Pennsylvania DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
This page covers what you need to know for the Pennsylvania driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Pennsylvania-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Pennsylvania driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Pennsylvania test has 18 questions and you need 15 correct (83%) to pass.
When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Pennsylvania-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.
Pennsylvania Permit Test and Licensing Facts
| Knowledge Test | 18 questions, must score 15/18 (83%) to pass |
| Minimum Permit Age | 16 |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years 6 months |
| Speed Limits | Highway: up to 70 mph | Residential: 25 mph | School Zone: 15 mph |
| DUI Law | BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%) |
| Point System | Reaching 6 points for the first time requires a special written point exam; 11 or more points results in a suspension. Drivers under 18 are suspended for 6 or more points. |
Rules Specific to Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania has one of the shortest written tests at only 18 questions
- Pennsylvania's DUI law has three tiers based on BAC: General (0.08-0.099), High (0.10-0.159), and Highest (0.16+)
- Junior license holders under 18 cannot drive between 11 PM and 5 AM
Sample Pennsylvania Permit Test Questions
These questions cover rules that are specific to Pennsylvania. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.
When driving 40 mph and preparing to turn, how far in advance must you signal before turning?
- A. At least 50 feet before turning
- B. At least 100 feet before turning
- C. At least 200 feet before turning
- D. At least 300 feet before turning
Answer: At least 300 feet before turning. At higher speeds (35 mph or more), you must signal farther in advance so other drivers have time to react.
If you cannot move over for a stopped emergency vehicle on the roadside, what speed change is required?
- A. Slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit
- B. Slow to at least 15 mph below the posted limit
- C. Slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit
- D. Slow to at least 25 mph below the posted limit
Answer: Slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit. If a lane change is not possible, you must slow down significantly and pass with caution.
In an active work zone, what additional penalty can occur if you are caught speeding 11 mph or more over the posted limit?
- A. A warning letter only
- B. A 3-day license suspension
- C. A 15-day license suspension
- D. A 30-day license suspension
Answer: A 15-day license suspension. Active work zones carry enhanced consequences to protect workers and drivers.
How close may you legally park to a fire hydrant?
- A. No closer than 10 feet
- B. No closer than 15 feet
- C. No closer than 20 feet
- D. No closer than 30 feet
Answer: No closer than 15 feet. Keeping hydrants clear helps firefighters access water quickly during emergencies.
A child passenger is 3 years old. What is the correct restraint requirement?
- A. A seat belt is sufficient if seated in the back
- B. A booster seat is required for all children under age 4
- C. A properly used child safety seat is required
- D. No restraint is required on local streets under 25 mph
Answer: A properly used child safety seat is required. Young children must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat based on age and size.
When can you apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit?
- A. At 15
- B. At 15½
- C. On or after your 16th birthday
- D. At 17
Answer: On or after your 16th birthday. You can't apply for a non-commercial learner's permit before your 16th birthday.
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania knowledge test, and how many must you get right?
- A. 20 questions, 14 correct
- B. 18 questions, 15 correct
- C. 25 questions, 20 correct
- D. 30 questions, 24 correct
Answer: 18 questions, 15 correct. The knowledge test has 18 multiple-choice questions and you need 15 correct to pass.
How much supervised behind-the-wheel practice must a Pennsylvania driver under 18 complete before the road test?
- A. 50 hours, including 10 at night
- B. 65 hours, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather
- C. 40 hours, including 5 at night
- D. 30 hours, with no night requirement
Answer: 65 hours, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather. Drivers under 18 need at least 65 hours of skill-building, including at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather.
How long must a Pennsylvania driver under 18 hold a learner's permit before taking the road test?
- A. 30 days
- B. 3 months
- C. 6 months
- D. 1 year
Answer: 6 months. You must wait six months from the permit issue date and have the signed 65-hour certification before the road test.
Who may supervise a Pennsylvania junior learner's permit holder?
- A. Any licensed driver 18 or older
- B. A licensed driver 21 or older, or a parent, guardian, or spouse 18 or older
- C. Only a certified driving instructor
- D. Any adult 25 or older, licensed or not
Answer: A licensed driver 21 or older, or a parent, guardian, or spouse 18 or older. The supervisor must be a licensed driver at least 21, or a licensed parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse at least 18, sitting in the front seat.
A Pennsylvania junior license holder may not drive between which hours without a parent, guardian, or spouse 18 or older?
- A. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- B. 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- C. Midnight and 5 a.m.
- D. Midnight and 6 a.m.
Answer: 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.. Junior drivers can't drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless accompanied, or unless they're doing public or charitable service, volunteer firefighting, or similar approved activities.
