Pennsylvania 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
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

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. At what speed and water depth can a vehicle hydroplane, according to the Pennsylvania manual?

   1. Only above 70 mph in deep water
   2. As low as 35 mph in water only one tenth of an inch deep
   3. Only above 55 mph
   4. Only in standing water over an inch deep
   Show answer

   As low as 35 mph in water only one tenth of an inch deep. Pennsylvania's manual says you can hydroplane at speeds as low as 35 mph when water is only one tenth of an inch deep. Full explanation in Test 1

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

2. 2. 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

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

3. 3. A red and white DO NOT ENTER sign is placed at the beginning of what type of roadway access?

   
   1. A parking area where vehicles may enter only during daylight
   2. A two-way roadway where trucks must use the shoulder
   3. A one-way street or ramp entered from the prohibited direction
   4. A dead-end street that is open only to local residents
   Show answer

   A one-way street or ramp entered from the prohibited direction. DO NOT ENTER marks the beginning of a one-way street or ramp in the direction the driver is facing. Full explanation in Test 3

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

4. 4. You change your address within Pennsylvania. How soon must you notify PennDOT?

   1. Within 30 days
   2. Within 60 days
   3. Within 15 days
   4. At your next renewal
   Show answer

   Within 15 days. Pennsylvania requires notice to PennDOT within 15 days of a name or address change, even when moving out of state. Thirty days is too long. Full explanation in Test 4

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

5. 5. When driving behind a large vehicle that blocks your view ahead, what should you do?

   1. Move close to the rear bumper to improve your view
   2. Pass immediately without checking oncoming traffic
   3. Use the shoulder to create a wider gap
   4. Allow extra following distance so you can see and react
   Show answer

   Allow extra following distance so you can see and react. A truck, bus, van, or vehicle pulling a trailer can hide hazards and may stop suddenly without knowing you are behind it. Full explanation in Test 5

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

6. 6. At a steady red light in Pennsylvania, where should you stop before waiting for permission to proceed?

   1. Before the marked stop line or crosswalk
   2. At the far side of the intersection after checking traffic
   3. Only when a vehicle is approaching from the side
   4. After entering the intersection, beside the cross street
   Show answer

   Before the marked stop line or crosswalk. Pennsylvania places the stopping point before the marked stop line or crosswalk. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane signals

7. 7. What happens if a Pennsylvania learner does not pass the road test within three years of the physical exam?

   1. They lose driving privileges for a year
   2. They get a one year extension
   3. They receive a license automatically
   4. They must start over with a new permit application and retake the knowledge test
   Show answer

   They must start over with a new permit application and retake the knowledge test. If you have not taken or successfully completed the road test within three years of your physical examination date, you must start over with Full explanation in Test 7

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

8. 8. A 19-year-old is convicted of DUI for the first time in Pennsylvania. Which penalties apply?

   1. Six months probation and a $300 fine
   2. A warning and an alcohol class
   3. 2 days to 6 months in jail, a full year suspension, and a fine of $500 to $5,000
   4. 90 days to 5 years in prison
   Show answer

   2 days to 6 months in jail, a full year suspension, and a fine of $500 to $5,000. Under Pennsylvania's Zero Tolerance law, a driver under 21 is under the influence at . Full explanation in Test 8

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

9. 9. How close to a fire hydrant may you park in Pennsylvania?

   1. No closer than 5 feet
   2. No closer than 30 feet
   3. No closer than 15 feet
   4. No closer than 10 feet
   Show answer

   No closer than 15 feet. Pennsylvania's list of places where you may never stop, stand or park, except in an emergency or when an officer directs you, includes withi Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

10. 10. After passing a bicyclist in Pennsylvania, what should you avoid doing immediately?

    1. Checking the rearview mirror
    2. Slowing or stopping quickly
    3. Maintaining a steady course
    4. Leaving room before returning
    Show answer

    Slowing or stopping quickly. Pennsylvania warns drivers not to slow down or stop quickly immediately after passing a bicyclist. Full explanation in Test 10

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

11. 11. How is a Pennsylvania applicant's Social Security number handled in driver licensing records?

    1. It is printed on the learner's permit for identification
    2. It is part of the public driver's record open to anyone
    3. It replaces the driver's license number on all documents
    4. It is not part of the public driver's record and will not be printed on the learner's permit or driver's license
    Show answer

    It is not part of the public driver's record and will not be printed on the learner's permit or driver's license. PennDOT must collect the Social Security number by law, along with height and eye color, and uses it as identifying information meant to min Full explanation in Test 11

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

12. 12. Which repeat licensing offense appears on Pennsylvania's partial list of violations that bring suspension or revocation?

    1. A first parking ticket within five years
    2. Driving one mile per hour over the limit twice
    3. A second or additional offense of driving without a valid driver's license within a five-year period
    4. Renewing a registration one day late
    Show answer

    A second or additional offense of driving without a valid driver's license within a five-year period. The partial list of violations leading to suspension or revocation includes a second or additional offense of driving without a valid driver Full explanation in Test 12

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

13. 13. Beyond the penalties in Pennsylvania's DUI tables, which offenders must attend alcohol highway safety school?

    1. Only Highest Rate offenders
    2. First or second offenders at any level of impairment
    3. Only offenders who refuse chemical testing
    4. Only drivers under age 21
    Show answer

    First or second offenders at any level of impairment. Alcohol highway safety school is required for first or second offenses at any level of impairment, on top of whatever sentence, fine and lic Full explanation in Test 13

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

14. 14. A 19-year-old is arrested for underage drinking in Pennsylvania and taken for a breath test. Is parental consent needed for the test?

    1. Yes, the test cannot happen without it
    2. No, but the police will notify the parents of the arrest
    3. Yes, unless the minor is 18 or older
    4. No, and parents are never told
    Show answer

    No, but the police will notify the parents of the arrest. In Pennsylvania, when someone under 21 is arrested and held for blood, breath, or urine testing, parental consent is not required, but polic Full explanation in Test 14

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

15. 15. 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. Full explanation in Test 15

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

16. 16. A driver crowds a bicyclist until the rider leaves the road. What consequence may follow?

    1. Only a warning with no legal exposure
    2. A fine paid to the bicyclist at the scene
    3. Criminal charges for forcing a bicyclist off the road
    4. Loss of the bicycle to the driver
    Show answer

    Criminal charges for forcing a bicyclist off the road. You cannot force a bicyclist off the road. The manual says doing so may lead to criminal charges. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules and distances

17. 17. According to Pennsylvania's driver manual, what does the law say about the right-of-way at intersections?

    1. It identifies who must yield, and drivers must still avoid a crash
    2. It grants permanent priority to the vehicle on the right
    3. It guarantees that a driver who arrives first can continue
    4. It gives every emergency vehicle priority in every location
    Show answer

    It identifies who must yield, and drivers must still avoid a crash. Pennsylvania's manual says the law does not give anyone the right-of-way at intersections; it only identifies who must yield. Full explanation in Test 17

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

18. 18. 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. Full explanation in Test 18

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