Pennsylvania DMV Permit Test Right of Way and Intersections Summary

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.

In Pennsylvania you may turn right on a red light after coming to a full stop, unless a sign forbids it. Before turning, yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Wrong choices

• Only when the light turns green: You do not have to wait for green unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
• Right away, without stopping, if no cars are coming: You must always stop first before turning right on red.
• Never; right turns on red are illegal in Pennsylvania: Right turns on red are allowed in Pennsylvania unless a sign forbids them.

A lowered gate and flashing red lights mean stop. Never drive around a gate, even if you cannot see a train. Wait until the gate is up and the lights stop.

Wrong choices

• Drive around the gate carefully: Driving around a lowered gate is illegal and very dangerous.
• Cross if you can hear no train: Trains can be closer and faster than they seem. You must obey the gate.
• Back up and look for another road right away: Backing up near tracks can be dangerous. Wait safely until the gate rises.

When you turn, you must yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street you are turning into. Wait until they are safely out of your path.

Wrong choices

• Honk so the pedestrian hurries: Honking can startle the pedestrian. You must wait.
• Turn quickly before the pedestrian reaches your lane: Racing a pedestrian is dangerous. Pedestrians in the crosswalk go first.
• Go ahead, because your light is green: A green light does not give you the right to drive through a crosswalk while someone is crossing.

If two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Wrong choices

• The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left: This has it backward. The driver on the right goes first.
• The driver going faster yields: Both cars stopped, so speed is not the rule. The left driver yields.
• Neither; both may go at once: Both going at once could cause a crash. One driver must yield.

Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law requires you to stop at least 10 feet from the bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is out. Stay stopped until the lights stop flashing and the arm is pulled back.

Wrong choices

• At least 5 feet: 5 feet is too close. The law says at least 10 feet.
• At least 20 feet: Stopping farther back is fine, but the law's distance is at least 10 feet.
• At least 25 feet: The law's distance is at least 10 feet, not 25.

On a plain green light, a left turn is not protected. You must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing in your path, and turn only when there is a safe gap.

Wrong choices

• No one, because your light is green: Oncoming traffic also has a green light. You must let it go first.
• Only vehicles turning right: You must yield to all oncoming traffic, including vehicles going straight.
• Only traffic behind you: Traffic behind you does not have the right of way over your turn.

On a road without a physical barrier, drivers coming from either direction must stop at least 10 feet from the bus when its red lights flash and its stop arm is out. Children may cross in front of you.

Wrong choices

• Keep going, because the bus is in the other lane: Only a divided highway with a physical barrier lets opposite traffic keep going.
• Slow down to 15 mph and pass carefully: Slowing down is not enough. You must stop.
• Stop only if you see children: You must stop whether or not you see children. They may be hidden by the bus.

Roundabouts have YIELD signs and yield lines at each entry. Drivers entering must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Wrong choices

• You do, because you are entering: Entering drivers must yield. You do not have the right of way.
• Whoever is driving faster: Speed never gives you the right of way.
• Vehicles that will exit next: All traffic already in the circle has the right of way, whether or not it is about to exit.