Pennsylvania DMV Permit Test Sample Questions and Explanations

At a four-way stop, traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first.

Wrong choices

• The largest vehicle: Size does not give a vehicle the right of way.
• The vehicle going straight: Going straight does not give you the right of way at a four-way stop.
• The vehicle turning left: Turning left does not give you the right of way. Left-turning drivers usually must yield.

When you hear a siren or see flashing red or red and blue lights from an emergency vehicle, pull over to the curb or side of the road and stop. Stay clear of intersections, and wait until it passes.

Wrong choices

• Speed up to get out of its way: Speeding up is dangerous and does not clear the way. Pull over and stop.
• Stop right where you are, in your lane: Stopping in your lane can block the emergency vehicle. Move to the side first.
• Keep driving at the same speed: You must yield, not keep going as usual.

An eight-sided (octagon) red sign means STOP. You must come to a full stop every time, then go only when the way is clear and you have yielded to traffic and pedestrians.

Wrong choices

• Slow down and go on if no cars are coming: Slowing down is not enough. You must stop completely, even if the road looks clear.
• Stop only if a pedestrian is waiting to cross: The sign applies at all times, not only when pedestrians are waiting.
• Stop only if another car is already at the intersection: You must stop whether or not other vehicles are there.

This red and white triangle pointing down is a YIELD sign. Slow down and give the right of way to traffic and pedestrians. Stop if you need to, and go only when it is safe.

It is the only sign shaped like a triangle pointing down.

Wrong choices

• Come to a full stop every time, even if the road is clear: A full stop every time is what the eight-sided STOP sign requires. At a yield sign you stop only when needed.
• Speed up so you can merge ahead of other traffic: A yield sign tells you to give way, not to speed up.
• Keep going, because traffic on the other road must wait for you: It is the other way around: you must let the other traffic go first.

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.

The knowledge test has 18 multiple choice questions, and you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass.

Wrong choices

• 12 of 18: 12 correct is not enough to pass.
• 14 of 18: 14 correct is one short of the passing score.
• All 18: You do not need a perfect score. You may miss up to 3 questions.

Learners under 18 must complete at least 65 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, including at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather, before the road test.

Wrong choices

• 30 hours: 30 hours is far below the requirement.
• 50 hours: 50 hours was the old requirement. It is now 65 hours.
• 100 hours: 100 hours is more than the law requires.

The manual teaches a four-second following distance on dry pavement. It gives you time to steer or brake to avoid a hazard. Leave more space on wet or slick roads.

Wrong choices

• At least one second: One second is far too close to stop in time.
• At least two seconds: Two seconds is less than the four seconds the Pennsylvania manual teaches.
• At least ten seconds: Ten seconds is more than needed and is not the manual's rule.

Pennsylvania law requires you to turn on your headlights whenever your wipers are on because of the weather, whether they run all the time or on and off.

Wrong choices

• Turn on your hazard lights: Hazard lights are for a stopped or disabled vehicle, not for driving in rain.
• Turn on your high beams: High beams can make it harder to see in rain and can blind other drivers.
• Nothing else: The law does require headlights when your wipers are in use for weather.