Free Pennsylvania PennDOT Permit Practice Test 2026
Get ready to pass your Pennsylvania PennDOT written test on the first try. Our free Pennsylvania permit practice tests are based directly on the official Pennsylvania Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Pennsylvania-specific regulations. With 15 correct answers required out of 18 questions (83% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.
Take the Pennsylvania PennDOT Permit Practice Test Now
25 questions drawn from the Pennsylvania driver handbook, 83% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Pennsylvania tests are listed below.
Pennsylvania PennDOT Practice Test 1
Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Pennsylvania driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.
- 25 questions
- 83% to pass (21 correct)
- About 15 minutes
- Explanation after every answer
Ways to practice
Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.
Also try: the Pennsylvania cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.
Pennsylvania Permit Practice Tests
201 unique questions in the Pennsylvania bank (38 Pennsylvania-specific) - practice until you are confident
More Pennsylvania Practice Tests
Official Pennsylvania Driver's Handbook
The PennDOT writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.
Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)
Free printable version: 100+ Pennsylvania questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the PennDOT test facts on the cover. Or print a 18-question test, the length of the real test. All state PDFs →
Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Learner's Permit (commonly 'Learner's Permit'; 'Junior Learner's Permit' for under 18) Test: Quick Facts
Verified against Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publications - last reviewed September 2026.
| Official permit name | Non-Commercial Learner's Permit (commonly 'Learner's Permit'; 'Junior Learner's Permit' for under 18) |
|---|---|
| Questions on the test | 18 |
| Passing score | 15 of 18 correct (83%) |
| Wrong answers allowed | 3 |
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Under-21 alcohol limit | 0.02% BAC or higher |
| Permit / test fee | $45.50 (Initial Permit and Four-Year License, combined fee) |
| If you fail | May retake the Knowledge Test the following business day; no attempt limit stated for the knowledge test (road test: 3 attempts per permit, 7-day wait if under 18) |
| Online testing | No - the knowledge test must be taken in person. |
| Driver's education | No - driver education is not required for the learner permit. |
| Supervised practice | 65 hours incl. 10 at night and 5 in bad weather (under 18, parent/guardian certification form DL-180C) |
| Permit holding period | 6 months from permit issue date (under 18) before road test |
| Testing agency | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) |
Sample Pennsylvania Permit Test Questions
Three of the Pennsylvania-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The Pennsylvania bank behind the tests above holds 201 unique questions.
1. Pennsylvania's Anti-Texting Law prohibits drivers from:
- A. Sending, reading, or writing texts (correct)
- B. Using a built-in GPS for directions
- C. Listening to the radio or podcasts
- D. Using cruise control on the highway
Why: Pennsylvania's Anti-Texting Law bans sending, reading, or writing a text-based message on a wireless device while driving. It is a primary offense.
2. Pennsylvania's Move Over law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to:
- A. Move to a lane not next to it, or slow down (correct)
- B. Stop completely in their lane and wait
- C. Speed up to clear the area quickly
- D. Turn on their hazard lights and keep going
Why: Pennsylvania's Move Over law requires moving into a lane that is not next to an emergency response area or disabled vehicle. If you cannot move over, you must slow to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
3. During the first 6 months, a Pennsylvania junior license holder may carry how many non-family passengers under 18?
- A. One (correct)
- B. Two
- C. Three
- D. No limit
Why: For the first 6 months, Pennsylvania junior drivers may carry only one non-family passenger under 18; after that, up to three.
Pennsylvania Permit Test Study Guide (2026)
A free Pennsylvania PennDOT written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation handbook.
Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026
PennDOT gives one of the shorter knowledge exams in the country, but it still demands a firm grip on work-zone safety, winter driving, and the seat-belt and cell-phone laws - whether you drive Philadelphia's tight streets, the Pocono mountain roads, or the highways around Pittsburgh. Our Pennsylvania practice permit test covers each of those areas straight from the official PA Driver's Manual.
What to Expect on the Pennsylvania Permit Test
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Pennsylvania the exam has 18 multiple-choice questions; to pass you need 15 of 18 correct (83%). You must be at least 16 years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Pennsylvania driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the PennDOT asks.
