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Pennsylvania permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual (PUB 95).
Study for the Pennsylvania knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise Pennsylvania questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Questions on the test
- 18Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Correct answers to pass
- 15Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 16 You cannot apply for a learner’s permit before your 16th birthday.Manual p. 1
- If you fail the knowledge test
- The next business day If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the following business day (only once a day at any center).Manual p. 5, Knowledge test
- What to bring
- 4 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the Pennsylvania manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
The legal BAC limit for adult drivers 21 and over is .08.
Manual p. 33 - 0.02
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
In Pennsylvania a driver under 21 may not drive with any measurable alcohol; a BAC of .02 or more is DUI.
Manual p. 33 - 4 seconds
- 100 / 300 feet
Signal before you turn
Signal at least 100 feet before turning below 35 mph, and at least 300 feet at 35 mph or more.
Manual p. 44 - 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
PA law requires low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Manual p. 40 - 300 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
PA law requires low beams when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
Manual p. 40 - 15 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
In Pennsylvania you may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Manual p. 53 - 10 feet
School bus with red lights flashing
Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
Manual p. 58 - 6 months
How long you hold the permit
Under-18 PA permit holders must wait a mandatory six months from the permit issue date before taking the road test.
Manual p. 2 - 65 hours
Supervised practice
Pennsylvania learners younger than 18 need a minimum of 65 logged hours driving with a supervisor (10 of them after dark and 5 in poor weather) before taking the road test.
Manual p. 2 - 21 or older
Your supervising driver
A PA learner must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21, or a licensed parent, guardian or spouse at least 18, who rides in the front seat.
Manual p. 3
Your Pennsylvania DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual p. 1, Applying for a learner’s permit
- Manual p. 1, Applying for a learner’s permit
- Manual p. 1, Applying for a learner’s permit
- Manual p. 1, Applying for a learner’s permit
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Rules and fees can change. Check with the Pennsylvania DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
The Pennsylvania knowledge test has 18 questions. To pass you need 15 correct answers.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in Pennsylvania?
You cannot apply for a learner’s permit before your 16th birthday.
What happens if I fail the Pennsylvania permit test?
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the following business day (only once a day at any center).
What documents do I need for a Pennsylvania learner permit?
Your completed Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180), with the back filled in by your health care provider (no earlier than 6 months before your 16th birthday). Do not mail it. Original proof of date of birth and identification (no photocopies); the accepted documents are listed on the back of the DL-180. Your Social Security card. 18 or older: two proofs of residency, such as a current utility bill, W-2, tax record, lease or mortgage document.