Pennsylvania Permit Test Practice 2026
The Pennsylvania permit test is an 18-question knowledge exam administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and you must answer at least 15 correctly (about 83%) to pass. The test pulls from the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, signals, and Pennsylvania-specific rules like the junior driver license restrictions for under-18 applicants.
What’s on the Pennsylvania permit test?
Expect 18 multiple-choice questions on the Pennsylvania written test. You need 83% correct to pass - roughly 15 right. The question pool draws from the official Pennsylvania handbook: signs, signals, right of way, safe-driving practices, and a few rules unique to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s PennDOT uses an 18-question test with an 83% pass mark - one of the shortest tests, but you can only miss 3.
Questions split into two kinds: factual recall (signs, limits, right-of-way order) and short scenarios (what to do when X happens). Recall is the larger share.
Here’s the thing: Pennsylvania-specific rules show up on the test, and a generic practice app won’t have them. If you’re testing in Pennsylvania, practice Pennsylvania questions. The format and content track the real exam.
Sample questions (free, no signup)
Here are 6 practice questions in the Pennsylvania format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.
Question 1: According to Pennsylvania’s Child Restraint Law, what safety measure is required for young passengers?
- No special requirements for children over 5 years old
- Only seat belts are required for all children
- Children must use appropriate restraint systems as specified by law
Correct answer: Children must use appropriate restraint systems as specified by law
Why: Under Pennsylvania’s Child Restraint Law (75 Pa.C.S. § 4581), children under age 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat; children ages 2 through 3 must be in a forward-facing car seat; children ages 4 through 7 must use an appropriate booster seat; and children ages 8 through 17 must use a seat belt. The type of restraint required is based on the child’s age (and size), ensuring adequate protection in a crash. Simply using a seat belt is not sufficient for younger children, and Pennsylvania law does impose special requirements for children well beyond age 5.
💡 Memory tip: Grow up, gear up: Rear-facing under 2; forward-facing 2-3; booster 4-7; belt 8-17.
Question 2: Which of these actions will cause you to fail your road test?
- Asking the examiner to repeat instructions
- Driving exactly at the speed limit
- Not using turn signals
Correct answer: Not using turn signals
Why: Not using turn signals is a critical driving error that will cause you to fail your road test in Pennsylvania. During the PA road test, the examiner evaluates your ability to properly signal your intentions to other drivers. Failing to use turn signals when required demonstrates unsafe driving habits and is grounds for automatic failure. Driving at the speed limit and asking the examiner to repeat instructions are both perfectly acceptable during the test.
💡 Memory tip: No turn signals = automatic failure on the road test.
Question 3: What type of vehicle requires a Class B license in Pennsylvania?
- Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles
- Any vehicle combination over 26,001 pounds
- Any single vehicle rated over 26,000 pounds
Correct answer: Any single vehicle rated over 26,000 pounds
Why: According to the PA Driver’s Manual, Class B license is required to operate any single vehicle rated in excess of 26,000 pounds, such as motor homes rated at 26,001 pounds or more.
💡 Memory tip: Class B: Big single vehicle over 26,000 pounds. not combinations.
Question 4: When can you turn right on a red light in Pennsylvania?
- Only when there is no other traffic visible
- After stopping and checking for pedestrians and traffic, unless prohibited by a sign
- Never, right turns on red are prohibited in Pennsylvania
Correct answer: After stopping and checking for pedestrians and traffic, unless prohibited by a sign
Why: ‘You may turn right while the light is red, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted at the intersection. You must first stop, check for and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.’
💡 Memory tip: Stop, yield, then right on red. Unless ‘NO TURN ON RED’ posted.
Question 5: How many hours of nighttime driving practice are required for drivers under 18 in Pennsylvania?
- 15 hours
- 10 hours
- 5 hours
Correct answer: 10 hours
Why: The PA Driver’s Manual specifies that drivers under 18 must complete no less than 10 hours of nighttime driving as part of their 65-hour skill-building requirement.
💡 Memory tip: 10 hours of night practice = 1 full night of driving.
Question 6: How many passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members can a junior driver carry during their first six months?
- One passenger
- Three passengers
- Two passengers
Correct answer: One passenger
Why: Junior drivers may not carry more than one (1) passenger under the age of 18 who is not an immediate family member during their first six months, unless a qualifying adult is in the vehicle.
💡 Memory tip: First six months: one under-18 non-family passenger, unless a qualified adult.
Pennsylvania-specific rules to know
Eight rules from the Pennsylvania driver handbook that show up on the test more than people expect. Save the page or screenshot it.
- Driving rule - A steady red ‘X’ over a lane means you are not allowed to use the traffic lane.
- License rules - Learner’s permit holders may only drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, or a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse who is 18 years of age…
- License rules - Most US states, including Pennsylvania and New York, require 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 15 hours completed at night, before a Junior Driver’s License can be obtained.
- Fines & penalties - fleeing or attempting to elude police is a misdemeanor offense that results in a one-year license suspension, a minimum $500 fine, and possible imprisonment.
- Driving rule - When driving between 11 p.m.
- Motorcycles - If you test on a motorcycle with more than two wheels, a ‘9’ restriction will appear on your driver’s license, which prohibits you from operating a two-wheeled motorcycle.
- Fines & penalties - Pennsylvania’s Point System is used to track driving violations and can result in license suspension when too many points accumulate, serving as a deterrent for unsafe driving behaviors.
- Accidents - Under Pennsylvania law, junior drivers (those with a junior license) are initially limited in the number of passengers they may carry.
How to schedule your Pennsylvania permit test
You can typically schedule your Pennsylvania permit test online through the official Pennsylvania DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.
This page references rules from the Pennsylvania Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the Pennsylvania DMV.
Studying in a neighboring state?
Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: New York permit test practice, New Jersey permit test practice, Delaware permit test practice.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
The Pennsylvania DMV permit test has 18 questions. You need to answer at least 83% correctly to pass.
What is the passing score for the Pennsylvania permit test?
You need 83% to pass - that’s roughly 15 out of 18 questions correct.
How old do I have to be to take the Pennsylvania permit test?
The minimum age in Pennsylvania is 16. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.
Can I retake the Pennsylvania permit test if I fail?
Yes. Most Pennsylvania DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.
Is the DMV Ready app good for Pennsylvania?
DMV Ready filters to Pennsylvania when you pick your state. You get the Pennsylvania format (18 questions, 83%) and questions tagged to Pennsylvania handbook material.
Practice unlimited Pennsylvania questions in DMV Ready
18-question practice exams, 83% to pass - Pennsylvania’s format. Free version covers daily practice and the sign quiz.
Practice in another state
Each state writes its own permit test - same general rules, different specific questions. Pick yours: