PA Permit Practice Test 18

All 20 questions in test 18

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 much light can dirty headlights lose, and how often should a Pennsylvania driver clean them?

   1. Half their light; clean them at least once a week, such as when buying gas
   2. A quarter of their light; clean them once a year
   3. Nearly all light; clean them every day
   4. No light at all; cleaning is cosmetic only
   Show answer

   Half their light; clean them at least once a week, such as when buying gas. Clean your headlights at least once a week, such as when you buy gas. Dirty headlights may give only half of the light they should. Headlights help you see and help others see you. Manual wording for this rule: Purpose: to help you see and to help you be seen. Clean your headlights at least once a week. Do it when you buy gas for your vehicle - dirty headlights may give only half of the light they should.

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

2. 2. Your accelerator sticks and the vehicle keeps gaining speed in Pennsylvania. Which attempt to free the pedal is allowed, and which is forbidden?

   1. Reach down and free the pedal by hand
   2. Pull the pedal up with a floor mat
   3. Have a passenger reach across and free it
   4. Tap the pedal a few times or lift it with your toe, but do not reach down by hand
   Show answer

   Tap the pedal a few times or lift it with your toe, but do not reach down by hand. Keep your eyes on the road. Tap the accelerator a few times or try lifting it with your toe, but do not reach down to free it with your hand. If it remains stuck, shift to neutral immediately and brake. When safely slowed, pull off the road, stop, turn off the engine and use emergency flashers. The passage behind this item: Tap the pedal a few times to see if it will spring back to normal, or you may be able to lift it with your toe, but do not reach down to try to free the pedal with your hand.

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

3. 3. Why should you avoid entering a center turn lane too early?

   1. The longer you drive in the center lane, the more likely you are to meet someone head-on coming from the other direction
   2. The center lane is reserved for through traffic only
   3. Center lanes close automatically at intersections
   4. Other drivers may not see your signal in time
   Show answer

   The longer you drive in the center lane, the more likely you are to meet someone head-on coming from the other direction. Do not enter the center turn lane too soon. The longer you drive in it, the more likely you are to meet someone head-on coming from the other direction. Signal at least three to four seconds before entering the lane. The passage behind this item: Do not get into the center turn lane too soon. The longer you drive in the center lane, the more likely you are to meet someone head-on coming from the other direction.

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

4. 4. A farmer child rides in the open bed of a truck between two parts of the family farm to do farm work. How does Pennsylvania treat that ride?

   1. It is always illegal for a child under 18
   2. It is allowed only during hunting season
   3. It is allowed only in an officially sanctioned parade
   4. It is an exception to the ban on children under 18 riding in an open truck bed
   Show answer

   It is an exception to the ban on children under 18 riding in an open truck bed. The manual lists an exception for a farmer’s child transported between parts of a farm, or farms owned or operated by the farmer, to perform farm work. It separately lists exceptions for farm employees under 18, licensed children traveling between specified hunting locations during hunting season, and children participating in an officially sanctioned parade during the parade. Cited handbook wording: A child of a farmer, who is being transported between parts of a farm or farms owned or operated by the farmer in order to perform work on the farm or farms.

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

5. 5. Why does Pennsylvania count hearing among the senses a driver must protect?

   1. It is required for understanding radio traffic reports
   2. It warns of dangers you do not see, like a vehicle in your blind spot, an approaching emergency vehicle, or a train at a crossing
   3. It replaces the need to check mirrors at intersections
   4. It determines whether a driver may use the left lane
   Show answer

   It warns of dangers you do not see, like a vehicle in your blind spot, an approaching emergency vehicle, or a train at a crossing. Hearing can warn you of dangers you do not see, such as another vehicle in your blind spot. It also helps you detect an approaching emergency vehicle or a train at a railroad crossing. The cited manual passage: Warn you of dangers you do not see, like another vehicle in your blind spot. Hearing is also important to let you know an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) is approaching or to detect a train at a railroad crossing.

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

6. 6. An intersection has no pedestrian signals installed. Which signals must pedestrians obey there?

   1. No signals at all; pedestrians cross whenever the road looks clear
   2. The red, yellow, and green traffic lights
   3. Only the signals on the cross street
   4. Flashing signals from the nearest school zone
   Show answer

   The red, yellow, and green traffic lights. Pedestrians must obey WALK and DON’T WALK signals or the walking-person and upraised-hand symbols where provided. If there are no pedestrian signals at an intersection, pedestrians must obey the red, yellow, and green traffic lights. Drivers should be alert for pedestrians who may not obey signals and always yield to pedestrians. Cited handbook wording: Walk). If there are no pedestrian signals at the intersection, pedestrians must obey the red, yellow and green traffic lights.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane signals

7. 7. A driver whose blood alcohol level is .04, half the adult legal limit of .08, faces what change in crash likelihood compared with a sober driver?

