530+ questions based on the official Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95). Realistic 18-question exam simulator with instant scoring. No signup required.
18 random questions, 20-minute simulator timer. The real PennDOT Knowledge Test has 18 questions and no strict time limit at the Driver License Center. Need 83% (about 15 correct) to pass.
Practice road signs exclusively — shapes, colors, and meanings. Perfect for targeting the sign section before your exam.
Test only the critical numbers — speed limits, distances, BAC limits, suspension periods. The most memorized facts on the real exam.
Fast 15-question session — perfect for a daily warm-up or quick review before bed.
Every question, random order, no timer. Best for deep study before your test date.
Key chapters from the official handbook — organized, summarized, and exam-focused. Read before your test!
The 15-of-18 passing thing freaked me out, but the simulator locked it in. Walked into the Philly Driver License Center and finished in six minutes.
Moved from Ohio with 55 days left on my 60-day window. Crammed the PA-specific stuff here (4-second rule, 10 ft school bus, Move Over). Passed Tuesday at the Dormont Driver License Center.
My son's 16 and I was more nervous than he was. The Junior Driver curfew question came up and he knew 11 p.m.–5 a.m. cold because of this site. First try!
Everything important from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) — organized for the exam
Memorize these numbers first. Pennsylvania test questions are frequently built around specific distances, speeds, BAC levels, and time periods. These come up constantly.
Road signs are tested heavily. Know each sign's shape, color, and meaning. The real test often shows a sign description and asks what it means.
| Shape | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Octagon (8-sided) | STOP — always and only | Stop sign |
| Triangle (pointing down) | YIELD — give right of way | Yield sign |
| Diamond | WARNING — hazard ahead | Curve, pedestrian, deer |
| Pentagon (5-sided) | SCHOOL ZONE | School crossing |
| Pennant (triangle right) | NO PASSING ZONE | No-passing pennant |
| Round (circle) | RAILROAD CROSSING advance warning | RR crossing sign |
| Rectangle (vertical) | REGULATORY — rules you must follow | Speed limit, turn restrictions |
| Rectangle (horizontal) | GUIDE or INFORMATION | Street name, mile marker |
| X-shaped crossbuck | RAILROAD CROSSING — treat like yield | Railroad crossbuck |
| Color | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Regulatory — STOP / PROHIBIT | Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no-turn circles |
| Yellow | WARNING | General hazard warnings — curves, hills, intersections, animals |
| Orange | WORK ZONE / CONSTRUCTION | Construction ahead — slow down, use headlights (daytime running lights not enough), do not use cruise control, do not cross a solid white line. Pennsylvania doubles fines for certain violations in active work zones including speeding; some violations result in license suspension (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 54). |
| Green | GUIDE / DIRECTIONAL | Highway exits, distances, direction, mile markers |
| Blue | SERVICES | Gas, food, lodging, hospital, rest area |
| Brown | RECREATION / CULTURAL | Parks, campgrounds, historical sites, scenic areas |
| White | REGULATORY | Speed limits, lane rules, turn restrictions |
| Fluorescent Yellow-Green | WARNING — pedestrian / school / bike | School zones, crosswalks, bike lanes |
| Fluorescent Pink | INCIDENT MANAGEMENT | Crash clean-up, debris removal, temporary traffic control |
Right of way is the #1 failure topic on the PennDOT knowledge test. Master every scenario below — these questions will be on your exam.
| Signal | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Solid GREEN | Proceed — but yield to traffic already in intersection |
| Solid YELLOW | Prepare to stop if safe; proceed only if stopping would be dangerous |
| Solid RED | Stop completely; may turn right on red after stop and yield (unless posted) |
| GREEN ARROW | Protected turn — oncoming traffic must stop. You may turn in the arrow's direction, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. |
| YELLOW ARROW | Protected turn is ending — prepare to yield or stop |
| Flashing YELLOW ARROW | Unprotected turn — you MAY turn but MUST yield to oncoming and pedestrians |
| Flashing RED | Treat exactly like a STOP sign — stop, yield, proceed when safe |
| Flashing YELLOW | Caution — slow down and proceed carefully. Do not need to stop. |
| RED + GREEN ARROW | Stop for through traffic; turn in direction of arrow only |
| Signal NOT working | Treat as ALL-WAY STOP — all traffic stops |
DUI questions appear on virtually every PennDOT knowledge test. Know the BAC levels, implied consent law, and penalties. Pennsylvania uses "DUI" (Driving Under the Influence).
