When preparing for your permit test, it’s very useful to know what exact questions will be asked. The written exam is a vital part of your educational journey, preparing you for the road with all the relevant knowledge about laws, signs, and rules, as well as crucial information on learning to drive. In this article, you’ll discover:
- Key driving test topics that frequently appear in the PA permit exam.
- Sample questions and answers to guide your preparation.
- Proven tips to help you succeed on both the written and practical tests.
- What to bring on test day to ensure you’re ready.
Driving Test Questions You Need to Know to Pass in PA
The permit test includes questions about signs and lane markings, important laws, and rules of the road. The rules of the road questions account for around two-thirds of the test. Below, we have compiled some of the most common driving test questions and their answers.
BEFORE TURNING, YOU SHOULD:
A. Use your signal
B. Turn the wheel
C. Increase your speed
D. Change lanes
The correct answer is A (use your signal). This is one of the most common and most important rules of the road, which prevents everything from tiny bumps to full-scale pile-ups.
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON A GREEN LIGHT, YOU MUST:
A. Maintain normal driving speed
B. Stop and look for oncoming traffic
C. Yield to pedestrians
D. Increase your normal driving speed
The correct answer is C – yield to pedestrians. This might seem tricky because answer B (stop and look for oncoming traffic) also sounds correct. If you want to turn but there is oncoming traffic driving through their green light, you must wait or yield within the intersection, not stop completely. The word stop makes answer B incorrect. If you were to stop completely, you may cause a crash because cars are coming behind you, following the green light. Another thing to note is that pedestrians always have the first right of way.
This question is very important to know, understand, and memorize, as failure to do so could result in harm to others.
A FLASHING RED LIGHT AT A RAILROAD CROSSING MEANS:
A. Stop, do not proceed until signals are completed
B. Slow down and proceed if clear
C. Proceed with caution
D. You have the right-of-way
The correct answer is A (Stop, do not proceed until signals are completed). A red flashing light at a railroad means that a train is on its way. Even if you look and don’t see anything, the train may be advancing very fast or from around a corner.
The answer to this question is essential knowledge – proceeding could cause a major accident involving many people and yourself. It is also important to know that in Pennsylvania, failure to stop at a road crossing is a cause for license suspension.
Expert Tips to Ace Your PA Driving Test
To pass your permit or driving test with confidence, consider these additional preparation tips:
- Prepare Your Documentation: Make sure you have your learner’s permit, proof of car insurance, and vehicle registration.
- Study the PennDOT Driver’s Manual: This is your ultimate guide for all the rules and regulations.
- Practice with Online Tools: Use the official PennDOT app or other online practice tests.
Must-Have Items for Your PA Driving Test Day
Before we get into too much detail, your first point of call in making sure you’re prepared is gathering the correct documents and fees. Failure to bring these will mean you are unable to take the test at all. Take a look at our short article on what to bring to your learner’s permit test for all the relevant information.
Understanding the PA Permit Test Format
The test is in multiple-choice format and includes the following. We have included links to example test questions for each of these sections, taken directly from the PennDOT website. The answers can be found at the end of each document.
How Much of the Permit Test Guide Do I Really Need to Know?
PennDOT chooses 18 questions on the permit test in PA at random out of the 300 they have in their database. Remember, about two-thirds of the test contains questions on the rules of the road. Keep in mind that just because it’s relatively short and presented in multiple-choice, doesn’t mean it will be easy! It’s vital that you study and know the 300 rules as any of them could be in the PA driving test – be prepared for anything and you’ll ace the exam.
Make sure to take a look at our comprehensive guide to preparing for your permit test, too.
Key Takeaways
- Familiarity with key driving test questions increases confidence and likelihood of passing.
- Understanding PA-specific rules, such as yielding to pedestrians and interpreting traffic signals, is crucial.
- Preparation extends beyond studying questions—having proper documentation and practicing on the road is equally vital.
Let Driven2Drive Help You Prepare
We offer one-hour individual and group permit prep classes, as well as a full driver’s ed theory course that utilizes the latest educational technology and presents you with a certificate upon completion. Book your class and soon you’ll be driving away.
Resources
- PA Driver’s Practice Test – Google Play
- PA Driver’s Practice Test – Apple Store
- PA Driver’s Manual – Test Your Knowledge
- PA 3rd-Party Driving Test Center
FAQs
What documents do I need to bring to my PA driving test?
You need a valid learner’s permit, proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, and a parent/guardian form if under 18.
How many questions are on the PA permit test?
The PA permit test includes 18 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass.
What topics are covered in the PA permit test?
The test covers road signs, traffic laws, pavement markings, and safe driving practices.
Can I retake the PA permit test if I fail?
Yes, you can retake the test the next business day after paying a retesting fee.
How can I prepare for the PA driving test?
Study the PennDOT Driver’s Manual, take practice tests, and consider professional prep classes like those offered by Driven2Drive.
Driven2Drive is a premier driving school and the leader in Driver’s Education. From our dedicated team of instructors to our innovative state-of-the-art Driving & License Testing Centers, we are committed to instilling safe driving habits for life in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