Topics Covered on the PA Written Test
- Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
- Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
- Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
- Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
- Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
- Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances
How to Prepare for the Pennsylvania Permit Test
The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Pennsylvania Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The PennDOT writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 83% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.
Official Pennsylvania PennDOT Information
For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. You can also read the official Pennsylvania driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.
Pennsylvania Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania PennDOT written test?
The Pennsylvania PennDOT written knowledge test has 18 questions. To pass you need 15 of 18 correct (83%).
What is the phone rule for new drivers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania: no sending, reading, or writing texts while driving. Pennsylvania's Anti-Texting Law bans sending, reading, or writing a text-based message on a wireless device while driving. It is a primary offense. (Ch. 5, Anti-Texting Law, p.93 (PDF p.97); 75 Pa.C.S. s.3316 (send, read or write a text-based communication))
When are new drivers in Pennsylvania not allowed to drive?
Junior license curfew: no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. without an allowed exception. Junior drivers may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian or spouse 18 or older is with them, or they carry a notarized note for work, public service or a volunteer fire company. (p.3 (PDF p.7), Junior Driver's License Information)
How many passengers can a new driver in Pennsylvania carry?
Pennsylvania junior license, first 6 months: one non-family passenger under 18. For the first 6 months, Pennsylvania junior drivers may carry only one non-family passenger under 18; after that, up to three. (Ch. 1, Junior License restrictions, p. 4)
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Pennsylvania?
A driver under 21 in Pennsylvania violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of 0.02% or higher - far below the 0.08% adult limit.
How many questions can you miss on the Pennsylvania permit test?
You can miss up to 3 of the 18 questions and still pass. The minimum is 15 correct answers (83%).
What is the Pennsylvania learner's permit officially called?
Pennsylvania issues the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit (commonly 'Learner's Permit'; 'Junior Learner's Permit' for under 18). It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.
How much does the Pennsylvania permit cost?
The published fee is $45.50 (Initial Permit and Four-Year License, combined fee). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website before your visit.
What happens if I fail the Pennsylvania permit test?
If you fail, Pennsylvania lets you retake the knowledge test. May retake the Knowledge Test the following business day; no attempt limit stated for the knowledge test (road test: 3 attempts per permit, 7-day wait if under 18). Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.
Can I take the Pennsylvania permit test online?
No - the knowledge test must be taken in person.
Is driver's education required for a Pennsylvania permit?
No - driver education is not required for the learner permit.
How long do I have to hold my Pennsylvania permit?
Minimum holding period: 6 months from permit issue date (under 18) before road test. Required supervised practice: 65 hours incl. 10 at night and 5 in bad weather (under 18, parent/guardian certification form DL-180C).
Sources & Methodology
Every Pennsylvania question on this page is written from the official Pennsylvania driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Pennsylvania Department of Transportation publications. Last reviewed: September 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.
Chad Henry – Reviewer
After 25 years of teaching driver education
Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.
Last reviewed: September 2026
- https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-manuals/pa-drivers-manual-non-commercial/english/pub%2095.pdf
- https://www.penndot.gov/
- https://www.pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-learners-permit
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/resources/payments-and-fees
- https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-publications/pub%20385a.pdf
Study Guides to Help You Pass
All articles →Hand signals for the permit test: left, right, stop, and when the law requires them
The three driver hand signals every permit test asks about, which arm to use, and when 14 state handbooks say you must or may use them.
Traffic Laws10 Driving Rules That Change at the State Line (With the Handbook Page for Each)
Ten permit-test rules that differ by state - hydrant distance, school bus stops, Move Over speeds, headlights - with a handbook page for each.
Test InfoWhat's on the motorcycle permit test, and how it differs from the car test
What the motorcycle knowledge test covers, where its questions come from, the gear and SEE rules it asks about, and how states give or waive it.
Practice Permit Tests in Other States
Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Pennsylvania? Jump straight to another state's free PennDOT-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.
Start Your Pennsylvania Permit Test Prep Now
Free, unlimited practice. No registration required.
Take Pennsylvania Practice Test 1 - Free