PA Permit Practice Test 15

All 20 questions in test 15

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. You start onto a highway ramp and notice a white line on your right with a yellow line on your left. What does that pairing confirm?

   1. You entered the exit ramp by mistake
   2. You are headed in the right direction
   3. The ramp is closed ahead
   4. You must move to the left lane at once
   Show answer

   You are headed in the right direction. A white line on your right and a yellow line on your left confirm that you are headed in the right direction. Exit ramps have ONE WAY, DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs. Some entrance ramps also have a green HIGHWAY ENTRANCE sign. Cited handbook wording: If you see a white line on your right and a yellow line on the left, you are headed in the right direction.

   Study this in the handbook: Signaling, turning, U-turns and passing

2. 2. A Pennsylvania fire station has a driveway entrance beside the street. Within what distance of that entrance is stopping, standing, or parking off limits?

   1. Within 5 feet
   2. Within 20 feet is prohibited; you must stay farther away
   3. Within 30 feet
   4. Distance is unrestricted near fire stations
   Show answer

   Within 20 feet is prohibited; you must stay farther away. Except in emergencies or when directed by a police officer, do not stop, stand or park within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to a fire station. The separate 30-foot restriction applies to flashing signals, stop signs, yield signs and traffic control devices at the roadside. Manual wording for this rule: Within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to a fire station.

   Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

3. 3. A truck driver is backing from a Pennsylvania roadway into a loading area, briefly blocking the road. What must you never do?

   1. Wait for the maneuver to finish
   2. Slow down as you approach the loading area
   3. Watch for the truck turn signals
   4. Try to cross behind the truck while it backs up
   Show answer

   Try to cross behind the truck while it backs up. Never try to cross behind a truck preparing to back up. When a truck backs from a road into a loading area, it may temporarily block the road. Passing close behind enters the truck’s No-Zone, where a crash may occur. Wait for the truck to complete its maneuver. The cited manual passage: Never try to cross behind a truck preparing to back up. Often, when a truck driver is preparing to back the truck from.

   Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

4. 4. Pumping the brakes failed in an older Pennsylvania vehicle with total brake failure, so you use the parking brake. How should you hold it?

   1. Hold the brake release so you can let off the parking brake if the rear wheels lock and you begin to skid
   2. Pull it fully and let the release lock
   3. Pump the parking brake like the foot brake
   4. Set it only after the vehicle stops
   Show answer

   Hold the brake release so you can let off the parking brake if the rear wheels lock and you begin to skid. If pumping the brake pedal does not work, use the parking brake while holding its release so you can let off if the rear wheels lock and you begin to skid. Shift to low gear and look for an open place or uphill road where you can slow to a stop. After stopping, call for help and do not try to drive.

   Study this in the handbook: Skids, blowouts, floods and brake trouble

5. 5. You stopped for a Pennsylvania school bus with red lights flashing and its stop arm out. When may you start moving again?

   1. As soon as the last child steps off the bus
   2. When red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and children have reached a safe place
   3. After five seconds if no children are crossing
   4. When the bus driver waves you past
   Show answer

   When red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and children have reached a safe place. Stopping 10 feet away is only half of the school bus duty; you remain stopped until three things have all happened: red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the children have reached a safe place. A child stepping off may still cross in front of the bus, so an empty doorway does not clear you. Five seconds measures nothing about where children are standing. A driver wave cannot override the light and arm signals other motorists are watching. Wait for the full all-clear sequence before rolling.

   Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

6. 6. Which impairment pattern does Pennsylvania associate with marijuana use before driving?

   1. Faster reaction time with sharper distance judgment
   2. Aggressive and reckless driving in every user
   3. Dizziness without any effect on reaction time
   4. Slower reaction time, impaired judgment of time and distance, and decreased coordination
   Show answer

   Slower reaction time, impaired judgment of time and distance, and decreased coordination. Marijuana can slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease coordination. The manual also says cocaine or methamphetamine can cause aggressive or reckless driving, certain sedatives can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and opioids can cause drowsiness and slow reaction time. The passage behind this item: Slow reaction time, impair judgment of time and distance, and decrease coordination. Cocaine or methamphetamine can cause a driver to be aggressive and reckless when driving and certain kinds of sedatives.

   Study this in the handbook: DUI, chemical tests and zero tolerance

7. 7. You drive into a snow squall on a Pennsylvania interstate. What response does the guidance prescribe?

   1. Slam on the brakes and stop in the travel lane
   2. Speed up to clear the squall faster
   3. Turn off all lights so glare does not spread
   4. Gradually slow down and activate your hazard lights for visibility; do not slam on the brakes
   Show answer

   Gradually slow down and activate your hazard lights for visibility; do not slam on the brakes. If you encounter a snow squall, gradually slow down and activate your hazard lights for increased visibility. Do not slam on your brakes. If you are involved in a collision, stay in your vehicle whenever possible. If you see a squall approaching or know one is nearby, exit the roadway and wait for it to pass. Cited handbook wording: CAUTION: If you encounter a snow squall, exercise extreme caution by gradually slowing and activating your hazard lights for increased visibility. If you are involved in a collision,.

