PA Permit Practice Test 25

All 20 questions in test 25

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. Within what distance of a bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel may you not pass in Pennsylvania?

   1. Within 300 feet
   2. Within 50 feet
   3. Passing is allowed right up to the structure
   4. Within 100 feet
   Show answer

   Within 100 feet. You may not pass within 100 feet of any bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel. The manual separately prohibits passing within 100 feet of or while crossing an intersection or railroad grade crossing, unless an official traffic control device permits it. Cited handbook wording: You are within 100 feet of any bridge, elevated structure or tunnel. That wording points to "Within 100 feet."

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

2. 2. In the safe-turn sequence, when should the turn signal go on?

   1. At the moment steering begins
   2. Three to four seconds before the turn
   3. After the vehicle enters the new lane
   4. Only when other traffic is visible
   Show answer

   Three to four seconds before the turn. The safe-turn sequence begins with signaling three to four seconds before your turn. Then position your vehicle in the proper lane, control your speed, and complete the turn in the proper lane. The cited manual passage: Signal three (3) to four (4) seconds before your turn. That wording points to "Three to four seconds before the turn." By contrast, the signal precedes steering by three to four seconds.

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

3. 3. A Pennsylvania permit applicant who is over 18 must present two proofs of residency. Which set counts as acceptable proof?

   1. Current utility bills and a W-2 form
   2. A Social Security card and a birth certificate
   3. A school report card and a library card
   4. A vehicle title and an insurance card
   Show answer

   Current utility bills and a W-2 form. Applicants over 18 must present two proofs of residency. The manual lists current utility bills, W-2 forms, tax records, current weapons permits for U.S. citizens, lease agreements, and mortgage documents. Current utility bills and a W-2 form are both on that list. Controlling manual language: Verification of relationship is needed. If you are over 18 years of age, you must present two (2) proofs of residency: Current Utility Bills (water, gas, electric, cable, etc.). W-2 Form. Tax Records.

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

4. 4. A bicyclist is riding straight ahead on a Pennsylvania roadway as you prepare to turn across the rider path. What is forbidden?

   1. Slowing down before your turn
   2. Checking your side mirror before turning
   3. Yielding until the bicyclist passes
   4. Turning into the path of a bicyclist who is riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder
   Show answer

   Turning into the path of a bicyclist who is riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder. Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder. Yield to the rider rather than turning across the rider’s path. The manual also says drivers cannot force a bicyclist off the road and may face criminal charges for doing so. The cited manual passage: Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist who is riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder.

   Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

5. 5. What minimum advance notice does the Pennsylvania manual recommend when requesting a sign language interpreter for a Knowledge or Road Test?

   1. The morning of the test
   2. Six months before the test
   3. At least two weeks before the desired test time
   4. No advance contact is needed
   Show answer

   At least two weeks before the desired test time. Make initial contact with PennDOT at least two weeks before the desired test time. Call 717-412-5300, or 711 if using a TDD, identify the Driver License Center, and provide at least three possible dates. State any preferred type of sign language. PennDOT will do its best to secure an interpreter and will call to confirm the test date after one is hired.

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

6. 6. You are circulating in a Pennsylvania roundabout and nearing your exit. Which signal should you use as you approach that exit?

   1. Right turn signal
   2. Left turn signal
   3. Four-way flashers
   4. No signal at any point
   Show answer

   Right turn signal. As you approach your roundabout exit, use your right turn signal. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk and be prepared to yield before exiting. Cited handbook wording: As you approach your exit, use you RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. That wording points to "Right turn signal." By contrast, a left signal inside the circle suggests you intend to keep circulating, not exit. Another option fails because flashers mark a hazard or disabled vehicle, not a normal roundabout exit.

7. 7. What is the most frequent cause of crashes at Pennsylvania roundabouts?

   1. Drivers speeding inside the circle
   2. Drivers signaling too early on exit
   3. Drivers stopping on the center island
   4. Drivers who fail to yield before they enter
   Show answer

   Drivers who fail to yield before they enter. The most frequent cause of roundabout crashes is drivers failing to yield before entering. Slow on approach, pull up to the yield line, look left, and enter only when there is an adequate gap. Circulating traffic has the right-of-way. The passage behind this item: The most frequent cause of crashes at roundabouts is drivers who fail to yield before they enter. That wording points to "Drivers who fail to yield before they enter."

8. 8. A pedestrian with a white cane is crossing ahead of you in Pennsylvania. What right-of-way duty applies?

