About the Pennsylvania PennDOT written test
The Pennsylvania knowledge test (often searched as the Pennsylvania permit test or Pennsylvania DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Pennsylvania driver handbook published by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Pennsylvania's learner's permit knowledge test has 18 multiple-choice questions drawn from the PennDOT Driver's Manual (PUB 95), and you must answer 15 correctly to pass. Applicants under 18 must also log supervised practice and hold the permit for six months before the road test.
Pennsylvania permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You cannot apply for a learner's permit before your 16th birthday.
- Questions on the real test
- 18
- Passing score
- You must answer at least 15 of the 18 questions correctly to pass the knowledge test.
- Vision screening
- Vision is checked by a health care provider or optometrist on the DL-180 form, or tested at the Driver License Center if not.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for drivers 21+; 0.02% for drivers under 21.
- Seat belt law
- Drivers and front-seat occupants must buckle up, and passengers aged 8 to under 18 must buckle up in any seat.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before you test.
What Pennsylvania drivers should know
- Under-18 applicants need 65 hours of practice, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather.
- Leave at least 4 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
- Headlights are required whenever your wipers are in use because of weather.
- Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
- Junior drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless a qualifying adult is present.
Topics covered in our Pennsylvania practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Pennsylvania permit test
- Read the official Pennsylvania driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the PennDOT.