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Pennsylvania Learner's Permit (Car) Practice Test
Practice the full Learner's Permit (Car) question set for the Pennsylvania knowledge test, written from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) - not from a generic national bank. Every question comes with an instant explanation and its handbook topic, so you learn the rule behind the answer instead of memorizing letters.
Free and unlimited. Every answer is explained, and your progress is saved only in your browser — no account needed.
How it works
Answer one question at a time. You will see immediately whether you were right, plus a short explanation and the manual topic for every question. At the end you get your score and can re-drill only the questions you missed.
200 questions · Topics: Road Signs & Traffic Signals, Speed Limits & Following Distance, Right-of-Way & Intersections, Lane Use, Turning & Passing, Alcohol, Drugs & DUI Penalties, Seat Belts, Child Restraints & Distractions, Sharing the Road, Parking & Stopping Rules, Adverse Conditions & Emergencies, Licensing, Insurance & Vehicle Requirements.
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About this practice test
This set drills the Learner's Permit (Car) topics from the official Pennsylvania handbook: road signs & traffic signals, speed limits & following distance, right-of-way & intersections, lane use, turning & passing, alcohol, drugs & dui penalties, seat belts, child restraints & distractions, sharing the road, parking & stopping rules, adverse conditions & emergencies, licensing, insurance & vehicle requirements. The real Pennsylvania test is given by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT); its format is summarized on the Pennsylvania state page.
When this set feels easy, switch to the Pennsylvania Exam Simulator for a timed run at the real question count, or review with Pennsylvania flashcards.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania Learner's Permit (Car) test?
The Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 questions and 15 correct (83%) passes - one of the shortest and strictest tests in the country. You may attempt it once per day; a retake is available the next business day.
What score do I need to pass?
You need at least 15 of 18 questions correct (83%).
How much does the Pennsylvania test cost?
$45.50 paid up front: $6 learner permit + $39.50 four-year driver license.
Are these the actual test questions?
No. These are original practice questions written from the same public handbook the real test covers. They are designed to teach the material, not to reproduce the exam.
Exam facts on this page come from: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) and PennDOT fee schedule.
Browse all 200 questions in this set
- What does a red, eight-sided (octagonal) sign mean?
- You see a downward-pointing triangle that is red and white. What does this sign tell you to do?
- A yellow, diamond-shaped sign appears ahead. What kind of message does it usually carry?
- A white rectangular sign with black lettering shows a number for a speed limit. This is an example of what type of sign?
- What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road indicate?
- A round, yellow sign with a black symbol is posted before you reach tracks. What is it warning about?
- At the tracks themselves you see a white X-shaped sign with black lettering. What does it mark?
- You enter an area with orange, diamond-shaped signs and orange cones. What do these colors tell you?
- On a highway, a large green rectangular sign lists city names and distances. What is the purpose of this sign?
- A blue rectangular sign shows symbols for fuel, food, and lodging. What does this type of sign provide?
- A brown rectangular sign points toward a state park and a historic site. What kind of area does brown indicate?
- Your traffic light turns to a steady red. What must you do?
- A traffic signal is flashing red at an intersection. How should you treat it?
- A traffic signal shows a steady yellow light as you approach. What does it mean?
- You face a red light but also a green arrow pointing in the direction you want to turn. What may you do?
- A yellow arrow is flashing for your turn lane. What does it mean?
- A pedestrian signal shows a white symbol of a walking person. What does it mean for pedestrians?
- A pedestrian signal changes to a flashing orange hand symbol. What should a pedestrian who has not yet started crossing do?
- In Pennsylvania, a white regulatory sign showing a black U-turn arrow crossed by a red circle and slash means:
- A five-sided sign, pointed at the top and colored yellow-green, is posted near a school. What does its shape tell you?
- Unless a different limit is posted, what is the statutory speed limit in a Pennsylvania residence district?
- Unless otherwise posted, what is the statutory speed limit in a Pennsylvania urban district?
- Unless otherwise posted, what is the statutory speed limit in other Pennsylvania locations outside residence and urban districts?
- What is the speed limit in a Pennsylvania school zone when it is in effect?
- It starts to rain and the road becomes slick. How should you adjust your speed and following distance?
- You are driving behind a large truck on a highway. Why should you leave extra following space?
- Why should you leave more space when following a motorcycle?
- Snow is falling and visibility is dropping. What is the safest adjustment to your following distance?
- A driver is tailgating you closely from behind. What is the safest response?
- The posted limit is 55 mph, but dense fog makes it hard to see ahead. What should you do?
- When must you use your headlights in Pennsylvania because of how far you can see?
- Rain picks up and you turn on your windshield wipers. What else does Pennsylvania require?
- During which hours are headlights always required in Pennsylvania?
- You are approaching a sharp curve on a two-lane road. When should you reduce speed?
- On a wet road at higher speeds, your tires can ride up on water and lose contact with the pavement. How do you reduce this hydroplaning risk?
- Another driver is passing you on a two-lane road. How should you adjust your speed?
- At night on an unlit road, how should you choose your speed?
- You are starting down a long, steep hill. What is the safest way to control your speed?
- Which factor should NOT determine the speed you drive on a clear day in light traffic?
- You are following a vehicle traveling well below the flow of traffic in poor weather. What is the best approach?
- A pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk with no traffic signal. Who has the right-of-way?
- Two cars arrive at a four-way stop at exactly the same time. Which driver should go first?
- You arrive first at a four-way stop and stop before any other vehicle. What does that mean for order of travel?
- You are turning left at an intersection and an oncoming car is going straight. Who has the right-of-way?
- An ambulance with its lights flashing and siren sounding is approaching from behind you on a Pennsylvania highway. What must you do?
- A school bus ahead has flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. What must drivers do?
- What is the penalty in Pennsylvania for violating the school-bus stopping law?
- You meet a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway with its red lights flashing. Are you required to stop?
- A blind pedestrian with a white cane is crossing the street. What must you do?
- You are merging onto a Pennsylvania highway from an entrance ramp. Who has the right-of-way?
- You are pulling out of a private driveway onto a public street. Who must yield?
- You approach an intersection with no signs or signals, and another vehicle is already in the intersection. What should you do?
- You are approaching a roundabout. What is the right-of-way rule on entry?
- A bicyclist is traveling in your lane ahead of you on a narrow road. How should you treat the bicyclist?
- Under Pennsylvania's 'Steer Clear' law, you approach a stopped emergency or disabled vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder. What should you do?
- A pedestrian is crossing at an intersection where no crosswalk lines are painted. What is your responsibility?
- Even if you legally have the right-of-way, what is the safest attitude at an intersection?
- You stop at a stop sign and traffic on the cross street does not have a stop sign. When may you proceed?
- A train is approaching a railroad crossing where the gates are down. What must you do?
- You want to turn at an intersection where a pedestrian is in the crosswalk you will cross. What should you do?
- How far in advance must you signal your turn in Pennsylvania?
- You plan to make a right turn at an intersection. From which lane should you begin and into which lane should you finish?
- You are turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street. How should you position your vehicle before the turn?
- What does a double solid yellow center line mean for passing?
- When may you legally pass another vehicle on the right?
- Before changing lanes, what is the complete safe sequence?
- A center lane is marked with solid and dashed yellow lines and turning arrows. What is this lane for?
- You need to make a U-turn. When is a U-turn unsafe or prohibited?
- You are passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction. What should you do?
- On a multi-lane highway, slower traffic should generally use which lane?
- You are merging onto a highway and traffic is heavy. What is the best technique?
- What does a solid white line between lanes going in the same direction mean?
- You missed your turn on a busy street. What is the safest action?
- When turning left, into which lane should you complete the turn when multiple lanes are available?
