PA Permit Practice Test

How to use this PA practice test

1. Take the 18 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 83 percent or better, book the real test.

PA practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable PA practice test with answer key

All 18 questions, PA exam length

Every question below comes from the Pennsylvania question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. How many questions must an applicant answer correctly to pass Pennsylvania's Knowledge Test?

   1. 12 of 18
   2. 16 of 18
   3. 15 of 18
   4. 17 of 18
   Show answer

   15 of 18. Pennsylvania's Knowledge Test contains 18 multiple-choice questions, and an applicant needs 15 correct responses to pass. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. When entering a Pennsylvania public highway from a private driveway, when may the driver proceed?

   1. After waiting until the main road is clear
   2. As soon as the vehicle's turn signal is activated
   3. Only after yielding to traffic approaching from the left
   4. Before checking because driveway traffic has priority
   Show answer

   After waiting until the main road is clear. A vehicle emerging from an alley, private road, or driveway must wait until the main road is clear. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. In Pennsylvania, what does a solid yellow line nearest your vehicle prohibit when paired with a broken yellow line?

   1. Yes, passing is always permitted from either side
   2. No, passing is prohibited from your side
   3. Only trucks may pass from your side
   4. The line means the road is one-way
   Show answer

   No, passing is prohibited from your side. A solid yellow line on your side of a combination centerline means you may not pass. Full explanation in Test 2

4. 4. A tow truck is stopped on the Pennsylvania shoulder while responders work nearby. What does the Move Over law require?

   1. Move to a nonadjacent lane when possible, or reduce speed at least 20 mph below the posted limit
   2. Maintain speed because the truck is outside the travel lane
   3. Stop in the adjacent lane until the tow truck leaves
   4. Move over only if the truck is displaying blue lights
   Show answer

   Move to a nonadjacent lane when possible, or reduce speed at least 20 mph below the posted limit. Pennsylvania's Move Over law covers towing and recovery personnel and disabled vehicles marked with warning devices. Full explanation in Test 2

5. 5. When a Pennsylvania driving record reaches six or more points for the first time, what notice is sent?

   1. A written notice requiring a special point examination
   2. An automatic six-month license revocation
   3. A warning with no examination or hearing
   4. A mandatory vehicle registration inspection
   Show answer

   A written notice requiring a special point examination. PennDOT sends a written notice for a special point examination when six or more points appear for the first time. Full explanation in Test 3

6. 6. Under Pennsylvania's underage drinking rule, what is the maximum fine for a first offense?

   1. Exactly $100 with no court costs
   2. Up to $500 plus court costs
   3. Up to $1,000 and an automatic two-year suspension
   4. A warning unless a vehicle was involved
   Show answer

   Up to $500 plus court costs. For a person under 21, Pennsylvania makes buying, consuming, possessing alcohol, or having it in the vehicle unlawful. Full explanation in Test 3

7. 7. If a WRONG WAY sign faces a driver who has just entered a ramp, what does it indicate?

   1. The vehicle is traveling against the permitted direction on the one-way street or ramp
   2. The lane is reserved for commercial trucks during rush hour
   3. The pavement ahead is rough but the travel direction is correct
   4. A detour requires the driver to continue until the next exit
   Show answer

   The vehicle is traveling against the permitted direction on the one-way street or ramp. The WRONG WAY sign is placed farther down a one-way street or ramp to catch a driver who entered in the opposing direction. Full explanation in Test 4

8. 8. What hazard is identified by the pictured PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign?

   1. A section where pedestrians are forbidden to enter the roadway
   2. A sidewalk repair zone with no crossing activity
   3. A bicycle-only crossing that gives cyclists exclusive priority
   4. A marked crosswalk or a place where pedestrians may cross the driver's path
   Show answer

   A marked crosswalk or a place where pedestrians may cross the driver's path. The PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign is used at a marked crosswalk or before a location where pedestrians may cross the driver's path. Full explanation in Test 4

9. 9. What does the WINDING ROAD warning sign indicate?