   1. No measurable change until .08 is reached
   2. About the same risk as a driver at .02
   3. Less risk, because small amounts relax the driver
   4. Between two and seven times more likely to be involved in a crash
   Show answer

   Between two and seven times more likely to be involved in a crash. Drivers with a blood alcohol level of .04, half the .08 legal limit for adults 21 or older, are between two and seven times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no alcohol in their blood. The manual says even small amounts reduce driving skills and that the only safe amount before driving is zero. Cited handbook wording: (half of the “legal limit” of .08 for an adult 21 years of age or older) are between two (2) and seven (7) times more.

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

8. 8. Your record reaches zero points and stays there for 12 consecutive months. How is a later accumulation treated?

   1. As a second accumulation, because points once existed
   2. As the first accumulation of points
   3. As a third accumulation if any points existed years earlier
   4. It can never be counted again
   Show answer

   As the first accumulation of points. Holding zero points across 12 consecutive months resets the counting, so a later accumulation is treated as a first accumulation. Calling it a second accumulation keeps old history alive after the clean year the rule rewards. A third accumulation label reaches even further backward without support. Saying later points can never count swings to the opposite error, since new violations still add points and can trigger action. The reset rewards a full clean year at zero, not merely the day the balance first touches zero. Keep the record empty for the whole stretch to earn first accumulation treatment again.

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

9. 9. Why must cruise control stay off on slippery Pennsylvania roads?

   1. Snow, ice, slush, and rain can cause wheel-spin and loss of control while the system keeps applying power
   2. Cruise control drains the battery faster in cold weather
   3. Cruise control is banned on all Pennsylvania highways
   4. Cruise control prevents any use of the brakes
   Show answer

   Snow, ice, slush, and rain can cause wheel-spin and loss of control while the system keeps applying power. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Snow, ice, slush and rain can cause wheel-spin and loss of control. The manual says reducing power is the only way to stop wheel-spin and regain control, while activated cruise control continues applying power and keeps the wheels spinning. This is the reason given for avoiding cruise control in these conditions. The passage behind this item: Do not use your cruise control when driving on slippery roads.

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

10. 10. A yellow EXIT ONLY panel hangs over your highway lane. What does it tell you about that lane?

    1. It becomes a through lane after the exit
    2. It is reserved for trucks leaving the highway
    3. It will not continue through the interchange; instead, it goes off the road to form a ramp
    4. It ends without any exit at the interchange
    Show answer

    It will not continue through the interchange; instead, it goes off the road to form a ramp. A yellow EXIT ONLY panel means the lane below it does not continue through the interchange; it leaves the highway to form a ramp. You may change lanes, but if you stay in that lane, you must exit. The manual explains that highway guide signs are usually repeated because high speed and heavy traffic can cause drivers to miss a single sign.

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

11. 11. You arrive for a Pennsylvania Road Test with photocopies of the required vehicle documents. What happens?

    1. The test is given, and copies are accepted for every item
    2. The examiner keeps the copies and lends originals from the center
    3. You will not be given the test
    4. You may take only the parallel parking portion
    Show answer

    You will not be given the test. You must bring the original required documents for the Road Test: your valid learner’s permit, the signed training certification if under 18, the vehicle’s valid registration card and proof of current insurance, and the valid license of the accompanying qualified driver. If you bring copies instead, you will not be given the test. The cited manual passage: If you do not bring the original documents (not copies) listed above, you will not be given the test.

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

12. 12. Two vehicles stop facing one another at a four way stop. How may they proceed?

    1. Both may proceed with caution, watching for possible turns
    2. Only the larger vehicle may proceed first
    3. Neither may move until a third vehicle arrives
    4. Both must turn right before going straight
    Show answer

    Both may proceed with caution, watching for possible turns. A four way stop normally rewards the first arrival, yet vehicles facing one another occupy compatible paths when both travel straight. In that facing case both can proceed with caution while watching for possible turns that would cross the other path. Holding out for a larger vehicle, a third arrival, or a forced right turn invents a priority rule that the stop layout does not use. Roll forward slowly, keep the wheel honest, and confirm that no turn signal betrays a crossing move.

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, warning and work zone signs

13. 13. A ONE DIRECTION LARGE ARROW sign appears in Pennsylvania. How much should you slow down?

    1. No slowing is needed on a paved curve
    2. Only after the front wheels enter the bend
    3. As much as you would to make a turn at an intersection
    4. To exactly half the posted limit on every such curve
    Show answer

    As much as you would to make a turn at an intersection. A ONE DIRECTION LARGE ARROW sign warns that the road changes direction at an extreme angle. Before reaching the curve, slow down as much as you would to make a turn at an intersection. Controlling manual language: The road ahead changes direction at an extreme angle. Before you reach such an extreme curve, slow down as much as you would to make a turn at an intersection.

14. 14. An ADVANCED INTERSECTION/RAILROAD CROSSING sign is posted. What awaits on the intersecting road?