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| BAC of 0.08+ (driver 21+) | Pennsylvania's 3-tier DUI system: General Impairment (.08–.099) 1st = 6-mo probation + $300, no license action. High Rate (.10–.159) 1st = 2 days–6 mo jail + $500–$5,000 + 12-mo suspension + 1-yr Interlock. Highest Rate (.16+, drugs, refusal) 1st = 3 days–6 mo jail + $1,000–$5,000 + 12-mo suspension + 1-yr Interlock. Alcohol Highway Safety School required; up to 150 hrs community service possible (PUB 95 ch. 4, pp. 82–83). |
| Impairment below the legal BAC limit | Yes — Pennsylvania can convict of DUI at any BAC if stopped for erratic driving (too slow, too fast, straddling lanes, wide turns, stopping for no reason, failing to obey signs/signals). Drugs other than alcohol are involved in roughly 20% of motorist deaths each year (PUB 95 ch. 4, p. 81). |
| Test refusal (implied consent) | You can lose your driver's license. Refusing breath or blood testing = automatic 1-year suspension (1st refusal) or 18-month suspension (subsequent). Stands even if found not guilty of DUI. Combined with a DUI conviction, total suspension may reach 3 years. Restoration fee: $500 / $1,000 / $2,000 (PUB 95 ch. 4, p. 82). |
| BAC — under 21 (Zero Tolerance) | Under 21 = DUI at 0.02 BAC. 1st conviction = 2 days–6 months jail + $500–$5,000 fine + full 1-year license suspension. Under-21 drivers face High Rate penalties regardless of BAC level. Alcohol Highway Safety School required (PUB 95 ch. 4, pp. 82, 84). |
| Minor purchasing or possessing alcohol (under 21) | It is against the law for anyone under 21 to buy, consume, possess, or transport alcohol. Minimum penalty: fine up to $500 plus court costs. Courts may require alcohol evaluation and completion of education, intervention, or counseling (PUB 95 ch. 4, p. 84). |
| DUI — causing death | A crash causing bodily injury, death, or property damage moves you to Table 2 "High Rate" penalties even at BAC .08–.099. Homicide by vehicle results in license suspension or revocation. Fleeing or eluding police = 1-year suspension, $500 fine + court costs, possible imprisonment (PUB 95 ch. 4, pp. 79, 81–82). |
School bus rules are heavily tested. Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended — whether behind, approaching, or at an intersection where the bus is stopped. The only exception is when you are on the opposite side of a divided highway (median, barriers, or guide rails). Violation = 60-day driver's license suspension + 5 points + fine (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 58).
| Location | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Fire hydrant | 15 ft — do not park within 15 ft (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Stop sign / yield sign / flashing signal / traffic control device | 30 ft — do not park within 30 ft of any of these (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Pedestrian safety zone | Prohibited alongside or opposite a pedestrian safety zone (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Crosswalk at intersection | 20 ft — do not park within 20 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Railroad crossing | 50 ft from the nearest rail (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Fire station driveway | 20 ft of the driveway entrance (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| Driveway entrance (public or private) | Not in front of — always prohibited |
| Accessible (handicapped) space | Never without valid placard/plate. Unlawfully parked vehicles may be towed. Fine $50 to $200 upon conviction (PUB 95 ch. 5, p. 92) |
| Inside an intersection or on a crosswalk | Never — always illegal |
| Handicapped space (without placard) | Never park here |
| Bridge, overpass, or tunnel | Never — prohibited on any bridge or elevated structure, or in a highway tunnel. Also prohibited on railroad tracks, limited-access highways (unless signed), and between divided-highway roadways including crossovers (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 53) |
| No Stopping zone | Never stop here, for any reason |
| No Parking zone | No parking — may stop to load/unload |
The rule: always turn wheels so that if the car rolls, it rolls away from traffic or is caught by the curb.
