PA Permit Test: 2026 Guide
The Pennsylvania DOT Knowledge Test has 18 questions, and you need 15 correct answers (83%) to pass. The test fee is $43.50. The questions are based on the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Try 10 free sample questions below, or take the full 18-question Pennsylvania practice test.
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PA Permit Test at a glance
| Official name | Pennsylvania DOT Knowledge Test |
|---|---|
| Questions | 18 |
| Pass mark | 15 of 18 correct (83%) |
| Test fee | $43.50 |
| Time | Approx. 20 minutes |
| Official handbook | Pennsylvania Driver's Manual |
| Free practice test | 18 questions with answers |
Getting Your Junior Learner's Permit in PA: Your 4-Step Checklist
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Step 1: Are You Eligible?
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You must have a physical examination completed by a physician.
- You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
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Step 2: What ID Do I Need?
You'll need proof of identity (like a birth certificate), your Social Security card, and proof of residency.
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Step 3: How Much Does the Test Cost?
The fee for your initial permit and a four-year license is $43.50.
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Step 4: Understanding the Test Format
The knowledge test has 18 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly (83%).
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Step 5: Junior Learner's Permit Rules & Restrictions
While driving with a Junior Learner's Permit, you must follow these rules:
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
- You must complete 65 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night and 5 in bad weather.
- No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless for work or volunteer service.
Free Pennsylvania practice questions
The first 10 questions of Pennsylvania Practice Test 1. The full practice test has 18 questions.
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1.
What action should drivers do when they encounter the No right turn sign?
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Answer: a) Follow the sign and avoid making a right turn.
No right turn.
- This sign indicates right turns are prohibited.
- Do not make a right turn at this intersection.
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2.
Why is this sign important for drivers?
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Answer: d) To alert them of potential hazards related to trucks and excessive speeds.
Truck rollover.
- This sign identifies curves where trucks traveling at excessive speeds have a potential to rollover.
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3.
This sign indicates:
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Answer: a) Bicycle crossing ahead.
Bicycle crossing ahead.
- Bicyclists may be crossing your path ahead.
- Be prepared to slow down, if necessary.
- This sign may have either a yellow background or a fluorescent yellow and green background.
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4. What should drivers do if they see or hear a train approaching at a railroad crossing with a crossbuck sign?
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Answer: c) Slow down and prepare to stop.
Railroad crossbuck sign.
- This sign is placed at a railroad crossing where the tracks cross the roadway.
- You should treat the crossbuck sign as a YIELD sign; slow down and prepare to stop, if you see or hear a train approaching.
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5. Where are reserved bicycle lanes typically painted?
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Answer: b) In the curb lane of the road.
Reserved bicycle lane.
- Vehicles are not allowed to drive in these lanes, except when needing to turn or enter or exit a parking spot.
- These signs are painted in the curb lane of the road usually. Take extra caution while using them.
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6.
What does a broken white line typically indicate?
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Answer: d) Traffic moving in same directions. Passing is permitted when safe.
Broken white line.
- Switching lanes or changing lanes to pass the vehicle in front is permitted.
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7. How far should one look ahead?
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Answer: d) 12 to 15 seconds.
Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead - about one block in the city or a quarter of a mile at highway speeds, including the sides of the road.
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8. How far in advance should you signal before making a turn?
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Answer: b) 3 to 4 seconds.
To complete a turn safely, signal 3 to 4 seconds before your turn, position your vehicle in the proper lane, control your speed and complete your turn in the proper lane.
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9. The most important thing to remember about speed management and curves is to:
Show answer
Answer: d) Slow down before you enter the curve.
Keep slightly to the right of the lane center on right curves and in the middle of your lane on left curves.
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10. Why is it important for physicians to report diagnosed conditions affecting driving?
Show answer
Answer: d) To ensure road safety.
Health factors: Medical conditions.
- Various diseases and medical conditions, even little problems like a stiff neck or sore knee, can have a serious impact on your ability to control your vehicle effectively.
- The most dangerous health problems include seizure disorders that cause loss of consciousness, diabetes and heart conditions.
- In Pennsylvania, physicians must report to PennDOT individuals whom they have diagnosed as having a condition that could impair their ability to drive safely.
PA Permit Test: common questions
How many questions are on the PA Permit Test?
The Pennsylvania DOT Knowledge Test has 18 questions.
How many questions can you miss on the PA Permit Test?
You need 15 of 18 correct (83%), so you can miss up to 3 questions.
How much does the PA Permit Test cost?
The Pennsylvania test fee is $43.50. Fees change, so confirm the amount with the licensing office before you go.
How long does the PA Permit Test take?
Approx. 20 minutes.
What should I study for the PA Permit Test?
Study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual; the test questions are based on it. Then check yourself with a practice test: FlashPath's free Pennsylvania Practice Test 1 has 18 questions with answers and explanations.
Is the FlashPath Pennsylvania practice test free?
Yes. Practice Test 1 (18 questions) is free on this site and in the app, with no sign-up. The app has 162 more Pennsylvania practice questions across Practice Tests 2 to 10; full access is a subscription.
What is the FlashPath Pass Guarantee?
If you have a paid FlashPath subscription and don't pass the PA Permit Test, your next month is free. Email us within 30 days of the test with your store order ID and your result.
Guarantee terms: FlashPath Pass Guarantee.
Pennsylvania guides
Study for the test
Get your licence
- The Essential Pennsylvania REAL ID Checklist: What to Bring to PennDOT
- New to Pennsylvania? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License
- From Permit to License: Your 2026 Step-by-Step Guide to Driving in Pennsylvania
- Renewing Your Pennsylvania Driver's License in 2026: Online, Mail, and In-Person
- Booking Your Pennsylvania Driving Test: A 2026 Guide to Scheduling Your Appointment
Road test and rules
- 10 Common Mistakes That Will Automatically Fail Your Pennsylvania Driving Test
- The Ultimate Pennsylvania Road Test Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Surprised
- Pennsylvania's Teen Driving Laws: A 2026 Guide for Parents and Junior Drivers
- The Pennsylvania Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean
The FlashPath app
FlashPath (on the App Store as "DMV Permit Written Test 2026") is an iPhone and Android app for the Pennsylvania DOT Knowledge Test, rated 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings, with 180 Pennsylvania questions across 10 practice tests, an explanation for every answer, missed-question review, an exam simulator and a Pass Guarantee (another month free if you don't pass).
Free download · ★ 4.9 from 65 App Store ratings
Pass Guarantee Don't pass? Your next month is free.