    1. A toll plaza within one mile
    2. A railroad crossing a very short distance from the intersection, so a turn onto that road may require stopping for an approaching train
    3. A roundabout with a central truck apron
    4. A weigh station for commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing a very short distance from the intersection, so a turn onto that road may require stopping for an approaching train. This warning compresses two hazards into one decision: the side road carries tracks very close to its junction with your road. Turning onto it without checking for rail traffic can leave a vehicle queued across the rails with nowhere to go. A driver planning that turn watches for an approaching train and prepares to stop before entering. Toll plazas, roundabouts and weigh stations play no part in the symbol. Count the space beyond the turn before committing to it.

15. 15. Pennsylvania police have stopped you and the officer is walking toward your vehicle. What should you do with your seat belt?

    1. Keep it fastened until the officer has seen you are appropriately restrained
    2. Unbuckle it right away to show cooperation
    3. Unbuckle it only if you need your wallet
    4. Remove it so you can turn around to face the officer
    Show answer

    Keep it fastened until the officer has seen you are appropriately restrained. Keep your seat belt fastened until the officer has seen that you are appropriately restrained. Limit your movements, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and wait until the officer asks before retrieving your license, registration, and insurance cards. Manual wording for this rule: Keep your seat belt fastened until the officer has seen you are appropriately restrained. That wording points to "Keep it fastened until the officer has seen you are appropriately restrained."

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

16. 16. You damage a parked vehicle in Pennsylvania and cannot find its owner. According to the manual, what should your note include, and what else should you do?

    1. Leave no note; drive away if damage looks minor
    2. Leave only your first name under the wiper
    3. Wait beside the vehicle until the owner returns, however long that takes
    4. Leave a visible note with the date and time of the crash, your name, and a reachable telephone number, and call the police
    Show answer

    Leave a visible note with the date and time of the crash, your name, and a reachable telephone number, and call the police. Stop immediately and try to find the owner. If you cannot find the owner, leave a note where it can be seen and call the police. The manual says the note should include the date and time of the crash, your name, and a telephone number where you can be reached. Controlling manual language: Leave a note in a place where it can be seen and call the police. The note should include the date and time of the crash, your name and a telephone number where you can be reached.

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

17. 17. How many areas of space around your vehicle must you manage while driving in Pennsylvania?

    1. Four areas
    2. Five areas
    3. Six areas
    4. Eight areas
    Show answer

    Six areas. The manual identifies six areas of space around your vehicle and recommends a space cushion on all sides. Its diagram shows space ahead, to both sides, in both rear areas and directly behind. A four-second following distance on dry pavement gives room to steer or brake to avoid a hazard. Keep more space ahead when conditions require it. Controlling manual language: As shown in the diagram to the right, there are six (6) areas of space around your vehicle you must be able to manage.

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

18. 18. Why should you leave extra room when following or stopped behind a horse-drawn vehicle?

    1. The horse may be startled by your headlights at noon
    2. The vehicle is legally stopped for the next hour
    3. After stopping, horse-drawn vehicles often roll backward, and following too close limits the horse-drawn driver's ability to see you and cramps your space for passing later
    4. Its wheels lock whenever it stops
    Show answer

    After stopping, horse-drawn vehicles often roll backward, and following too close limits the horse-drawn driver's ability to see you and cramps your space for passing later. Leave plenty of room when following or stopped behind a horse-drawn vehicle. These vehicles often roll backward after stopping, and following too closely limits the driver’s ability to see you. Extra space also provides room when preparing to pass. The passage behind this item: After stopping, horse-drawn vehicles often roll backward, and following too close limits the horsedrawn vehicle driver’s ability to see you.

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

19. 19. Except in emergencies or when a police officer directs otherwise, how does Pennsylvania treat stopping, standing or parking between the roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers?

    1. Allowed for up to ten minutes with flashers on
    2. Reserved for delivery vehicles at midday
    3. Permitted only on grassy medians
    4. Prohibited places to stop, stand, or park
    Show answer

    Prohibited places to stop, stand, or park. Never stop, stand or park between the roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers, unless an emergency occurs or an officer directs otherwise. Flashers, a short stay, delivery work or a grassy surface are not listed exceptions. The cited manual passage: Between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers. That wording points to "Prohibited places to stop, stand, or park." By contrast, grass on a median does not make it a parking area.

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

20. 20. On a snowy day in Pennsylvania, which exhaust check helps prevent carbon monoxide danger?

    1. Pack snow around the tail pipe for insulation
    2. Inspect the tail pipe and remove snow or ice blocking it
    3. Cover the tail pipe while the engine warms
    4. Check the tail pipe only after a long highway drive
    Show answer

    Inspect the tail pipe and remove snow or ice blocking it. On snowy days, always inspect the tail pipe and remove any snow or ice obstructing it. The manual lists this as a precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning. Controlling manual language: On snowy days, always inspect your tail pipe and remove any snow or ice that might be obstructing your vehicle’s tail pipe. That wording points to "Inspect the tail pipe and remove snow or ice blocking it."