   Study this in the handbook: Speed, night driving and bad weather

8. 8. A steady yellow arrow appears while you are already inside the intersection midway through your turn. What may you do?

   1. Stop instantly where you are and wait inside the intersection
   2. Complete the turn begun on the preceding arrow, with caution
   3. Reverse out of the intersection to the stop line
   4. Turn back and wait for the next green arrow in the crosswalk
   Show answer

   Complete the turn begun on the preceding arrow, with caution. A steady yellow arrow means the movement permitted by the preceding green or flashing yellow arrow is about to end. If already within the intersection, or unable to stop safely before entering, you may complete the turn begun on the preceding arrow with caution. The cited manual passage: Stop completely before entering the intersection. If you are within the intersection or cannot stop safely before entering the intersection, you may complete the turn begun on the preceding arrow with caution.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane signals

9. 9. A Snow Squall Warning is issued for your route. About how long do such warnings typically last for a roadway?

   1. About three hours
   2. All day once issued
   3. Less than 45 minutes
   4. Exactly 24 hours
   Show answer

   Less than 45 minutes. Snow Squall Warning messages concern specific roadways and typically last less than 45 minutes for a roadway. If you receive a warning for your route, delay or alter your travel plans. Alerts are available by text message or applications from third-party vendors. The passage behind this item: The National Weather Service now issues “Snow Squall Warning” messages for specific roadways where these dangerous squalls are likely to cause a great impact to drivers, typically lasting less 45 minutes for a roadway.

   Study this in the handbook: Speed, night driving and bad weather

10. 10. On a Pennsylvania highway, how are guide signs usually posted before an exit?

    1. A single sign exactly at the exit gore only
    2. One advance sign, another advance sign, then a sign at the exit
    3. Three identical signs all mounted on one post
    4. A ground sign only after the exit has passed
    Show answer

    One advance sign, another advance sign, then a sign at the exit. Highway and expressway guide signs usually include an advance sign, another advance sign, and a third sign at the exit. Repeated signs help because high speeds and heavy traffic can cause drivers to miss a single sign, and motorists may need to change lanes to exit. The cited manual passage: There is usually one advance sign which is followed by another advance sign. The third sign then is posted at the exit.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and lane use signs

11. 11. How far from parked cars should bicyclists ride to stay outside the door zone?

    1. At least three feet from parked cars
    2. Within one foot of parked car doors
    3. Exactly six inches from parked cars
    4. Only in streets that have bike lanes
    Show answer

    At least three feet from parked cars. An opening door swings wider than many riders expect, so lateral space is a safety device. Bicyclists should ride at least three feet from parked cars to avoid doors, on streets with and without bike lanes, keeping the rider outside the door zone. One foot and six inches place the rider inside the swing path, while a bike lane only limit deletes protection on ordinary streets. Drivers passing riders should expect this outward position and not squeeze it.

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, child seats and the anti-texting law

12. 12. A NARROW BRIDGE OR UNDERPASS AHEAD sign appears, and a wide vehicle approaches from the opposite direction taking part of your lane. What should you do?

    1. Hold your speed and claim the center of your lane
    2. Pass the structure quickly before the other vehicle arrives
    3. Stop on the bridge itself to let it pass
    4. Slow down, stay in your lane, and wait until the wide vehicle clears the area if it is using part of your lane
    Show answer

    Slow down, stay in your lane, and wait until the wide vehicle clears the area if it is using part of your lane. At a narrow bridge or underpass, each lane becomes narrower and there generally is no shoulder. Slow down and stay in your lane. If an approaching driver has a wide vehicle or is taking up part of your lane, wait until that vehicle clears the area. The passage behind this item: You need to slow down and make sure you stay in your lane. If a driver approaching from the opposite direction has a wide vehicle or is taking up part of your lane, wait until they clear the area.

13. 13. Why should you allow a longer following distance than usual when driving downhill?

    1. It is harder for your brakes to slow your vehicle, especially at high speeds
    2. Downhill vehicles legally travel faster than following traffic
    3. The vehicle ahead may roll forward into you at stops
    4. Large vehicles block your view more on hills
    Show answer

    It is harder for your brakes to slow your vehicle, especially at high speeds. Gravity works against braking on a downgrade, so the vehicle needs more room to shed speed, and the problem grows at high speeds. Extra following distance absorbs that longer stop. Downhill traffic gains no legal speed privilege, so speed itself is not the reason. Rolling backward threatens the driver stopped behind a vehicle on an uphill, which is the opposite grade. Blocked views do justify extra room behind large vehicles, yet that is a separate item on the extra space list. Scan the grade ahead and open the gap before speed builds.

    Study this in the handbook: Space cushion, following distance and scanning

14. 14. A police officer notices faulty equipment on your Pennsylvania vehicle. How long may you have to fix it to avoid a citation?