- Holding a hand-held phone while driving in Pennsylvania, including while stopped in traffic, is:
- You want to pass a slow vehicle on a two-lane road near the crest of a hill. What should you do?
- Before backing up your vehicle, what should you do?
- You are in a lane marked with a diamond symbol. What does that marking usually indicate?
- When driving in a lane next to parked cars, what hazard should you especially watch for?
- You need to change lanes to take an exit that is approaching. When should you begin?
- In Pennsylvania, the 'general impairment' DUI tier is defined by a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:
- What BAC range is Pennsylvania's 'high rate' DUI tier?
- A driver with a BAC of 0.16% or higher falls into which Pennsylvania DUI tier?
- For a driver under age 21 in Pennsylvania, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of:
- How do Pennsylvania DUI penalties generally change?
- Which ability is usually affected early by alcohol, even at low levels?
- A friend who has been drinking says coffee and fresh air will sober them up quickly so they can drive. What is correct?
- Two people drink the same amount, but one eats a large meal first. What does food change about intoxication?
- What is the safest plan if your evening will include drinking alcohol?
- A driver takes a prescription medication whose label warns it may cause drowsiness. What should they do before driving?
- How does marijuana affect driving ability?
- In Pennsylvania, what can happen when a driver combines alcohol with other drugs or certain medications?
- A passenger has been drinking heavily and insists on driving their own car home. What is the best action?
- What does BAC (blood alcohol concentration) measure?
- Why can a person with a high tolerance to alcohol still be legally impaired?
- Texting while driving in Pennsylvania is:
- Which statement about drinking and driving risk is true?
- If you are under 21 and have been drinking, why is driving especially risky legally in Pennsylvania?
- A driver feels drowsy after taking an over-the-counter cold medicine. What is the safest decision?
- What is the only completely safe BAC for driving?
- In Pennsylvania, who is required to wear a seat belt in the front seat of a vehicle?
- In Pennsylvania, occupants under what age must wear a seat belt in any seat, including the back seat?
- A child under what age must ride in a child restraint system in Pennsylvania?
- How must a child under age 2 ride in Pennsylvania, unless the child has outgrown the seat's limits?
- What does Pennsylvania require for a child under age 4?
- Why is an unbelted passenger under 18 treated seriously for teen drivers in Pennsylvania?
- Where is generally the safest place for children to ride in a vehicle?
- What is the correct way to think about airbags and seat belts?
- You need to send a text message while driving. What should you do in Pennsylvania?
- Which of these is a distraction that takes your hands, eyes or mind off driving?
- What should you do with a navigation app before a trip?
- A phone conversation, even hands-free, can still be a problem mainly because it:
- When should you adjust your seat, mirrors and seat belt?
- A lap belt should be worn:
- Why should a rear-facing child seat never be placed in front of an active front airbag?
- Your passengers are arguing and distracting you. What is the safest response?
- If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
- Who is responsible for making sure child passengers are correctly restrained?
- Which statement about seat belts in a crash is true?
- What is the best habit for dealing with possible distractions on a familiar route?
- What are a large truck's 'No-Zones'?
- Why should you leave extra space when following or passing a large truck?
- In Pennsylvania, when passing a bicycle you must leave at least how much distance?
- What lane position may a bicyclist use in Pennsylvania?
- How should you share a lane with a motorcycle?
- What must you do for a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk?
- A pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog is crossing. What should you do?
- You are driving toward a stopped school bus on a two-lane Pennsylvania road with no median. Its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is out. What must you do?
- What is the Pennsylvania penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus?
- An emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from behind. What should you do?
- Under Pennsylvania's Steer Clear law, when you approach an emergency scene on the roadside you should:
- You are driving through a Pennsylvania highway work zone with workers and equipment near the travel lanes. The safest approach is to:
- Why do large trucks swing wide when turning right?
- When following a motorcycle in wet weather, you should:
- You want to pass a bicyclist but oncoming traffic makes 4 feet of clearance impossible. What should you do?
- At an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, a pedestrian starts to cross. You should:
- You are behind a slow-moving farm vehicle on a rural road. What is the best action?
- Why should you check carefully for motorcycles before turning left?
- A bicyclist is riding at night. What should you expect and do?
- When an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, passing drivers should:
- In Pennsylvania, you must never park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- In Pennsylvania, parking is prohibited within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?
- You must never park within how many feet of a stop sign or traffic signal?
- When you parallel park in Pennsylvania, your wheels should be no more than how far from the curb?
- Which of these places is parking always prohibited?
- Parking in front of a driveway is:
- You park facing uphill on a Pennsylvania street that has a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
- You park facing downhill on a Pennsylvania street that has a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
- You park uphill on a road with no curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- When parallel parking, your vehicle should face:
- What is double parking?
- Every time you park on a hill, besides turning the wheels correctly you should:
- You may use a parking space reserved for people with disabilities only if:
- If you must stop on a highway because of a problem, what should you do first?
- Before opening your door on the traffic side after parking, you should:
- When leaving a parked vehicle on a public road, you should:
- Parking on a bridge or in a highway tunnel is:
- You park on a two-way street. Which side rule applies?
- A 'No Stopping' sign means you:
- Near a railroad crossing, parking is restricted mainly because a parked vehicle could:
- Pennsylvania requires headlights to be on:
- You must also turn on headlights when visibility is less than:
- In Pennsylvania, whenever your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, you must:
- In Pennsylvania, high beams must be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within:
- At night on a Pennsylvania road, you come up behind another vehicle. Within what distance must you dim your high beams?
- In fog, which headlights should you use?
- When rain makes the road wet, the safest adjustment is to:
- Hydroplaning happens when:
- If your vehicle begins to skid, you should generally:
- You are driving in Pennsylvania when the brake pedal suddenly sinks and the brakes fail. A first step is to:
- Before driving in snow, you should:
- 'Overdriving your headlights' at night means:
- After a crash, your first duties include:
- If a tire blows out, you should:
- Bridges and overpasses are especially risky in cold weather because they:
- You come to a road covered by fast-moving flood water. What should you do?
- In heavy snow, your following distance should be:
- If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming, you should:
- Dense fog forces you to stop. Where should you stop?
- After a minor crash with no injuries, if the vehicles can be moved you should:
- How many questions are on the Pennsylvania knowledge test, and how many must you answer correctly to pass?
- What is the upfront cost stated for a Pennsylvania learner's permit plus a four-year license?
- How is that $45.50 upfront amount broken down?
- What is the minimum age to apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit?
- If you fail the Pennsylvania knowledge test, when can you try again?
- Under Pennsylvania's point system, what happens when a driver accumulates 6 points?
- What happens when a Pennsylvania driver accumulates 11 points?
- A Pennsylvania junior license is generally for drivers in what age range?
- Junior license holders in Pennsylvania generally may not drive during which hours, with exceptions for work and activities?
- During the first six months of a junior license, how many unrelated passengers under 18 may ride along, not counting family?
- What insurance must a Pennsylvania vehicle owner maintain?
- Driving without required insurance in Pennsylvania can bring:
- Pennsylvania's commonly stated minimum liability limits are often written as 15/30/5. What does that format represent?
- A Pennsylvania driver holding a junior license generally may not drive during which hours, apart from exceptions for work and supervised activities?
- Under Pennsylvania's point system, accumulating how many points triggers corrective action, such as a required written examination?
- Unless otherwise posted, what is the general speed limit outside residence and urban districts in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, accumulating how many points on your driving record brings an automatic license suspension?
- Which agency oversees driver licensing in Pennsylvania?
- Which of these is a correct statement about a learner's permit holder driving in Pennsylvania?
- Why does Pennsylvania keep a driving record and point system for each driver?