PA Permit Practice Test 23

All 20 questions in test 23

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 follow a truck at night on a Pennsylvania highway. What should you do with your headlights, and why?

   1. Use high beams so the truck driver notices you
   2. Turn off your headlights inside the truck blind spot
   3. Flash your lights repeatedly to hold the driver attention
   4. Dim your headlights, because bright lights reflect off the truck large side mirrors and blind the driver
   Show answer

   Dim your headlights, because bright lights reflect off the truck large side mirrors and blind the driver. When following a truck or any vehicle at night, dim your headlights. Bright lights reflect off the truck’s large side mirrors and blind its driver. Follow far enough back and position your vehicle so the truck driver can see it in the side mirrors. Manual wording for this rule: When you follow a truck or any vehicle at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights from a vehicle behind will blind the truck driver when they reflect off of the truck’s large side mirrors.

   Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, bicycles, trucks and pedestrians

2. 2. Before changing lanes, what must you do besides checking mirrors and sensors?

   1. Depend on the blind spot sensor alone
   2. Look over your left and right shoulders to check blind spots
   3. Slow to half speed and rely on mirrors
   4. Sound the horn and move over
   Show answer

   Look over your left and right shoulders to check blind spots. Before changing lanes, signal, check your rearview and side mirrors, and look over your left and right shoulders to check blind spots. Do not depend on mirrors or sensors alone. Check quickly and do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than a second. On roads with three or more lanes, check all lanes because another driver may be moving toward the same space.

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

3. 3. In Pennsylvania, who must wear seat belts in vehicles, light trucks, and motor homes?

   1. Only the driver
   2. Only front seat passengers under age 18
   3. Only drivers traveling on highways
   4. All drivers and front seat passengers
   Show answer

   All drivers and front seat passengers. Pennsylvania requires every driver and every front seat passenger in vehicles, light trucks and motor homes to wear seat belts. Limiting the duty to the driver leaves the front passenger unrestrained in violation of the law. An under 18 limit for the front seat invents an age boundary this sentence does not contain, since the front seat rule covers occupants generally. Highway-only wording shrinks a duty that applies to driving generally. Separate age rules still govern riders from eight through seventeen wherever they sit, and drivers under 18 may not carry more passengers than belts.

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

4. 4. A single-lane highway entrance ramp has a metering signal. How many cars may enter the highway on each green?

   1. Two cars if they follow closely
   2. Only one car each time the light turns green
   3. Any number that fits before the red returns
   4. One car per lane plus one motorcycle
   Show answer

   Only one car each time the light turns green. On a single-lane metered ramp, only one car may enter each time the light turns green. Ramp meters alternate steady green and steady red to control traffic entering congested highways, usually during peak rush hours. Multi-lane ramps have a meter for each lane. Even with a green signal, you must look for a safe gap before entering the highway. Controlling manual language: On single-lane ramps, only one (1) car may enter the highway each time the light turns green.

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane signals

5. 5. You press a penny into the lowest groove of a tire tread with Lincoln's head pointing in. What result shows a safe amount of tread?

   1. Any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread
   2. Lincoln's whole head stays visible above the tread
   3. Any part of Lincoln's head is covered when checked where tread looks deepest
   4. No part of Lincoln's head is covered, yet the tread looks even across the tire
   Show answer

   Any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread. For the penny test, select a point where the tread appears lowest and place Lincoln’s head into a groove. If any part of the head is covered, the manual says the tire has a safe amount of tread. Below that level, grip in adverse conditions is greatly reduced. Check tires for wear and damage once a month or before a long road trip.

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

6. 6. How may headphones or ear pieces be used while driving in Pennsylvania?

   1. In one ear only, for communication purposes
   2. In both ears at low volume
   3. In both ears when the phone is hands-free
   4. In neither ear under any circumstances
   Show answer

   In one ear only, for communication purposes. Headphones or ear pieces may be used in one ear only, for communication purposes. Using both ears does not match this rule, regardless of low volume or hands-free operation. A complete ban also goes beyond it. The manual separately lists talking on a cell phone, hands-free or not, as a distraction that reduces how quickly you can react. The cited manual passage: Headphones/ear pieces can only be used in one ear for communication purposes.

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

7. 7. A vehicle is unlawfully parked in a Pennsylvania parking area for persons with disabilities. Besides a conviction fine, what may happen to the vehicle?

   1. It must be left in place for twenty four hours
   2. It may be towed and reclaimed only after towing costs are paid
   3. It may be driven away by any licensed driver
   4. It will be registered to the space holder
   Show answer

   It may be towed and reclaimed only after towing costs are paid. A vehicle unlawfully parked in a parking area for persons with disabilities may be towed and reclaimed upon payment of towing costs. The parking violation is a summary offense, with a conviction fine of $50 to $200. Manual wording for this rule: Any vehicle unlawfully parked in a parking area for disabled persons may be removed from that area by towing and reclaimed upon payment of the towing costs.

   Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

8. 8. Where is a HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLE warning sign posted in Pennsylvania?

   1. In areas where slow moving horse-drawn vehicles cross or share the roadway with motorized vehicles
   2. Only at fairgrounds during county fairs
   3. At every farm driveway in rural counties
   4. Beside stables that stable more than ten horses
   Show answer

   In areas where slow moving horse-drawn vehicles cross or share the roadway with motorized vehicles. This sign is posted in areas where slow moving, horse-drawn vehicles cross or share the roadway with motorized vehicles. Leave plenty of room when following a horse-drawn vehicle. When passing, do not drive too fast or blow your horn, and leave enough space before returning to the right lane. The cited manual passage: This sign is posted in areas where slow moving, horse-drawn vehicles cross or share the roadway with motorized vehicles.

9. 9. A woman weighs 110 pounds and drinks 8 ounces of light beer. What BAC does the guidance associate with that amount?

   1. A BAC of .08 after 8 ounces
   2. A BAC of .02 after 8 ounces
   3. No measurable BAC after 8 ounces
   4. A BAC of .03 after just 8 ounces of light beer
   Show answer

   A BAC of .03 after just 8 ounces of light beer. Body size changes how a modest drink registers, which is why small amounts cannot be waved away as harmless. A female weighing 110 pounds will reach a BAC of .03 after drinking just 8 ounces of light beer, less than a full bottle or can. Calling that intake immeasurable, or assigning .02 or the adult .08 line, misses the illustrated sensitivity for a smaller drinker. Any planned drive after drinking should start from zero drinks, not from arithmetic at the table.

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

10. 10. You fail the Pennsylvania Knowledge Test in the morning at one Driver License Center. Can you retake it that afternoon at a different center?

    1. Yes, each center allows one attempt per day
    2. No, you may take the Knowledge Test only one time on any day regardless of test location
    3. Yes, if you bring a new application form
    4. Only if a parent accompanies you
    Show answer

    No, you may take the Knowledge Test only one time on any day regardless of test location. A failed Knowledge Test ends testing for that day everywhere: you may take the Knowledge Test only one time on any day regardless of test location. The examiner returns your DL-180 application, and the Parent or Guardian Consent Form if you are under 18, so keep both forms safe and bring them when you return, permitted the following business day. A fresh form does not reset the daily limit, and a parent presence changes consent paperwork, not attempt counting. Use the evening to restudy signs, laws, and safe practices rather than hunting for a second sitting.

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

11. 11. The brake warning light glows in a newer vehicle with a split braking system. How much braking may remain?

    1. No braking on any wheel
    2. Full braking on all four wheels
    3. Braking in two of the four wheels, probably one front and one rear
    4. Braking on both front wheels only
    Show answer

    Braking in two of the four wheels, probably one front and one rear. A split braking system reduces the possibility of total brake failure. If the warning light comes on, you may still have braking at two wheels, probably one front and one rear. The pedal may travel farther and require harder pressure, and stopping distance increases. Pull over or into the next service station; shifting to a lower gear helps slow the vehicle. By contrast, the manual says braking may remain at two of the four wheels; the warning light does not necessarily mean all braking is lost.

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

12. 12. Your lane continues through a Pennsylvania work zone and a solid white line marks its edge. What does the work zone guidance say about crossing that line?

    1. Cross it to get around slow equipment
    2. Cross it only when no workers are visible
    3. Do not cross it; stay in your lane
    4. Cross it if your flashers are on
    Show answer

    Do not cross it; stay in your lane. Do not cross a solid white line in a work zone; stay in your lane. Prepare to change lanes when a message says your lane is closed ahead. Proceed cautiously at a safe speed and obey flaggers, whose authority overrides conventional traffic control devices. Cited handbook wording: DO NOT CROSS a solid white line in a work zone; stay in your lane.

13. 13. Red lights flash behind you, but you are genuinely unsure the person stopping you is a police officer. What response does Pennsylvania allow?

    1. Speed away until the vehicle gives up
    2. Drive to the nearest well-lit, populated area while acknowledging the stop request by turning on your flashers and driving at a reduced speed, then ask the officer for identification
    3. Stop in the darkest available spot to stay inconspicuous
    4. Exit the vehicle and approach the other car first
    Show answer

    Drive to the nearest well-lit, populated area while acknowledging the stop request by turning on your flashers and driving at a reduced speed, then ask the officer for identification. Uncertainty has a scripted, cautious answer. If flashing red and blue lights, or red lights only, leave you unsure the person is actually a police officer, you may drive to the nearest well-lit, populated area, but acknowledge you understand the request to stop by turning on your flashers and driving at a reduced speed. You may ask the officer for identification, and should do so when the individual is not in uniform or uses an unmarked vehicle; officers always possess a photo ID card and a badge. Fleeing, hiding in darkness, and approaching the other vehicle all break the script.

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

14. 14. You are turning left onto a divided highway. Before turning left on the far side of the barrier, you must find a safe gap in traffic approaching from which side on the second roadway?

    1. From your left
    2. From behind you
    3. From your right
    4. From both sides equally
    Show answer

    From your right. To turn left onto a divided highway, first cross the first roadway when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from your left. Then turn left beyond the barrier when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from your right on the second roadway. Watch for DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs. The cited manual passage: And then turn left on the other side of the barrier, when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from the right on the “second” roadway.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections and roundabouts

15. 15. At an intersection, the left lane has a left-turn-only sign. The adjoining lane has a lane-use sign showing both a left arrow and a straight-ahead arrow. What may traffic in the adjoining lane do?

    1. Turn right only across the left lane
    2. Go straight only with no turn allowed
    3. Turn left or continue straight
    4. Make a U turn from the adjoining lane
    Show answer

    Turn left or continue straight. The left lane must turn left. The adjoining lane’s left and straight-ahead arrows permit drivers to turn left or continue straight through the intersection. Controlling manual language: This sign indicates that at the intersection ahead traffic in the left lane must turn left and traffic in the adjoining lane may turn left or continue straight. That wording points to "Turn left or continue straight."

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

16. 16. Signs mark the beginning and end of an active work zone. Which portion counts as active?

    1. Only the first thousand feet past the barrels
    2. Any road within five miles of stored equipment
    3. Only lanes fully closed to all traffic
    4. The portion where workers are on the roadway or on the shoulder next to an open travel lane
    Show answer

    The portion where workers are on the roadway or on the shoulder next to an open travel lane. Active describes people at risk, not merely paint and barrels on a map. An active work zone is the portion where construction, maintenance, or utility workers are on the roadway itself or on the shoulder beside an open travel lane, and signs mark where that portion begins and ends. A fixed thousand foot slice, distant equipment storage, and fully closed lanes each miss the worker presence that triggers heightened care. Treat the signed stretch as live until the end marker passes.

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

17. 17. A vehicle approaches with its turn signal flashing, and you want to pull out in front of it. What does Pennsylvania advise?

    1. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn before you go, because the driver may have forgotten to turn off the signal; motorcycle signals may not self-cancel
    2. Pull out quickly; a flashing signal guarantees the turn
    3. Assume the signal is false and ignore it completely
    4. Flash your headlights to claim the gap
    Show answer

    Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn before you go, because the driver may have forgotten to turn off the signal; motorcycle signals may not self-cancel. Do not pull out in front of an approaching vehicle merely because its turn signal is on. The driver may plan to turn beyond you, may have changed their mind, or may have forgotten to cancel the signal. Motorcycle signals may not turn themselves off. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn before you go. The cited manual passage: Forgotten to turn off the signal. This is especially true of motorcycles; their signals may not turn themselves off.

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

18. 18. You change your name or address in Pennsylvania, including moving out of state. Within how many days must you notify PennDOT?

    1. Within 15 days of the change
    2. Within 60 days of the change
    3. Only at your next renewal
    4. Within one year of the change
    Show answer

    Within 15 days of the change. Notify PennDOT within 15 days of a name or address change, even when moving out of state. An address change may be reported online or through the Customer Call Center; a name change uses Form DL-80. PennDOT issues an update card with the new information, which must be carried with the driver’s license. Controlling manual language: In accordance with Section 1515 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, if your name or address is changed, you must notify PennDOT within 15 days of that change even if moving out of state. You may report your address change.

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

19. 19. Even on the coldest days, how long does eco driving guidance say a vehicle needs to get ready to drive?

    1. Ten minutes of idling in place
    2. Until the cabin reaches summer warmth
    3. Thirty seconds to get ready to drive
    4. No warm up on any winter morning
    Show answer

    Thirty seconds to get ready to drive. The manual’s eco-driving advice says to drive to warm up and that even on the coldest days, it takes only 30 seconds to get the vehicle ready to drive. It also states that idling wastes fuel. The cited manual passage: Drive to warm up. Even on the coldest days, it only take 30 seconds to get your vehicle ready to drive. By contrast, ten minutes of idling far exceeds the stated readiness time.

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

20. 20. An interstate shield shows three digits and the first digit is odd, such as I-180. How does that route usually function?

    1. It connects to interstate highways at both ends as a beltway
    2. It is an east-west route crossing the whole state
    3. It is a spur route connecting with another interstate at only one end, sometimes going into a city center
    4. It is a toll road that rejoins the Turnpike
    Show answer

    It is a spur route connecting with another interstate at only one end, sometimes going into a city center. An odd first digit on a three-digit interstate usually indicates a spur connecting with another interstate at only one end. It may lead into a city center, as I-180 does in Williamsport. An even first digit usually indicates connections to interstates at both ends, often called a loop or beltway. Controlling manual language: When the first of the three (3) digits is an odd number, the highway is usually a “spur” route connecting with another interstate at only one (1) end, sometimes going into a city center such as I-180 in Williamsport.