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
10. Test 10

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. A vehicle is taller than the height shown on a Pennsylvania LOW CLEARANCE sign. What should its driver do?

   1. Do not enter the underpass, tunnel, or garage
   2. Enter slowly if the roof appears flexible
   3. Use the shoulder to pass beneath the sign
   4. Follow a taller vehicle to judge clearance
   Show answer

   Do not enter the underpass, tunnel, or garage. A LOW CLEARANCE sign gives the height limit for an underpass, tunnel, or parking garage. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Where does the pennant-shaped NO PASSING ZONE sign mark the beginning of a restriction?

   
   1. At the end of a no-passing zone beside a picnic area
   2. At the beginning of a no-passing zone on the left side of the road
   3. At the start of a divided highway on the right side
   4. At a school crossing where passing is encouraged
   Show answer

   At the beginning of a no-passing zone on the left side of the road. The pennant is the distinctive warning sign that marks the beginning of a no-passing zone, and it faces drivers from the left side of the ro Full explanation in Test 2

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. The line means the road is one-way
   3. Only trucks may pass from your side
   4. No, passing is prohibited from your side
   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 3

4. 4. What is the sentence range for a first offense at Pennsylvania's Highest Rate of impairment (.16 BAC and up)?

   1. Six months probation only
   2. 3 days to 6 months in prison
   3. 10 days to 2 years in prison
   4. 1 year to 5 years in prison
   Show answer

   3 days to 6 months in prison. A first offense at the Highest Rate, BAC . Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. How often must a Pennsylvania vehicle receive a safety inspection at an authorized inspection station?

   1. Every 12 months
   2. Every 24 months
   3. Only when ownership changes
   4. Only after a police citation
   Show answer

   Every 12 months. A Pennsylvania vehicle needs a safety inspection every 12 months at an authorized inspection station. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. If a Pennsylvania driver's vehicle starts to hydroplane, which response follows the manual?

   1. Brake hard and turn toward the shoulder immediately
   2. Accelerate to push the tires through the water
   3. Keep both hands on the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and avoid braking or turning until control returns
   4. Shift into park while the vehicle is moving
   Show answer

   Keep both hands on the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and avoid braking or turning until control returns. During hydroplaning, keep both hands on the steering wheel and ease off the accelerator. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. What must a vehicle parked in a Pennsylvania space reserved for people with disabilities display?

   1. A handwritten note from the passenger
   2. An authorized registration plate or parking placard
   3. Only the vehicle's hazard lights
   4. A temporary permit from any neighboring state
   Show answer

   An authorized registration plate or parking placard. Pennsylvania's reserved-parking sign identifies spaces that require an authorized registration plate or parking placard. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. When the roadway is wet or visibility is poor, how should a Pennsylvania driver respond to the posted speed limit?

   1. Treat the posted number as a required minimum
   2. Drive below the posted limit
   3. Keep the same speed unless a police car is present
   4. Use the posted limit only after visibility improves
   Show answer

   Drive below the posted limit. Pennsylvania says drivers should travel below the posted speed limit when the road is wet or slippery, visibility is reduced, or another con Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. Two vehicles approach an intersection from different roads at about the same time with no controls. Who yields in Pennsylvania?

   1. The driver coming from the right yields to the driver coming from the left
   2. The driver coming from the left yields to the driver coming from the right
   3. The vehicle on the wider road always proceeds first
   4. Both vehicles must enter together to claim priority
   Show answer

   The driver coming from the left yields to the driver coming from the right. At an uncontrolled intersection, Pennsylvania assigns the yield duty to the vehicle approaching from the left when the two vehicles arrive a Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. PennDOT finds that a registered Pennsylvania vehicle lacked insurance for at least 31 days. Which consequence follows?

    1. Only the registration is suspended for one month
    2. The vehicle is permanently barred from registration
    3. The driver receives a warning but no suspension
    4. The registration is suspended for three months, and the driving privilege may also be suspended for three months
    Show answer

    The registration is suspended for three months, and the driving privilege may also be suspended for three months. A lapse lasting 31 days or longer suspends the vehicle registration for three months. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. What share of 16 year old Pennsylvania drivers were in reportable crashes in 2017?

    1. 50 percent
    2. 0.5 percent
    3. 7.2 percent
    4. 25 percent
    Show answer

    7.2 percent. For 2017, 7.2 percent of all 16 year old Pennsylvania drivers were in reportable crashes in the state, and in over one third of crashes invo Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. For a third or later Pennsylvania Move Over violation without an injury consequence, what maximum fine does the manual list?

    1. $250
    2. $500
    3. $2,000
    4. $1,000
    Show answer

    $2,000. Pennsylvania escalates the summary-offense fine for failing to move over or slow down: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. You approach a Pennsylvania school bus on an undivided roadway while its red signals flash. Which stopping rule applies?

    
    1. Slow to 15 mph and pass after checking mirrors
    2. Stop only when approaching behind the bus
    3. Pass on the left if no child is visible
    4. Stop at least 10 feet away until the red signals stop, the arm retracts, and children are safe
    Show answer

    Stop at least 10 feet away until the red signals stop, the arm retracts, and children are safe. On an undivided Pennsylvania roadway, traffic approaching from either direction must stop for the bus described. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. Why should a driver slow after seeing the TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD warning sign?

    
    1. A streetlight is broken and the road is closed beyond the sign
    2. A signalized intersection is ahead and may be hidden by a curve or hill
    3. A police checkpoint requires an immediate stop on the shoulder
    4. A railroad signal will control access to a nearby siding
    Show answer

    A signalized intersection is ahead and may be hidden by a curve or hill. TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD warns of a signal at the intersection ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. Which location is listed as one where a Pennsylvania driver may not stop, stand, or park?

    1. Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
    2. Within 50 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
    3. Within 5 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
    4. Only on a crosswalk when pedestrians are present
    Show answer

    Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Pennsylvania lists the area within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection among places where a driver may not stop, stand, or park, excep Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. What general instruction applies to the places Pennsylvania lists as prohibited stopping, standing, or parking locations?

    1. Stop there briefly whenever hazard lights are on
    2. Never stop, stand, or park there except in an emergency or when directed by a police officer
    3. Park there if the vehicle is attended
    4. Use those locations only after midnight
    Show answer

    Never stop, stand, or park there except in an emergency or when directed by a police officer. Pennsylvania begins its list of prohibited stopping, standing, and parking locations with an important exception. Full explanation in Test 6

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

    1. At least 50 feet
    2. At least 500 feet
    3. No distance if the siren is silent
    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

18. 18. What is the maximum fine for littering from a vehicle in Pennsylvania?

    1. Up to $25
    2. Up to $300
    3. Up to $100
    4. Up to $5,000
    Show answer

    Up to $300. Pennsylvania's anti littering law allows a fine of up to $300 on conviction. Full explanation in Test 8