   1. Proceed if the pedestrian is moving slowly
   2. Yield the right-of-way, slowing down and preparing to stop
   3. Sound the horn so the pedestrian waits
   4. Pass behind the pedestrian at normal speed
   Show answer

   Yield the right-of-way, slowing down and preparing to stop. Yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians by slowing down and preparing to stop. This applies whether they have a white cane, a guide dog or are being led by another person. The cited manual passage: Yield the right-of-way (slow down and prepare to stop) to blind pedestrians, whether they have a white cane or a guide dog, or are being led by others.

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

9. 9. Before jacking up a vehicle to change a flat tire, how should the vehicle be secured against rolling?

   1. Apply the parking brake and place bricks, wooden wedges, or wheel chocks at both the front and rear of any one of the remaining good tires
   2. Rely on the parking brake alone on level ground
   3. Ask a passenger to hold a foot on the brake pedal
   4. Chock only the flat tire itself
   Show answer

   Apply the parking brake and place bricks, wooden wedges, or wheel chocks at both the front and rear of any one of the remaining good tires. Park on a flat surface away from traffic and as far off the road as possible. Apply the parking brake, then place bricks, wooden wedges, or wheel chocks at both the front and rear of any one of the remaining good tires. The cited manual passage: Apply the parking brake and secure the vehicle by placing bricks, wooden wedges, or wheel chocks at both the front and rear of any one of the remaining good tires.

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

10. 10. After an uninsured-vehicle sanction, what must a Pennsylvania driver submit to restore driving privilege and registration?

    1. A letter promising to buy insurance next month
    2. A new vehicle title and license plates
    3. Only the restoration fees, with insurance checked next year
    4. Proof the vehicle is currently insured and the required restoration fees
    Show answer

    Proof the vehicle is currently insured and the required restoration fees. To have your driving privilege and registration restored after an uninsured-vehicle sanction, submit proof that the vehicle is currently insured and the required restoration fees. The manual also says the sanction must be served and all restoration requirements satisfied. The cited manual passage: In order to have your driving privilege and registration restored, you must submit the following: F Proof your vehicle is currently insured. F The required restoration fees.

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

11. 11. Under Pennsylvania eco driving guidance, when should you use the car air conditioner?

    1. Only below 40 mph with windows closed
    2. When driving more than 40 mph
    3. Never, even on interstate highways
    4. Only while idling in parking lots
    Show answer

    When driving more than 40 mph. The manual’s eco-driving guidance says to use your car’s air conditioner when driving more than 40 mph. The other choices do not match that recommendation. Controlling manual language: Stay cool. Use your car's air conditioner when driving more than 40 mph. That wording points to "When driving more than 40 mph." By contrast, idling in a lot is not the stated air conditioner setting.

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

12. 12. Barrels, tubes, cones and vertical panels appear through a Pennsylvania work zone. What is their job?

    1. To mark free parking for construction visitors
    2. To store water for dust control crews
    3. To show where drivers may cut across closed lanes
    4. To guide you through changing traffic patterns and keep you away from road work hazards
    Show answer

    To guide you through changing traffic patterns and keep you away from road work hazards. These channelizing devices guide drivers through changing traffic patterns and keep them away from hazards associated with road work. That wording points to "To guide you through changing traffic patterns and keep you away from road work hazards." By contrast, closed lanes stay closed; devices never invite a cut across. By contrast, dust control storage is unrelated to these traffic devices. By contrast, visitor parking is not marked by channeling devices.

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

13. 13. While changing a flat tire in Pennsylvania, how high should you raise the vehicle with the jack?

    1. Until the tire barely touches the ground
    2. As high as the jack will extend
    3. Until the tire is approximately six inches off the ground
    4. One inch off the ground is enough
    Show answer

    Until the tire is approximately six inches off the ground. Raise the vehicle with the jack until the tire is approximately six inches off the ground. Before lifting, park on a flat surface away from traffic, apply the parking brake, and place bricks, wedges, or wheel chocks at the front and rear of one remaining good tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for proper jack placement. The cited manual passage: Placement of the jack. Raise the vehicle with the jack until the tire is approximately 6 inches off the ground.

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

14. 14. You are changing a flat tire in Pennsylvania and the vehicle is still on the ground. How should you handle the lug nuts before jacking?

    1. Remove them completely so the wheel comes off fast
    2. Loosen them with the lug wrench, but do not fully remove them from the lug bolts
    3. Tighten them further before raising the vehicle
    4. Remove only every other lug nut
    Show answer

    Loosen them with the lug wrench, but do not fully remove them from the lug bolts. While the vehicle is on the ground, loosen the lug nuts with the end of the lug wrench that fits them, but do not fully remove them from the lug bolts. Place the jack securely as directed in the manual and raise the vehicle until the tire is approximately six inches off the ground. Then completely remove the lug nuts and the flat tire.

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

15. 15. How do you check whether you are at least four seconds behind a truck in Pennsylvania using a roadside object?

