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Pennsylvania permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Pennsylvania, based on the Pennsylvania driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

What is the highest speed limit that can be posted anywhere in Pennsylvania?

  1. 70 mph, on freeways posted for it
  2. 75 mph, as in some western states
  3. 65 mph, the limit on every interstate
  4. 80 mph, on rural interstates
Show answer

Answer: A. 70 mph, on freeways posted for it

The highest speed limit in Pennsylvania is 70 mph, and it applies only where signs are posted after each interchange. Other roads have lower posted limits, so always read the sign.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 3362; Driver handbook, Chapter 3: Learning to Drive

Question 2

A 17-year-old with a learner's permit wants to practice. Her 19-year-old brother holds a license. May he supervise her?

  1. Yes, if he sits in the back seat
  2. Yes, any licensed driver may supervise
  3. No, a supervisor must be 21 or older
  4. Yes, after a year of licensed driving
Show answer

Answer: C. No, a supervisor must be 21 or older

A permit holder must drive with a licensed supervisor in the front seat who is at least 21, or a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18. A 19-year-old brother does not qualify.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 1505; Driver handbook, Chapter 1: Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Information

Question 3

An unmarked car flashes a red light behind you on a dark road, and you doubt it is police. What may you safely do?

  1. Ignore the lights, since it has no siren
  2. Turn on flashers and drive slowly to a well-lit, busy place
  3. Stop at once and get out to ask for badges
  4. Speed away until the car gives up
Show answer

Answer: B. Turn on flashers and drive slowly to a well-lit, busy place

If you doubt that an unmarked car is police, turn on your flashers and drive slowly to a well-lit place with other people. Show you mean to stop, and ask the officer for identification there.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Driving Record Information

Question 4

Which action is against the law for a person under 21 in Pennsylvania?

  1. Transporting alcohol in the car being driven
  2. Sitting in a restaurant that serves alcohol
  3. Riding in a car with a sober driver
  4. Riding with a friend who is 21 and sober
Show answer

Answer: A. Transporting alcohol in the car being driven

People under 21 may not buy, drink, hold, or carry alcohol. Underage drinking can bring a fine of up to $500, and a judge may also order an alcohol class.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Driving Record Information

Question 5

Who must wear a seat belt in a Pennsylvania passenger car?

  1. Everyone except rear seat riders of any age
  2. Only the driver, since front riders are exempt
  3. The driver, front seat riders, and anyone aged 8 to 17
  4. Only riders under 8, since adults may choose
Show answer

Answer: C. The driver, front seat riders, and anyone aged 8 to 17

Drivers and front seat passengers must wear belts, and passengers aged 8 to 17 must buckle wherever they sit. A belt spreads crash forces over the chest, hips, and shoulders instead of the head.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 4581; Driver handbook, Chapter 5: Laws and Related Issues

Question 6

A person fails the knowledge test in the morning and wants to retake it that afternoon at a different Driver License Center. Is that allowed?

  1. Yes, after a one-hour wait
  2. No, one attempt per day anywhere
  3. Yes, at any other center
  4. Yes, but only with an instructor present
Show answer

Answer: B. No, one attempt per day anywhere

A person may take the knowledge test only once per day, no matter which location is used. After a failure, the next attempt can be on the following business day.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 1: Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Information

Question 7

You want to pass a slow car on a two-lane road, but a railroad crossing is 80 feet ahead. May you pass?

  1. Yes, if you hear no train horn
  2. Yes, if the car ahead is going very slowly
  3. No, not within 100 feet of a crossing
  4. Yes, if the crossing gates are up
Show answer

Answer: C. No, not within 100 feet of a crossing

Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, or tunnel. The ban also applies on curves or hill crests that hide oncoming traffic, where a pass could end in a head-on crash.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 3306; Driver handbook, Chapter 3: Learning to Drive

Question 8

A driver wants to park 30 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Is that allowed?

  1. Yes, 30 feet matches the rule for stop signs
  2. Yes, if his flashers are on
  3. Yes, if the train schedule is empty
  4. No, parking is barred within 50 feet of the rail
Show answer

Answer: D. No, parking is barred within 50 feet of the rail

Keep 50 feet clear of the closest rail at a railroad crossing when parking. A parked car close to the tracks can block a driver's view of an approaching train.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 3353; Driver handbook, Chapter 3: Learning to Drive

Question 9

A farm tractor shows a reflective orange triangle. What speed does that warn about?

  1. About 15 mph or less
  2. 25 mph or less
  3. About 45 mph or less
  4. About 55 mph or less
Show answer

Answer: B. 25 mph or less

An orange triangle on a farm tractor or horse-drawn vehicle shows it travels at 25 mph or less. Drivers who come up fast on such a vehicle can crash into it before they judge its speed.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 3: Learning to Drive

Question 10

A yellow light flashes on a school zone speed sign beside a dairy farm. What is the most you may drive?

  1. 25 mph, the usual town limit
  2. 35 mph on a main road
  3. 15 mph while the light flashes
  4. 20 mph, as in other states
Show answer

Answer: C. 15 mph while the light flashes

In a school zone, slow to 15 mph while the yellow light flashes or during the hours shown on the sign.

Sources: 75 Pa.C.S. 3365; Driver handbook, Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

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