Driving Tests in NYC: The Struggle Is Real
Finding a good driver in New York City can feel harder than finding a vacant weekend parking spot. According to new data, nearly half of would-be Big Apple motorists are failing their driving test, contributing to a perception that perhaps, the streets are truly filled with bad drivers.
The failure rate, which stands at a sobering 48%, surpasses the state average of 43%, a tip of the iceberg revealing a potential decline in driving prowess.
This upward trend doesn’t stop with testing in New York City. Reckless driving and traffic fatalities have also climbed steadily. Statewide, traffic deaths surged 25% between 2019 and 2022. In the first six months of 2024, 127 people were killed by drivers, a disturbingly higher number than the 82 people fatally shot in the same time period.
“That data perfectly mirrors what I, along with every other New Yorker who isn’t living under a rock, see every single day,” says traffic analyst Charles Komanoff.
“It’s the ongoing disintegration of driver performance, awareness, consideration and law-abidingness—an epidemic readily apparent on practically every New York City street.”
Komanoff describes some drivers’ disregard for basic traffic laws as downright “comical,” pointing out how much worse things have gotten in recent years. “I’ve been riding my bike in this city for 50 years, but I’ve never seen it this bad.”
Brooklyn and Queens appear to bear the brunt of this concerning trend, with failure rates soaring to 56% and 57% respectively. The Bronx isn’t far behind at 42%. Ironically, the only borough boasting improved success rates this year is Staten Island. Retired driving instructor Jose Corpas attributes this discrepancy to the borough’s relatively lower population density and thus, reduced traffic congestion during road tests.
“Staten Island usually has a higher passing rate,” he states.
“I attribute it to less traffic in some of the road test areas.”
The New York State DMV declined to address the reasons behind the rising failure rate, emphasizing, through spokesperson Walter McLure, that they prioritize safety and only qualified drivers passing the road test. “The standards and procedures for conducting road tests have not changed,” McLure maintains in a statement.
“For the safety of everyone on our roads, it is paramount to DMV and our road test examiners that only qualified drivers pass the road test.”
Navigation of the DMV road test itself can be challenging even for seasoned drivers. Testers add points for mistakes. Accumulate 30 points or more, and you’ve failed. Minor errors like forgetting to signal incur 5 points, while more substantial blunders, such as botched three-point turns or parallel parking, can cost up to 15 points. Egregious offenses, like driving on the wrong side of the street, evoke an immediate disqualification.
Johnathan Romano, co-owner of SoHo Driving School in Manhattan, shares an anecdote about a student who recently failed the road test despite accruing a staggering 65 points. The report also endorsed an automatic failure for “insufficient skill or practice,” a broad category signifying a lack of fundamental driving understanding, according to the examiner.
Romano’s student took the test in the Bronx and believes the DMV employees in the borough are overwhelmed and lash out at test takers.
“They probably get easily irked,” suggests Romano.
“So, even if someone does everything right, they might just be irritated with that person and fail them because, honestly, it probably doesn’t matter to them at this point.”
The DMV, however, rejects this blame, urging driving schools to better prepare their students.
“If customers of certain driving schools are not prepared, we challenge the driving school instructors to do better,” McKenzie concludes.
What recommendations does Charles Komanoff offer to address the decline in driving performance in New York City?
## Driving Tests in NYC: A Chat with Traffic Expert Charles Komanoff
**Interviewer:** Charles, thank you for joining us today. As a traffic analyst, what are your thoughts on the recent reports showing a staggering 48% failure rate for driving tests in New York City?
**Komanoff:** It’s alarming, to say the least. This data sadly confirms what many of us already feel: the quality of driving in NYC is deteriorating. We see it every day – disregard for traffic laws, lack of awareness, and frankly, just plain bad driving. It’s become a real epidemic on our streets.
**Interviewer:** The article mentions that this trend isn’t limited to test results. Traffic fatalities have also risen. Is there a connection?
**Komanoff:** Absolutely. If people can’t even pass a driving test, it’s a clear indication that they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate our roads safely. This inevitably leads to more accidents and unfortunately, fatalities.
**Interviewer:** Why do you think driving performance has declined so drastically?
**Komanoff:** While it’s hard to pinpoint exact reasons, I believe factors like increased traffic congestion, distracted driving, and a general lack of respect for traffic regulations all contribute to the problem.
**Interviewer:** Brooklyn and Queens have particularly high failure rates. Any thoughts on why these boroughs are struggling more?
**Komanoff:** They are some of the most densely populated boroughs in the city, with heavy traffic and complex road layouts. This could make it more challenging for new drivers to pass their test.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to improve the situation?
**Komanoff:** We need a multifaceted approach. Tougher enforcement of traffic laws, better driver education programs, and perhaps even stricter testing requirements could all play a role. Ultimately, we need to emphasize safe driving practices and encourage a culture of responsible driving in New York City.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Charles, for sharing your insights. It’s a crucial conversation.