| Situation | Turn Wheels | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Facing DOWNHILL, WITH curb | RIGHT (into curb) | Car rolls into curb and stops |
| Facing DOWNHILL, NO curb | RIGHT (away from road) | Car rolls away from traffic |
| Facing UPHILL, WITH curb | LEFT (away from curb) | Car rolls back, caught by curb |
| Facing UPHILL, NO curb | RIGHT (away from road) | Car rolls away from traffic |
GDL questions appear on many tests. Know Pennsylvania's Graduated Driver Licensing program, the restrictions in each phase, and the specific ages, hold periods, and curfew hours.
| Equipment | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Headlights (on) | Required sunset to sunrise; when visibility is less than 1,000 feet ahead; in rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke, or smog; in work zones; and anytime wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather (Headlight/Wiper Law eff. 1/28/2007). Daytime running lights alone are NOT enough — tail lights must also be on. Fine starts at $25 (~$100 with fees) (PUB 95 ch. 3, pp. 39, 42). |
| High beams (dim) | Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when following. In fog, rain, or snow use low beams only — high beams reflect back and create glare (PUB 95 ch. 3, pp. 39, 42). |
| Horn | Use when needed to prevent a crash — for example, if a child begins to run into the street or another vehicle is about to hit you. Do NOT sound your horn close to bicyclists, blind pedestrians, or horse-drawn vehicles (PUB 95 ch. 3, pp. 44, 56, 59). |
| Turn signals | Signal at least 100 feet before turning if driving under 35 mph; at least 300 feet before turning at 35 mph or more. Signal 3–4 seconds before entering a center left-turn lane. Use hand signals if your signals fail (PUB 95 ch. 3, pp. 44–45). |
| Tinted windows | Pennsylvania law prohibits materials that obstruct or reduce driver vision. The safety inspection checks for compliance; defective equipment must be fixed within 5 days of notice. PUB 95 does not specify a Visible Light Transmission percentage (PUB 95 ch. 5, p. 92). |
| TVs / video screens visible to driver | Prohibited while vehicle is in motion (navigation is excepted) |
| Muffler | Must prevent excessive or unusual noise |
| Brakes | Must operate properly and meet safety standards (checked at the Road Test). Vehicle must pass annual safety inspection at an authorized inspection station every 12 months. If a police officer notices faulty equipment, you may be required to fix it within 5 days (PUB 95 ch. 1, p. 5; ch. 5, p. 92). |
| Wipers | Must adequately clean the windshield when used |
| Tail lights / rear reflector | Tail lights must illuminate whenever headlights are required (including anytime wipers are in use due to weather). Daytime running lights are not enough (PUB 95 ch. 3, pp. 39, 42). |
| Tires | Must be in good condition and properly inflated. Worn tires increase hydroplaning risk — you can begin hydroplaning at 35 mph in just 1/10 inch of water. PUB 95 does not state a specific tread-depth minimum (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 41; ch. 5, p. 92). |
| Hazard lights | For use when parked/stopped in an emergency — not while driving normally |
| Seat belts & child restraints | PA Vehicle Code §4581 requires seat belts for drivers + front-seat passengers; passengers 8–17 in any seat; driver under 18 cannot exceed the number of belts. Child Passenger Protection Act 229: under 4 = federally-approved car seat; 4 to under 8 = booster with lap + shoulder belt; under 2 = rear-facing until outgrows seat; 8–17 = seat belt. Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag (PUB 95 ch. 5, pp. 89–91). |
A proven 4-phase approach that builds real understanding — not just memorization. Work through each phase at your own pace, and you'll walk into the PennDOT ready to pass on your first try.
| Your Score | Status | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| Under 75% | Needs more work | Go back to Phase 3 — run Weak Spots mode on your wrong answers. Re-read the Study Guide for those topics. Then try the simulator again. |
| 75% – 89% | Almost there | Run Weak Spots on what you missed, then take the simulator again. You're close — one more round should get you there. |
| 90%+ | Ready! 🎉 | Run the simulator one more time to confirm. Score 90%+ twice → you are ready for the real test. |
Before you walk into the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing office:
18 questions · need 83% (15 correct) · you can miss up to 3 and still pass
The official handbook from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing — the single source of truth for the written test.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95, 4-21 English Version) · Published by PennDOT's Bureau of Driver Licensing
Download Official Manual →Source: Pennsylvania PennDOT · Free download
We've distilled the official manual into 12 focused study sections. Every number, rule, and fact verified against the handbook. Click any topic to start studying.
