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Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test
20 real questions from our handbook-verified Pennsylvania bank · Updated July 12, 2026
The official Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 questions — you can miss 3 and still pass (83%). That 83% bar ties Pennsylvania with 1 other state at #4 strictest of the 50 states. Pennsylvania offers the real exam in Spanish — practica en español aquí.
The real Pennsylvania exam format — this practice test scores you against the same 83% bar.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. What is the only safe amount of alcohol you can drink and then drive?
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Correct answer: Zero
The only safe amount of alcohol you can drink and then drive is zero. Even amounts well below the legal limit endanger your life and the lives of others.
2. Before you may operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania, you must first:
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Correct answer: Obtain a learner’s permit
You must obtain a learner’s permit before you operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. You then take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests to get your driver’s license.
3. When you park next to a curb, how far from the curb may your vehicle be?
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Correct answer: No more than 12 inches
If the street has a curb, park as close to it as you can, but no more than 12 inches away. If there is no curb, pull as far off the roadway as possible.
4. PennDOT begins to take corrective action on a driving record when it reaches:
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Correct answer: 6 or more points
PennDOT begins to take corrective action when a driving record reaches 6 or more points. The first time this happens, the driver must take a written special point examination.
5. What does Pennsylvania law actually say about the right-of-way at intersections?
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Correct answer: The law does not give anyone the right-of-way; it only says who must yield
The law does not give anyone the right-of-way at intersections; it only says who must yield. Even when another driver should yield, you must still stop or yield as needed to avoid a crash.
6. What is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk of death or injury in a crash?
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Correct answer: Wear your seat belt
Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk of death or injury in a crash. Fasten both the lap and shoulder belts on every trip.
7. The areas around a large truck or bus where the driver cannot see you are called:
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Correct answer: No-Zones (blind spots)
The No-Zones are the blind-spot danger areas around trucks and buses where crashes are more likely. When you drive in a No-Zone, the truck or bus driver cannot see you.
8. On a traffic signal arranged vertically, which light is always on top?
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Correct answer: Red
When traffic signals are arranged vertically, red is always on top and green on the bottom. When arranged horizontally, red is always on the left and green on the right.
9. What is the maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania?
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Correct answer: 70 mph
The maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania is 70 mph. On interstate highways the maximum speed limit is posted after each interchange.
10. To complete a turn safely, you should first signal:
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Correct answer: Three to four seconds before your turn
To complete a turn safely, signal three to four seconds before the turn, position your vehicle in the proper lane, control your speed and complete the turn in the proper lane.
11. What is the only thing that will lower your blood alcohol concentration and sober you up?
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Correct answer: Time
Only time will sober you up. You cannot reduce your blood alcohol concentration by drinking coffee, drinking other caffeinated beverages, or taking a cold shower.
12. How long is the Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180) valid?
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Correct answer: One year from the date of your physical examination
The DL-180 application is valid for one year from the date of your physical examination. It must be completed before you go to the Driver License Center to take your Knowledge Test.
13. In which direction should you park at the side of the road?
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Correct answer: In the direction traffic is moving
Always park in the direction traffic moves. Parking against the flow of traffic is not permitted.
14. A driver under 18 will have their license suspended for 90 days if they accumulate:
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Correct answer: 6 or more points, or a conviction for going 26 mph or more over the limit
A driver under 18 who accumulates 6 or more points, or is convicted of driving 26 mph or more over the posted limit, receives a 90-day suspension for the first occurrence (120 days for any additional).
15. Two vehicles reach an intersection from different roadways at about the same time. Who must yield?
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Correct answer: The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roadways at about the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
16. When should you check your tire pressure for an accurate reading?
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Correct answer: When the tires are cold — before driving or at least three hours after driving
Check your tires "cold" — before you have driven or at least three hours after driving — and match the pressure to the recommended psi listed in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s-side door jamb.
17. When you are following a truck or bus, a good rule to know whether the driver can see you is:
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Correct answer: If you cannot see the vehicle’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you
When following a large vehicle, if you cannot see the driver’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Drop back until the mirrors — and therefore the driver’s view of you — come into sight.
18. At a steady red light, you may turn right if:
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Correct answer: You first stop, no NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, and you yield to pedestrians and traffic
You may turn right on a steady red light unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. You must first come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
19. A posted speed limit tells you:
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Correct answer: The maximum safe speed under ideal road, traffic and weather conditions
Posted speed limits indicate the maximum safe driving speed under ideal road, traffic and weather conditions. When conditions are less than perfect, you must drive below the posted limit.
20. Under Pennsylvania law, how far before turning must you use your turn signal?
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Correct answer: At least 100 feet if driving under 35 mph, or at least 300 feet at 35 mph or more
Under Pennsylvania law, you must signal at least 100 feet before turning if you are driving less than 35 mph, and at least 300 feet before turning if you are driving 35 mph or more.
📱 These 20 questions are a warm-up. PermitPal for iPhone and iPad drills the full handbook-verified Pennsylvania bank of 230 questions with spaced repetition, and runs mock exams in the real 18-question format — plus motorcycle and CDL tracks. Free to start, $29.99 once.
Pennsylvania test facts
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
18 questions. You need 15 correct (83%) — you can miss 3. Full details in the passing-score calculator.
What happens if I fail?
You can retake it the next day.
Can I take the Pennsylvania test in Spanish?
Yes — Pennsylvania offers the knowledge test in Spanish. Try the Spanish practice test. See which states test in Spanish.
What age can I get my permit in Pennsylvania?
The minimum learner's permit age is 16. You'll need 65 supervised practice hours (10 at night) before the license stage. Full ladder in the permit-age lookup.