Queens has the worst road test failure rate of any NYC borough — 57% in 2024. The Kissena site is where most of those tests happen.
The Kissena road test site is located near Kissena Park in the Flushing area of Queens. According to DMV data reported by Gothamist, Queens had the highest road test failure rate of any NYC borough in 2024 at 57%. That number alone should tell you: this is not a site to walk into unprepared.
The area and conditions
The streets around Kissena Park are a mix of residential blocks and connector roads with moderate traffic. The residential streets are typical Queens — parked cars on both sides, creating narrow effective lanes. But unlike some Brooklyn residential test areas, the Kissena area has several busier roads that the route may take you onto, requiring confident lane positioning and intersection navigation at higher traffic volumes.
The area has a significant number of pedestrians, particularly around the commercial corridors near Flushing's Main Street. Cycling infrastructure is present in some areas. Bus routes run through the neighborhood. All of this adds to the complexity of the driving environment.
Why the failure rate is so high
The Queens failure rate isn't just about the Kissena site specifically — it reflects the overall difficulty of driving in Queens. The borough has the widest range of driving conditions in the city: quiet residential blocks in one direction, Queens Boulevard in the other. Students who practice exclusively in calm neighborhoods and then encounter a busier stretch during the test are caught off-guard.
The other factor: Flushing is one of the most pedestrian-dense neighborhoods outside Manhattan. Pedestrians crossing mid-block, stepping off curbs without looking, and walking in the roadway are all common — and every failure to yield to a pedestrian is a significant deduction.
Preparation strategy
If you're testing at Kissena, practice in the Flushing area specifically — not just any Queens neighborhood. The driving conditions in Forest Hills or Bayside are meaningfully different from Flushing. Schedule at least your final 2–3 lessons around Kissena Park. Practice the parallel parking on the same residential streets where the test takes place. Get comfortable with the busier intersections along the route.
Morning appointments (before 10 AM) tend to have lighter traffic. If you have scheduling flexibility, aim for the earliest available slot. The afternoon brings heavier pedestrian traffic and more congestion around the commercial corridors.
Disclaimer: Road test routes may change at any time at the DMV's discretion. Failure rate data from Gothamist (November 2024). Road Ready NY is not affiliated with the NYS DMV.