The Pennsylvania PennDOT Knowledge Test has 18 multiple-choice questions. You must answer 15 correctly (about 83%) to pass. Sign questions are mixed into the same 18 items — there is no separate signs section. If you fail, you may retake the following business day. You may take the test only once per day regardless of location. Confirm current format at the Driver License Center or www.dmv.pa.gov.
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. Pennsylvania's per-se BAC limits are 0.08 for drivers 21+ and 0.02 for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance). Commercial drivers: 0.04. School bus drivers: 0.02. The Highest Rate (.16+) tier also applies to drug-impaired drivers and those who refuse chemical testing (PUB 95 ch. 4, pp. 81–82).
Pennsylvania uses the 4-second following distance rule on dry pavement (PUB 95 ch. 3, p. 35). Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed roadside object, then count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, four-one-thousand." If you pass the same object before finishing the count, you are following too closely. On wet roads, extend to 5–6 seconds and reduce speed by 5–10 mph. On snow or ice, leave 10× normal space.
Minimum age to apply for a Pennsylvania Learner Permit is 16. The permit is valid for 1 year, and there is a mandatory 6-month hold from the issue date before you can take the Road Test. Under 18 applicants must also complete 65 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 hours night + 5 hours bad weather) certified on Form DL-180C (PUB 95 ch. 1, pp. 1–2).
Yes, this practice site is completely free. Every question is verified against the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95).
For non-emergency road condition information, Pennsylvania's statewide 511PA service is available 24 hours a day — dial 511 from any phone or visit www.511PA.com. For any emergency (crash, injury, fire), call 911. PennDOT's Customer Call Center is 717-412-5300 (TDD: 711), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Schedule your Road Test at 1-800-423-5542.
Pennsylvania is one of the only states where the real written test is just 18 multiple-choice questions, with 15 correct answers (83%) required to pass. Administered by PennDOT's Bureau of Driver Licensing at Driver License Centers statewide, the Knowledge Test mixes traffic-law and road-sign questions into the same 18 items — there is no separate signs section. The test is offered in both written and audio format in 19 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish. Pennsylvania's Headlight/Wiper Law (effective January 28, 2007) is uniquely strict: anytime your wipers are on due to weather, your headlights and tail lights must be on too (daytime running lights alone do not satisfy the law).
Every fact on this site is verified against the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95, 4-21 English Version) published by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing. Pennsylvania uses DUI (Driving Under the Influence) with a three-tier penalty system: General Impairment (0.08–0.099), High Rate (0.10–0.159), and Highest Rate (0.16+, drugs, or chemical-test refusal). The BAC limits are 0.08 for drivers 21+, 0.02 for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance), 0.04 for commercial drivers, and 0.02 for school bus drivers. Under Pennsylvania's Implied Consent law, refusing a breath or blood test results in an automatic 1-year suspension (1st) or 18-month suspension (subsequent) — with a $500 / $1,000 / $2,000 restoration fee — even if you're found not guilty of DUI.
Pennsylvania's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is a two-stage system for drivers under 18. You can apply for a Learner Permit at age 16 (no driver education prerequisite). The permit is valid 1 year. You must hold it a mandatory 6 months and log 65 hours of behind-the-wheel practice — with at least 10 hours nighttime and 5 hours bad-weather driving — certified on Form DL-180C. Supervisors must be 21+ (or a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse 18+) sitting in the front seat. After passing the Road Test you receive a Junior Driver License with an 11 p.m.–5 a.m. curfew (exceptions for volunteer fire service, charitable activities, or documented employment) and a 1 non-family passenger under 18 limit for the first 6 months (up to 3 after 6 months clean). Teens who accumulate 6+ points or are convicted of driving 26 mph or more over the posted limit face a mandatory 90-day suspension.
This free practice test is verified against the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) and built for anyone testing at PennDOT Driver License Centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, State College, Altoona, Wilkes-Barre, and every other location across the Commonwealth. There is no separate Knowledge Test fee — it is included with your DL-180 application. Free practice here, no signup, no paywall.
Permit rules vary between states. If you or someone you're helping is testing in a different state, we have free practice tests verified against each state's current manual: