are not limited to: blind spot warning, back up camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and active parking assist.

When taking your driving test, you will not be allowed to use certain safety features, such as parking assist and cruise control.

Safety features are meant to assist you in the driving task, they are not there to drive the vehicle. You must remain engaged and always focused on the driving task. It is your responsibility to be aware of everything around you by performing head checks and using mirrors and cameras to observe traffic and other roadway users. You are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on safety features alone. It is important to follow the tips below when driving vehicles equipped with safety features.

• It is your responsibility to always stay focused when driving.
• Read your Vehicle Owner’s Manual to learn how your vehicle’s safety features operate.
• Know the limitations of your vehicle’s safety
  features.
• Be aware that safety features may not work properly in certain conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, hills, and curves.
• Always keep vehicle sensors clean and damage free.
• Always keep software technology up to date (if applicable) and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

ADAS safety features provide many benefits and have great potential to assist drivers in reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities when used properly.

Please note: The license examiner will evaluate if the applicant has demonstrated the ability to safely operate the vehicle and has not relied on ADAS features. The examiner's scoring will be final.