Pennsylvania Permit Test Practice
Pennsylvania's learner's permit test is one of the shortest in the country: just 18 multiple-choice questions at a PennDOT Driver License Center, and you need 15 right (about 83%) to pass. With so few questions, every miss counts, so it's worth practicing until the rules feel automatic.
Pennsylvania also asks for something most states don't: a physical exam. Before you apply, a health care provider fills out the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) to certify you're fit to drive. You can apply at 16, and drivers under 18 must hold the permit six months and log 65 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather, before the road test. Practicing free on DMV Permit Prep helps you master PennDOT's questions on signs, following distance and Pennsylvania's strict under-21 alcohol rules.
- Questions
- 18
- To pass
- 15 correct · 83%
- Permit age
- 16
- Practice
- 65 hours, 10 at night and 5 in bad weather
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Pennsylvania permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. If you fail the Pennsylvania knowledge test, you may retake it:
2. Before a junior license road test, a Pennsylvania permit holder under 18 must complete at least how many hours of supervised driving?
3. A yellow sign showing a car with wavy skid marks warns that:
4. Before turning right at an intersection, check for:
5. Using your headlights during the day:
How to get your learner's permit in Pennsylvania
- 1Have a health care provider complete the physical exam section of the DL-180 learner's permit application.
- 2A parent or guardian signs the DL-180 if you're under 18.
- 3Gather proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of Pennsylvania residency.
- 4Visit a PennDOT Driver License Center, pay the fee and pass the vision screening.
- 5Pass the 18-question knowledge test to receive your learner's permit.
- 6Log 65 supervised hours (10 night, 5 bad weather) and hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test.
Junior license holders under 18 can't drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and are limited on passengers under 18 who aren't family. Permit holding period: 6 months (under 18).
The Pennsylvania knowledge test
Taken in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center on a computer, with a vision screening; if you fail you can retest the next business day.
Study tips for Pennsylvania
- With only 18 questions, you can miss just 3, so aim to score near-perfect on practice tests before you go.
- Know Pennsylvania's under-21 zero tolerance rule (0.02 BAC) and the penalties for underage drinking and driving.
- Bring the completed DL-180 with the physical exam filled out; without it, you can't test that day.
CDL in Pennsylvania
PennDOT issues a commercial learner's permit after you pass the CDL general knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests at a Driver License Center, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Motorcycle in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania issues a motorcycle learner's permit after a motorcycle knowledge test, and riders can take free training through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. Riders under 18 must complete the program's course, and passing it can earn you the license without a PennDOT skills test.
Pennsylvania permit test FAQ
How many questions are on the PA permit test?
The Pennsylvania learner's permit test has 18 multiple-choice questions, and you need 15 correct to pass.
Do you need a physical to get a permit in Pennsylvania?
Yes. A health care provider must complete the physical exam portion of the DL-180 learner's permit application before you apply.
How many hours do you need to drive with a permit in PA?
Drivers under 18 need 65 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather, before the road test.
What if I fail the Pennsylvania permit test?
You can retake the knowledge test as soon as the next business day. Review the questions you missed in the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual first.
Official information: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
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