Pennsylvania DMV Permit Test Alcohol, Implied Consent, and Points Summary

For drivers 21 and older, a BAC of 0.08% or more is driving under the influence. Your driving is affected well before that level, so the safest choice is not to drink and drive at all.

Wrong choices

• 0.02% or more: 0.02% is the limit for drivers under 21 and for school bus drivers.
• 0.04% or more: 0.04% is the limit for commercial vehicle drivers.
• 0.10% or more: 0.10% is higher than Pennsylvania's limit.

If you are under 21, you are considered to be driving under the influence at a BAC of 0.02% or more. Even one drink can put you over this limit.

Wrong choices

• 0.08% or more: 0.08% is the limit for drivers 21 and older.
• 0.04% or more: 0.04% is the limit for commercial vehicle drivers.
• 0.05% or more: 0.05% is not a Pennsylvania limit.

Under Pennsylvania's implied consent law, refusing a chemical test automatically suspends your driving privilege for one year.

Wrong choices

• Nothing, because the test is optional: By driving in Pennsylvania, you have already agreed to testing. Refusing has a penalty.
• You get a warning: The penalty is a suspension, not a warning.
• You must take a written test: A written test is not the penalty for refusing.

Your body breaks down alcohol slowly, and only time lowers your BAC. Nothing else speeds it up.

Wrong choices

• Drinking coffee: Coffee may make you feel more awake, but it does not lower your BAC.
• Taking a cold shower: A cold shower does not remove alcohol from your blood.
• Getting fresh air: Fresh air does not lower your BAC.

Under the implied consent law, anyone who drives in Pennsylvania is considered to have already agreed to chemical testing if police suspect driving under the influence. Refusing the test leads to a one-year suspension.

Wrong choices

• You must agree in writing before police can test you: No written agreement is needed. Driving itself counts as consent.
• You may choose a breath or blood test without any penalty for refusing: Refusing does have a penalty: a one-year suspension.
• Only drivers who have crashed can be tested: The law applies to any driver suspected of DUI, not only drivers in crashes.

When a driver reaches 6 or more points for the first time, PennDOT requires a written Special Point Examination or Driver Improvement School. If you do not complete it in time, your license is suspended.

Wrong choices

• Nothing, unless you reach 12 points: Action is required at 6 points, not later.
• Retake the road test only: The requirement is a written exam or school, not a road test.
• Pay a fine to remove the points: You cannot pay to remove points.

A person driving a commercial vehicle is under the influence at a BAC of 0.04% or more. For a school bus or school vehicle, the limit is 0.02%.

Wrong choices

• 0.08%: 0.08% is the limit for drivers 21 and older in a regular car.
• 0.06%: 0.06% is not a Pennsylvania limit.
• 0.02%: 0.02% is the limit for drivers under 21 and for school bus drivers.

Passing the Special Point Examination removes 2 points from your record.

Wrong choices

• 3 points: The exam removes 2 points, not 3.
• 6 points: Passing the exam does not clear all 6 points.
• 1 point: The exam removes 2 points, not 1.

A conviction under Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law brings a $250 fine, 5 points on your driving record, and a 60-day license suspension.

Wrong choices

• A warning only, with no points: This is a serious violation with points and a suspension, not just a warning.
• 2 points and a $25 fine: The penalty is much higher: 5 points, a $250 fine, and a suspension.
• A $50 fine with no points: A $50 fine with no points is the penalty for texting while driving, not for passing a stopped school bus.

The first time a record reaches 6 points, the driver takes a Special Point Examination or attends Driver Improvement School. A second time at 6 points requires a departmental hearing.

Wrong choices

• The driver gets a warning letter only: A second time at 6 points has a stronger result than a warning letter.
• The points are cleared automatically: Points are not cleared because you reach 6 again.
• The driver must take the knowledge test again: A second time at 6 points leads to a hearing, not a new knowledge test.