    1. Within five days
    2. Within 15 days
    3. Within 30 days
    4. By the next annual inspection only
    Show answer

    Within five days. Faulty equipment noticed by an officer may require a fix within five days to avoid a citation. This is separate from the safety inspection required every 12 months at an authorized station. A vehicle may be inspected up to 90 days before its next expiration date. That wording points to "Within five days." By contrast, waiting for the next annual inspection does not satisfy a five-day repair requirement if the officer imposes one.

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

15. 15. You realize you have been driving beside and slightly behind another vehicle for a long stretch. What should you do?

    1. Hold that position to stay predictable
    2. Match the other driver's speed exactly
    3. Speed up or drop back to move out of the blind spot
    4. Flash your headlights and remain alongside
    Show answer

    Speed up or drop back to move out of the blind spot. Positions beside and slightly behind another vehicle sit inside that driver's blind spot, where a lane change can arrive without warning. End the exposure by speeding up clear of the zone or dropping back out of it. Holding position for predictability prolongs the danger instead of reducing it. Matching speed locks you inside the blind area mile after mile. Headlight flashes do not move your vehicle anywhere safer. When passing, cross the other driver's blind spot as quickly and safely as conditions allow, since every extra second alongside is shared risk for both vehicles.

    Study this in the handbook: Space cushion, following distance and scanning

16. 16. During the Pennsylvania Road Test, how many attempts and adjustments do you get for parallel parking?

    1. Three attempts, with unlimited adjustments in each
    2. One attempt for every year the permit has been held
    3. One attempt, using no more than three adjustments
    4. Two attempts, using no more than two adjustments
    Show answer

    One attempt, using no more than three adjustments. Parallel parking allows a single attempt, and inside that attempt you may use no more than three adjustments. Three attempts would multiply the chances the test actually grants, while tying attempts to permit years invents a scale found nowhere in the test rules. Two attempts with two adjustments swaps both numbers away from their stated values. Your vehicle must finish completely inside the space without touching the uprights, crossing the painted line, or climbing the curb. Practice counting each correction as you make it, because the third adjustment must leave the car correctly placed.

    Study this in the handbook: Learner's permit, knowledge test and road test

17. 17. How slow can a Pennsylvania vehicle be traveling when an unbuckled driver or passenger can still be killed on impact?

    1. Only at highway speeds above 55 mph
    2. As slowly as 12 mph
    3. Only above 30 mph
    4. Unbuckled occupants are safe below 25 mph
    Show answer

    As slowly as 12 mph. Low speed offers no rescue to an unbelted body. Pennsylvania warns that a driver or passenger who is not buckled up can be killed on impact even when the vehicle travels as slowly as 12 mph, because the vehicle stops while the body keeps moving until it strikes the panel or windshield. At 30 mph that impact equals falling from a three-story building, and arms cannot catch a body moving with several tons of force. Restricting the danger to highway speeds, or trusting any speed under 25 mph, misreads how little velocity a fatal stop requires.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, insurance and crash duties

18. 18. Chevron signs line a Pennsylvania curve. What are they telling you about the road?

    1. Parking is allowed on the outside of the curve
    2. The curve is banked for higher speed travel
    3. A divided highway begins after the bend
    4. The road bends in the direction each chevron points, at a sharp change in road direction
    Show answer

    The road bends in the direction each chevron points, at a sharp change in road direction. Chevrons mark a sharp change in road direction, such as a curve to the left or right. The road bends in the direction the chevron points. An advance curve warning precedes them, and several chevrons may be placed throughout the curve. Cited handbook wording: There is a sharp change in the direction of the road, such as a curve to the left or right.

19. 19. A Pennsylvania driver's Move Over violation causes serious bodily injury to an emergency responder. What suspension follows?

    1. 30 days
    2. 90 days
    3. Six months
    4. Two years
    Show answer

    Six months. When a Move Over violation seriously injures an emergency responder or a person in or near a disabled vehicle, Pennsylvania imposes a 6 month suspension and a fine of up to $5,000. Ninety days applies when the violation seriously injures or kills another person who is not in those groups. The death of a responder brings one year and up to $10,000. Thirty days and two years are not in the Move Over penalties. Every Move Over conviction also adds 2 points.

    Study this in the handbook: School buses, emergency vehicles and the Move Over law

20. 20. A Pennsylvania driver fails to use headlights when the law requires them. What fine exposure follows?

    1. A $10 fine with no added costs
    2. A flat $250 fine in every case
    3. Fines beginning at $25, with the penalty approaching $100 once other costs are added
    4. No fine, only a warning for a first failure
    Show answer

    Fines beginning at $25, with the penalty approaching $100 once other costs are added. Skipping required headlights starts fines at $25, and associated costs push the total penalty toward $100. Ten dollars understates even the starting figure, while a flat $250 overstates what this headlight provision imposes. A warning-only outcome erases a fine the law expressly sets. Headlights become mandatory between sunset and sunrise, when pedestrians or vehicles stay invisible at 1,000 feet, during unfavorable weather, through work zones, and whenever wipers run continuously or intermittently for weather. Daytime running lights alone fall short because tail lights must glow as well.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed, night driving and bad weather