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Pennsylvania PennDOT permit practice test

25 questions written from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), covering licensing laws and penalties, signals and pavement markings, lanes, highways and freeways, sharing the road, speed limits and more. Pick an answer to see straight away whether you're right and why. The real Pennsylvania PennDOT test has 18 questions and you need 15 right.

25 questions

  1. Question 1What is the youngest age at which you can apply for a learner's permit in Pennsylvania?

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    B: 16. You cannot apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit before your 16th birthday. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Applying for a Learner's Permit, page 5.

  2. Question 2When traffic lights are arranged vertically, where is the red light?

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    C: On top. In vertical signals, red is always on top and green on the bottom; in horizontal ones, red is on the left. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Signals, page 11.

  3. Question 3At a ramp-metering signal on a single-lane ramp, how many vehicles may enter each time the light turns green?

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    A: One. On single-lane ramps, only one car may enter the highway each time the light turns green. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Ramp-Metering Signals, page 12.

  4. Question 4You are crossing on a flashing DON'T WALK signal and are already in the street. What should you do?

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    A: Finish crossing. When the flashing DON'T WALK or upraised hand begins, finish crossing if you are already in the street; don't start if you haven't left the curb. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Pedestrian Signals, page 13.

  5. Question 5What is the speed limit in a Pennsylvania school zone when the yellow signals are flashing?

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    B: 15 mph. You must travel no faster than 15 mph when school zone signals are flashing or during the times shown on the sign. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): School Zone Signals, page 13.

  6. Question 6What are the three basic categories of traffic signs?

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    B: Regulatory, warning and guide. Signs are divided into three basic categories: regulatory, warning and guide signs. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Signs, page 14.

  7. Question 7According to the Pennsylvania manual, what is the No. 1 reason 16- and 17-year-old drivers are involved in crashes?

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    D: Driving too fast for conditions. 'Driving too fast for conditions' is the No. 1 reason 16 and 17-year-old drivers are involved in crashes. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Regulatory Signs: Teen Crash Fact, page 16.

  8. Question 8When are headlights required in Pennsylvania work zones?

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    A: In all posted work zones, at any time of day. Turn on your headlights in all posted work zones, not just active ones, no matter the time of day. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Work Zone Signs, page 22.

  9. Question 9About what share of all traffic deaths involve drinking drivers, according to the Pennsylvania manual?

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    C: 40 percent. Approximately 40 percent of all traffic deaths involve drinking drivers. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Alcohol and Driving, page 37.

  10. Question 10What following distance does the Pennsylvania manual recommend on dry pavement?

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    C: 4 seconds. A 4-second following distance lets you steer or brake to avoid a hazard on dry pavement. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Keep a Space Cushion Ahead (4-Second Rule), page 39.

  11. Question 11Driving under 35 mph in Pennsylvania, how far before a turn must you signal?

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    B: At least 100 feet. Under Pennsylvania law, signal at least 100 feet before turning when driving less than 35 mph. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Communicating Your Intentions to Other Drivers, page 48.

  12. Question 12Your vehicle breaks down on the highway. What should you do after pulling off the road?

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    B: Turn on hazard flashers, park where others can see you and lift your hood. Signal, exit the roadway, use hazard flashers, park where you're easily seen, and lift your hood to show you're disabled. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Communicating Your Intentions to Other Drivers, page 48.

  13. Question 13Which statement about right-of-way law is correct?

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    C: The law doesn't 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. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Negotiating Intersections, page 52.

  14. Question 14When parking next to a curb in Pennsylvania, how close must your vehicle be?

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    B: No more than 12 inches. Park as close to the curb as you can, but no more than 12 inches away. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Parking, page 56.

  15. Question 15How early may the physical examination on the learner's permit application (DL-180) be completed?

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    A: No earlier than six months before your 16th birthday. The health care provider must complete the back of the DL-180 no earlier than six months prior to your 16th birthday. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Applying for a Learner's Permit, page 5.

  16. Question 16When traffic lights are arranged horizontally, where is the red light?

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    A: On the left. In horizontal signals, red is always on the left and green on the right. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Signals, page 11.

  17. Question 17A ramp-metering signal turns green. What must you still do?

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    A: Look for a safe gap in traffic before entering the highway. The green light does not protect your entrance; you must still find a safe gap in traffic. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Ramp-Metering Signals, page 12.

  18. Question 18If there are no pedestrian signals at an intersection, pedestrians must obey:

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    B: The red, yellow and green traffic lights. Without pedestrian signals, pedestrians must obey the regular traffic lights. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Pedestrian Signals, page 13.

  19. Question 19How many points are added to your record for speeding in a school zone?

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    B: 3. Exceeding the school zone speed limit results in three points on your driving record plus a fine. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): School Zone Signals, page 13.

  20. Question 20What is the only octagon-shaped (8-sided) sign on the highway?

    red and white octagon road sign
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    B: Stop. The STOP sign is the only octagon-shaped sign you see on the highway. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Regulatory Signs, page 14.

  21. Question 21When should you check tire pressure?

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    C: Cold, before driving or at least three hours after driving. Check tires 'cold': before you have driven or at least three hours after you have driven. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Vehicle Checks: Preparing to Drive, page 35.

  22. Question 22If police stop you for a violation in a work zone and your headlights are off, what additional fine applies?

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    B: $25. You will be fined an additional $25 if your headlights are not on. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Work Zone Signs, page 22.

  23. Question 23In Pennsylvania, a driver under 21 is considered DUI at what BAC?

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    B: .02 or more. A driver under 21 with a BAC of .02 percent or more is considered to be driving under the influence. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Alcohol and Driving, page 37.

  24. Question 24How many areas of space around your vehicle does the Pennsylvania manual say you must manage?

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    B: Six. There are six areas of space around your vehicle you must be able to manage. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Managing Space, page 39.

  25. Question 25Driving 35 mph or faster in Pennsylvania, how far before a turn must you signal?

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    C: At least 300 feet. At 35 mph or more, you must signal at least 300 feet before turning. Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95): Communicating Your Intentions to Other Drivers, page 48.

Answer every question to see your score.

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How to use these tests

Read each explanation, even when you get the question right: it tells you the rule and the handbook section, so you can look it up. Your answers are saved in this browser only, so the weak spots mode can give you more questions on the topics you miss. When you're scoring well, take the exam simulator: it uses the same number of questions and passing score as the real test.

Our own questions, written from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) and checked against it. Not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver and Vehicle Services. Found a mistake? Tell us.