    1. As the truck passes a fixed object, count one thousand one onward; your front bumper should reach it at one thousand four
    2. Count until the truck reaches the object, then double it
    3. Count the truck length four times as it passes
    4. Watch the object disappear in the mirror, then count to two
    Show answer

    As the truck passes a fixed object, count one thousand one onward; your front bumper should reach it at one thousand four. At least four seconds are needed to stay out of a truck’s rear blind spot. As the truck passes a stationary roadside object, count one thousand one, one thousand two, and so on. If your front bumper reaches the object before one thousand four, you are following too closely. The passage behind this item: As a truck passes a stationary object alongside the road, start counting, one thousand one, one thousand two, etc. You should reach one thousand four just as your front bumper reaches the same object.

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

16. 16. Which Pennsylvania drivers are subject to the Highest Rate penalty table regardless of a standard BAC reading?

    1. Drivers who had one drink with dinner
    2. Drivers under the influence of controlled substances and drivers who refuse a chemical test
    3. Drivers with a BAC of exactly .08
    4. Only drivers over age 65 with any alcohol
    Show answer

    Drivers under the influence of controlled substances and drivers who refuse a chemical test. The manual states that drivers under the influence of controlled substances and drivers who refuse a chemical test are subject to Table 3, Highest Rate. Table 3 lists a first-offense sentence of three days to six months in prison, a $1,000 to $5,000 fine, a 12-month suspension, and a one-year ignition interlock requirement. Manual wording for this rule: Anyone who drives under the influence of controlled substances and drivers who refuse a chemical test are subject to the penalties listed in Table 3, “Highest Rate.”.

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

17. 17. What does Pennsylvania law say about objects hanging from the rearview mirror?

    1. Small objects may hang there at any time
    2. Hanging objects are barred only at night
    3. Nothing that might block or impair windshield vision may hang, be placed, or be attached there while moving; tags, permits, and placards may be attached only when parked
    4. Anything may hang there if it sits below mirror level
    Show answer

    Nothing that might block or impair windshield vision may hang, be placed, or be attached there while moving; tags, permits, and placards may be attached only when parked. The manual says it is against the law to have an object or material hanging from the rearview mirror while moving. It also prohibits hanging, placing or attaching anything there that might block or impair vision through the front windshield. Tags, permits and placards may be attached to the mirror only when parked. Nothing may be placed on the front windshield that blocks the driver’s view of the roadway.

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

18. 18. A Pennsylvania child is age five. How must the child be restrained in a vehicle?

    1. In a federally-approved child booster seat secured by the seat belt system, used with lap and shoulder belts
    2. In a rear-facing seat in the front seat beside the driver
    3. With an adult lap belt alone, since boosters end at age four
    4. Unrestrained in the back seat on short trips
    Show answer

    In a federally-approved child booster seat secured by the seat belt system, used with lap and shoulder belts. Children age four and older but under eight belong in a federally-approved child booster seat, secured to the vehicle by the seat belt system wherever they ride, front or back. Booster seats must be used together with lap and shoulder belts, so an adult lap belt alone leaves out the shoulder portion the rule demands. Rear-facing seats address children younger than two and never belong in front with an air bag present. Short trips earn no exemption from restraint duties. Drivers carry responsibility for securing children and for keeping everyone under 18 buckled.

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

19. 19. An ADDED LANE sign is posted where two roadways meet. What does it mean for entering traffic?

    1. Entering traffic must yield and wait for a gap
    2. Entering traffic must stop at the junction
    3. Merging is not necessary because the entering traffic uses a new lane that has been added to the roadway
    4. Both roadways narrow to one shared lane
    Show answer

    Merging is not necessary because the entering traffic uses a new lane that has been added to the roadway. An ADDED LANE sign appears in advance of a point where two roadways meet. Merging is not necessary because entering traffic uses a new lane added to the roadway. Manual wording for this rule: This sign is placed in advance of a point where two roadways meet. It means merging is not necessary because the entering traffic uses a new lane that has been added to the roadway.

20. 20. Which device use is not included in Pennsylvania's texting ban?

    1. A handheld phone used to compose a text message
    2. An instant message sent from a smartphone
    3. A GPS device, an integrated vehicle system, or a device affixed to mass transit
    4. An email read on a portable computer
    Show answer

    A GPS device, an integrated vehicle system, or a device affixed to mass transit. Texting law draws its boundary around written communication on interactive wireless devices, with named carve outs. The ban does not include use of a GPS device, a system physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus, or school bus. Handheld texting, instant messaging, and email on portable gear remain the target conduct. Navigation help built into the vehicle sits outside the ban, while fingers composing messages do not.

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