State guides · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania DMV written test guide
Everything you need to know about the written test in Pennsylvania, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.
| Agency | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services |
|---|---|
| Official handbook | Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) ↗ |
| Questions | 18 |
| To pass | 15 of 18 correct |
| Test in Spanish? | Yes |
18 multiple-choice questions; 15 correct needed (about 83%). If you fail, you may retake it the next business day.
Pennsylvania rules you need to know
- Alcohol, 21 and over: In Pennsylvania the legal limit for drivers 21 or older is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
- Alcohol, under 21: Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more counts as DUI. Official source ↗
- Following distance: Keep a 4-second following distance; more in bad conditions. Official source ↗
- High beams: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following. Official source ↗
- Turn signal: Signal at least 100 feet before turning under 35 mph, and 300 feet at 35 mph or more. Official source ↗
- Fire hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Official source ↗
- Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Official source ↗
- School bus: On the opposite side of a divided highway you do not stop for a school bus; otherwise stop at least 10 feet away. Official source ↗
- Right on red: Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted. Official source ↗
- Left on red: Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop. Official source ↗
- Cell phone: Since June 2025 no driver may hold a phone while driving, even at a red light; since June 2026 the fine is 50 dollars. Official source ↗
- Move Over law: Move over for emergency scenes or disabled vehicles; if you can't, slow to 20 mph below the limit. Official source ↗
- Permit age: You can get a learner's permit at age 16. Official source ↗
Pennsylvania test FAQ
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania written test?
The written test has 18 questions and you need 15 correct to pass.
Can I take the Pennsylvania driver's test in Spanish?
Yes. Pennsylvania offers the written test in Spanish.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Pennsylvania?
You can get a learner's permit at age 16.
What documents do I need for a permit in Pennsylvania?
It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services before you go.
Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →
11 Pennsylvania practice questions
1. The Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 questions. How many must you answer correctly to pass?
- 12
- 14
- 15
- 17
Show answer
Answer: 15
You need 15 of the 18 questions right. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day.
2. In Pennsylvania, what following distance does the manual recommend on dry pavement?
- 1 second
- 3 seconds
- 2 seconds
- 4 seconds
Show answer
Answer: 4 seconds
Pennsylvania teaches the 4-second rule for dry pavement, and more in bad conditions.
3. You are driving 40 mph in Pennsylvania and want to turn. How far ahead must you signal?
- At least 50 feet
- At least 500 feet
- At least 300 feet
- At least 100 feet
Show answer
Answer: At least 300 feet
At 35 mph or more, signal at least 300 feet ahead; under 35 mph, 100 feet.
4. In Pennsylvania a school bus stops with red lights flashing and stop arm out. How far away must you stop?
- At least 20 feet
- At least 10 feet
- At least 50 feet
- At least 25 feet
Show answer
Answer: At least 10 feet
Stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Failing to stop brings a 60-day suspension and 5 points.
5. In Pennsylvania you pass an emergency scene and cannot change lanes. What must you do?
- Slow to 20 mph below the limit
- Slow to 5 mph below the limit
- Stop in your lane
- Keep driving at the speed limit
Show answer
Answer: Slow to 20 mph below the limit
Under the Move Over law, if you can't move over, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit.
6. Under Pennsylvania's Paul Miller's Law, when may you NOT hold your phone?
- Only if you are under 18
- Only on interstate highways and toll roads
- Only when going faster than 35 mph
- While driving, even at a red light
Show answer
Answer: While driving, even at a red light
Since June 2025, drivers may not hold a phone while driving, even when stopped in traffic or at a light.
7. With a Pennsylvania junior license, during what hours may you not drive without a parent or guardian?
- 9 pm to 6 am
- Midnight to 6 am
- 11 pm to 5 am
- 10 pm to 5 am
Show answer
Answer: 11 pm to 5 am
Junior drivers may not drive from 11 pm to 5 am unless a parent or guardian is along, with work and service exceptions.
8. If you are under 18 in Pennsylvania, how many practice hours do you need before the road test?
- 50 hours
- 30 hours
- 40 hours
- 65 hours
Show answer
Answer: 65 hours
You need 65 hours, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather, and must hold the permit 6 months.
9. In Pennsylvania, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?
- 15 feet
- 25 feet
- 20 feet
- 5 feet
10. In Pennsylvania, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?
- 50 feet
- 20 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
11. In Pennsylvania, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
- 500 feet
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before turning under 35 mph, and 300 feet at 35 mph or more.
Practice with Pennsylvania rules
360+ voiced questions, a practice test in your state's format and video lessons.
Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.