Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publishes the format for the Pennsylvania knowledge test: 18 questions, 83% to pass — checked 2026-08-01. Practice it below, free, with no signup and every answer sourced.
DMV Prep practice configurationNot an official exam format
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of TransportationPennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub. 95)Checked 2026-06-07Open the official Pennsylvania handbook
Before you go for the real Pennsylvania test
| Minimum permit age | 16 |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $45.50 |
| Permit holding period | 6 months |
PennsylvaniaPennDOTPennDOT — Applying for a Learner's PermitChecked 2026-07-13Official source
Sample Pennsylvania permit test questions
Orange-colored signs indicate:
- A. School zones
- B. Recreational areas
- C. Railroad crossings
- D. Construction zones
Show answer
D. Construction zones — Orange signs warn about construction or maintenance work zones. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and be ready for changing lane patterns.
Universal ruleMUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General)Traffic Signs — GeneralChecked 2026-08-01Read the source
Report a problemIn Pennsylvania, the default maximum speed limit in a residential area (without a posted sign) is:
- A. 20 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 30 mph
- D. 35 mph
Show answer
B. 25 mph — Pennsylvania's default speed limit in a residential district is 25 mph (75 Pa.C.S. §3362(a)(2)) when the highway is not a numbered traffic route. The default on limited-access highways is 55 mph unless otherwise posted. School zones are 15 mph when children are present. Always obey posted signs.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Driver's ManualChapter 6 — Traffic Laws and Vehicle ControlsChecked 2026-06-09Read the source
Report a problemIn Pennsylvania, what is the BAC limit for underage (under 21) drivers?
- A. 0.02%
- B. 0.00%
- C. 0.04%
- D. 0.08%
Show answer
A. 0.02% — Pennsylvania's underage DUI law prohibits drivers under 21 from driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. A conviction results in license suspension and mandatory participation in an alcohol highway safety program.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Driver's ManualAlcohol and DrivingChecked 2026-06-07Read the source
Report a problemIn Pennsylvania, the speed limit in a school zone when children are present is:
- A. 35 mph
- B. 25 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 15 mph
Show answer
D. 15 mph — Pennsylvania school zones have a 15 mph speed limit when the zone is active (children are present or the flashing beacon is lit). Fines in school zones are higher than for standard speeding violations.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Driver's ManualSpeed LimitsChecked 2026-06-07Read the source
Report a problemPennsylvania's distracted driving law prohibits drivers from:
- A. Talking on a Bluetooth headset
- B. Using a handheld interactive wireless communication device while driving
- C. Using any electronic device while driving
- D. Adjusting the car radio, not covered by the handheld device law
Show answer
B. Using a handheld interactive wireless communication device while driving — Pennsylvania Act 37 prohibits using a handheld interactive wireless communication device (phone, tablet) while driving. Hands-free use is permitted. First offense is a $50 fine.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Driver's ManualDistracted DrivingChecked 2026-06-18Read the source
Report a problem
Questions last verified 2026-06-07 · Reviewed by the DMV Prep editorial team · Editorial policy
Before the Pennsylvania knowledge test
These learner's permit requirements are separate from the written knowledge test score above. Use them to plan your application and supervised-driving timeline.
What to bring to the knowledge test:
- Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) with health-care provider section completed
- Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) if under 18
- Proof of date of birth and identification
- Signed Social Security card
- Applicable fee
Requirements last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: PennDOT — Applying for a Learner's Permit ↗. See the complete Pennsylvania permit requirements.
What is different about Pennsylvania
Rules that are set by Pennsylvania rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit age: 16 here. The most common minimum permit age is 15 (25 of 50 states we have verified).
- Supervised-driving requirement: 65 hours here. The most common supervised-driving requirement is 50 hours (29 of 49 states we have verified).
- Passing score: 83% here. The most common passing score is 80% (15 of 26 states we have verified).
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in this Pennsylvania DMV practice test?
This practice test uses 18 questions and a 83% study target — at least 15 correct answers. Confirm the current official exam format with the state licensing agency.
What score should I target for the Pennsylvania written test?
Use 83% as the practice target on this site. The readiness dashboard tracks consistent performance; the state agency remains the source for current official requirements.
Is the Pennsylvania permit test taken at the DMV?
In Pennsylvania, driver licensing is handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), so you'll often see the exam called the PennDOT permit test or PennDOT written test. Confirm the current official format with PennDOT; this page uses DMV Prep's recorded practice configuration.
Is this Pennsylvania practice test really free?
Yes. Every practice test on this page and everything in the DMV Prep app is free — no ads, no paywall, no account.
Where do these Pennsylvania practice questions come from?
Questions use Pennsylvania Driver's Manual and other handbook or regulatory references, and are not copied from live exams. Citation scope and recency are being revalidated across the bank.
Can I study for the Pennsylvania permit test in Spanish?
Yes — try the Pennsylvania practice test in Spanish. The DMV Prep app includes all 3,671+ questions in Spanish.