   1. A rough pavement section with repeated bumps
   2. A place where strong crosswinds are expected
   3. Three or more curves in a row are ahead
   4. A single curve followed by a long straightaway
   Show answer

   Three or more curves in a row are ahead. The WINDING ROAD sign means at least three curves occur in succession on the road ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

10. 10. When must a Pennsylvania driver turn on headlights because of weather-related wiper use?

    1. Only when the wipers have been running for 30 minutes
    2. Whenever the vehicle's wipers are in continuous or intermittent use
    3. Only when driving after sunset
    4. Only when high beams are selected
    Show answer

    Whenever the vehicle's wipers are in continuous or intermittent use. Pennsylvania’s headlight and windshield-wiper rule links the two controls whenever weather requires continuous or intermittent wiper use. Full explanation in Test 5

11. 11. How many crashes a year does falling asleep at the wheel cause nationally, according to the Pennsylvania manual?

    1. At least 100,000, with almost half involving drivers ages 15 to 24
    2. About 1,000
    3. About 10 million
    4. About 500
    Show answer

    At least 100,000, with almost half involving drivers ages 15 to 24. Every year across the United States, falling asleep while driving causes at least 100,000 crashes, in which 1,500 people die and 40,000 are Full explanation in Test 6

12. 12. What determines a safe driving speed in Pennsylvania beyond the posted limit?

    1. Only the number printed on the speed-limit sign
    2. The speed of the fastest nearby vehicle
    3. The vehicle's maximum advertised speed
    4. Road, visibility, and traffic conditions
    Show answer

    Road, visibility, and traffic conditions. Pennsylvania says there is no single speed that is safe at all times. Full explanation in Test 6

13. 13. After an emergency vehicle passes, how much following distance should a Pennsylvania driver keep?

    1. At least 50 feet
    2. No distance if the siren is silent
    3. At least 500 feet
    4. One car length
    Show answer

    At least 500 feet. Pennsylvania tells drivers to wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and then keep at least 500 feet behind it. Full explanation in Test 7

14. 14. When law enforcement may not be present, who may report Move Over Law violations to Pennsylvania authorities?

    1. Only passing motorists who witnessed the event
    2. Road workers and emergency responders
    3. Only the driver who was stopped at the scene
    4. Any pedestrian who saw a traffic signal change
    Show answer

    Road workers and emergency responders. Pennsylvania allows road workers and emergency responders to report Move Over Law violations when law enforcement may not be present. Full explanation in Test 7

15. 15. What does Pennsylvania's pentagon-shaped SCHOOL sign indicate?

    1. An approaching school zone
    2. A railroad crossing
    3. A hospital entrance
    4. A no-passing zone
    Show answer

    An approaching school zone. The manual identifies the pentagon as the only pentagon-shaped roadway sign and says it means a school zone is approaching. Full explanation in Test 8

16. 16. When Pennsylvania requires windshield wipers because of weather, what else must be illuminated?

    1. Only daytime running lights
    2. Only hazard lights
    3. Headlights and tail lights
    4. High beams and parking lights only
    Show answer

    Headlights and tail lights. Pennsylvania requires both headlights and tail lights whenever weather causes the wipers to operate continuously or intermittently. Full explanation in Test 8

17. 17. What should a driver do after missing a highway exit in Pennsylvania?

    1. Stop and back up on the highway
    2. Cross the median and turn around
    3. Swerve across lanes at the last second
    4. Take the next exit
    Show answer

    Take the next exit. If you miss an exit, Pennsylvania directs you to take the next one. Full explanation in Test 9

18. 18. When following a truck, how can a Pennsylvania driver tell whether the truck driver can see the car?

    1. If you can see the truck’s side mirrors
    2. If the truck’s brake lights are on
    3. If you are close enough to read its plate
    4. If you cannot see the truck’s front
    Show answer

    If you can see the truck’s side mirrors. When following a truck or bus, Pennsylvania explains that if you cannot see its side mirrors, the large-vehicle driver cannot see you. Full explanation in Test 9