Free · 16 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Pennsylvania Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Pennsylvania practice test.
16 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter 1: Non-Commercial Learner's Permit InformationLaws and paperwork
Learner's permit, knowledge test and road test
You can apply for a learner's permit at 16 and must pass an 18 question knowledge test, answering 15 correctly. Drivers under 18 need 65 hours of supervised practice and must wait six months before the road test.
10 key points · 13 numbers · Handbook pp. 1 to 6
- Lesson 2Chapter 1: Non-Commercial Learner's Permit InformationLaws and paperwork
Junior permit and junior license limits
A junior learner must drive with a licensed driver 21 or older, or a parent or guardian 18 or older, in the front seat. Junior license holders face a night curfew, passenger limits and a 90 day suspension for 6 points.
8 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 2 to 4
- Lesson 3Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement MarkingsSignals and markings
Traffic signals and lane signals
Stop for a steady red light before the stop line or crosswalk, and treat a flashing red exactly like a STOP sign. Red arrows forbid the turn, while flashing yellow arrows allow it after you yield.
9 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 7 to 9
- Lesson 4Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement MarkingsRoad signs
Regulatory, warning and work zone signs
Regulatory signs tell you what the law requires, warning signs describe the road ahead and orange signs mark work zones. The STOP sign is the only eight-sided sign, and a full stop is required.
10 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 9 to 18
- Lesson 5Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement MarkingsSignals and markings
Pavement markings and lane use signs
Yellow lines separate traffic going opposite ways, and a solid yellow line on your side means no passing. Lane use arrows and ONLY signs tell you which way you must go from a lane.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 11 to 45
- Lesson 6Chapter 3: Learning to DriveSafe driving
Space cushion, following distance and scanning
Pennsylvania teaches a 4-second following distance on dry pavement and a space cushion on every side of your car. Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead so you can spot problems early.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 32 to 38
- Lesson 7Chapter 3: Learning to DriveSafe driving
Speed, night driving and bad weather
Pennsylvania's maximum speed limit is 70 mph, but you must drive slower for poor conditions. Use low beams near other cars, turn on headlights whenever wipers run, and slow 5 to 10 mph on wet roads.
10 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 38 to 43
- Lesson 8Chapter 3: Learning to DriveSignals and markings
Signaling, turning, U-turns and passing
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn below 35 mph and at least 300 feet at 35 mph or more. Passing is banned within 100 feet of intersections, railroad crossings, bridges and tunnels.
9 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 44 to 52
- Lesson 9Chapter 3: Learning to DriveRight of way
Right of way at intersections and roundabouts
The law never gives anyone the right of way; it only says who must yield. Drivers on the left yield to drivers on the right, left turners yield to oncoming traffic and entering drivers yield to those already in a roundabout.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 46 to 64
- Lesson 10Chapter 3: Learning to DriveParking
Parking rules and distances
Park no more than 12 inches from the curb and make sure your car can be seen 500 feet each way. Pennsylvania lists exact distances from hydrants, crosswalks, signals and railroad tracks where you may never stop or park.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 52 to 92
- Lesson 11Chapter 3: Learning to DriveEmergencies
School buses, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law
Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out, or lose your license for 60 days. For emergency vehicles, pull over and stop, then stay 500 feet behind, and move over or slow down 20 mph at emergency scenes.
10 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 58 to 59
- Lesson 12Chapter 3: Learning to DriveEmergencies
Skids, blowouts, floods and brake trouble
In a skid do not brake, and after a blowout hold the wheel tightly and ease off the gas. Never drive into floodwater, where six inches can make you lose control.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 60 to 64
- Lesson 13Chapter 3: Learning to DriveRight of way
Motorcycles, bicycles, trucks and pedestrians
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane and the same 4-second following distance as any vehicle. When passing a bicycle, allow at least four feet, and never linger beside a truck in its blind spot.
8 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 55 to 92
- Lesson 14Chapter 4: Driving Record InformationLaws and paperwork
Points, insurance and crash duties
PennDOT acts when your record reaches 6 points, and 3 points come off for every 12 months without a violation. Letting insurance lapse for 31 days suspends your registration and license for three months.
10 key points · 13 numbers · Handbook pp. 79 to 92
- Lesson 15Chapter 4: Driving Record InformationAlcohol and DUI
DUI, chemical tests and zero tolerance
At 21 or older you are driving under the influence at a BAC of .08, and under 21 at just .02. Refusing a chemical test suspends your license for one year even if you are found not guilty of DUI.
10 key points · 16 numbers · Handbook pp. 34 to 84
- Lesson 16Chapter 5: Laws and Related IssuesSafe driving
Seat belts, child seats and the anti-texting law
Drivers and front seat passengers must buckle up, and everyone 8 to 17 must wear a belt in any seat. Children under 4 ride in a safety seat and children 4 to 7 in a booster seat.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 31 to 93
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Pennsylvania practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Pennsylvania cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95 (4-21)). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.