Free Pennsylvania PennDOT Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) written knowledge exam, which has 18 questions; to pass you need 15 of 18 correct (83%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the PennDOT tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
A flashing yellow arrow on a traffic signal means:
What's on the Pennsylvania Practice Test 1
The real Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 questions, and to pass you need 15 of 18 correct (83%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 83%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 14
- Safe driving 7
- Right of way 4
- Speed limits 3
- Parking 3
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Emergencies 1
53 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Pennsylvania. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. You stop behind a horse-drawn buggy at a stop sign. Why does the Pennsylvania manual tell you to leave plenty of room?
- A. The law requires a gap of exactly 50 feet
- B. Buggies must stop again at every driveway
- C. Your headlights may blind the buggy driver
- D. Buggies often roll backward after stopping (correct)
Why: Horse-drawn vehicles often roll back after a stop, and if you are too close the buggy driver cannot see you. The extra space also helps when you get ready to pass.
Source: official Pennsylvania driver handbook, p.59 (PDF p.63), Horse-Drawn Vehicles and Horseback Riders
2. You are driving at 45 mph and plan to turn onto a side road. Under Pennsylvania law, how far before the turn must you start signaling?
- A. At least 100 feet
- B. At least 200 feet
- C. At least 300 feet (correct)
- D. At least 500 feet
Why: Pennsylvania sets two signaling distances: at least 100 feet when you are going under 35 mph, and at least 300 feet when you are going 35 mph or faster. At 45 mph the 300-foot rule applies.
Source: official Pennsylvania driver handbook, p.44 (PDF p.48), Communicating Your Intentions to Other Drivers
3. What does a red traffic light mean?
- A. Stop, then go straight if the way is clear
- B. Stop completely before the intersection (correct)
- C. Slow down and yield to cross traffic
- D. Prepare to stop - the light will change soon
Why: A red light means you must stop completely before the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until the light turns green.
4. What does an orange-colored sign indicate?
- A. A school zone ahead
- B. A work zone ahead (correct)
- C. A railroad crossing ahead
- D. A hospital zone ahead
Why: Orange signs indicate construction and maintenance work zones. Reduce speed, watch for workers and equipment, and be prepared for changed traffic patterns. Fines are often doubled.
5. Your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor. Which action may build up brake pressure again?
- A. Shifting the car into neutral
- B. Turning the engine off at once
- C. Holding the pedal on the floor
- D. Pumping the brake pedal quickly (correct)
Why: Pumping the pedal can restore enough pressure for the brakes to work. If it does not, shift to a lower gear and apply the parking brake slowly.
6. Green traffic signs provide:
- A. Warning information (hazards)
- B. Regulatory information (laws)
- C. Guide information (directions) (correct)
- D. Service information (gas, food)
Why: Green signs provide guidance information such as highway route numbers, exit numbers, destinations, distances, and directions. They help drivers navigate.
More Pennsylvania facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Pennsylvania permit practice test page.
Pennsylvania PennDOT Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 18
- Passing score
- 83%
- Correct needed
- 15 of 18 correct (83%)
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Testing agency
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
More Pennsylvania Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Pennsylvania Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 83% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your PennDOT exam.