During the first 6 months with a Pennsylvania junior license, how many non-family passengers under 18 may you carry without a parent or guardian in the car?
- A. None
- B. One
- C. Two
- D. Three
Answer: One. You're limited to one non-family passenger under 18 for the first six months, then up to three after that.
What happens if a Pennsylvania junior driver accumulates 6 or more points?
- A. A warning letter
- B. A mandatory 90-day suspension
- C. A 30-day suspension
- D. They must retake the knowledge test only
Answer: A mandatory 90-day suspension. Junior drivers get a mandatory 90-day suspension for 6 or more points, or for driving 26 mph or more over the limit.
What following distance does the Pennsylvania manual recommend on dry pavement?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 4 seconds. PennDOT recommends a 4-second following distance, which gives you time to steer or brake around a hazard.
In Pennsylvania, when must you turn on your headlights (not just daytime running lights)?
- A. Only between sunset and sunrise
- B. Between sunset and sunrise, in all posted work zones, and whenever your wipers are in use due to weather
- C. Only when it is raining
- D. Only on highways
Answer: Between sunset and sunrise, in all posted work zones, and whenever your wipers are in use due to weather. Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise, when you can't see 1,000 feet ahead, in posted work zones, and whenever wipers are on because of weather. Your tail lights must be on too.
Low-beam headlights shine only about 250 feet ahead. To avoid overdriving them on a dark road, what is the fastest you should drive?
- A. 35 mph
- B. 45 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: 45 mph. It takes more than 250 feet to stop at 55 mph, so PennDOT advises no more than 45 mph at night on dark roads with low beams.
When is the only time you do not have to stop for a Pennsylvania school bus with red lights flashing and its stop arm extended?
- A. When you see no children
- B. When you are behind the bus
- C. When you are on the opposite side of a divided highway
- D. When you can safely pass on the left
Answer: When you are on the opposite side of a divided highway. The only exception is when you're on the opposite side of a divided highway, such as one separated by barriers, guide rails, or a grass median.
What license suspension applies in Pennsylvania for failing to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended?
- A. No suspension, a fine only
- B. 15 days
- C. 30 days
- D. 60 days
Answer: 60 days. Failing to stop for a school bus brings a 60-day license suspension.
In Pennsylvania, you may not park within how many feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 25 feet
- C. 50 feet
- D. 100 feet
Answer: 50 feet. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing is prohibited.
Can you turn right on a red light in Pennsylvania?
- A. Never
- B. Yes, after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
- C. Only at T-intersections
- D. Only if a green arrow is also lit
Answer: Yes, after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. Unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn right on red after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.
What is the fine for violating Pennsylvania's anti-texting law?
- A. $25
- B. $50
- C. $100
- D. $250
Answer: $50. Texting while driving is a primary summary offense with a $50 fine.
A Pennsylvania driver under 21 is considered to be driving under the influence at what blood alcohol level?
- A. 0.00
- B. 0.02 or greater
- C. 0.05 or greater
- D. 0.08 or greater
Answer: 0.02 or greater. Drivers under 21 are considered DUI at a BAC of 0.02 or greater.
If you refuse chemical testing in Pennsylvania and have a prior DUI or prior refusal, how long is the refusal suspension?
- A. 6 months
- B. 12 months
- C. 18 months
- D. 3 years
Answer: 18 months. A refusal with a prior DUI or refusal carries an 18-month suspension, and a DUI conviction adds 18 more months.
After how long can a Pennsylvania junior license holder get a regular license (if they meet the other conditions)?
- A. 6 months
- B. 1 year
- C. 18 months
- D. 2 years
Answer: 1 year. After holding a junior license for one year with approved driver training and no at-fault crashes or convictions, you may get a regular license.
You can hydroplane at speeds as low as what, when water is only 1/10 of an inch deep?
- A. 25 mph
- B. 35 mph
- C. 45 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 35 mph. Hydroplaning can start around 35 mph on just 1/10 inch of water, and worn tires make it worse.
Pennsylvania Permit Test FAQ
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
The Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 15 correct answers (83%) to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Pennsylvania?
The minimum age for a learner's permit in Pennsylvania is 16. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16 years 6 months.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How does the Pennsylvania driver point system work?
Reaching 6 points for the first time requires a special written point exam; 11 or more points results in a suspension. Drivers under 18 are suspended for 6 or more points.
What are the default speed limits in Pennsylvania?
Typical limits in Pennsylvania are up to 70 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.
Sources
The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Pennsylvania government sources:
Facts and questions last checked against the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) on September 24, 2026.
Laws change. Always check the current Pennsylvania driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Pennsylvania government agency.