Free Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test 2026
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) knowledge test is 18 questions. These sample questions come from the same bank we use for full practice tests, and each one is drawn from the official Pennsylvania driver handbook. Every answer below explains why it is right — and why the tempting wrong answer is wrong, which is usually where the score is actually lost.
15 correct to pass.
Exam format checked against Pennsylvania PennDOT on 2026-07-27.
152 practice questions available for Pennsylvania.
5 sample questions with answers
Signs & Signals
1. What does "Traffic Lights (See Signals)" in the handbook index tell you?
- Traffic light information is found in the Signals section
- Traffic lights and signals are two different topics
- You should see both the Traffic Lights and Signals sections
Correct answer: Traffic light information is found in the Signals section
Why: The handbook uses cross-references to direct readers to the main section where information is located. "Traffic Lights (See Signals)" means traffic light information is found in the Signals section.
Right-of-Way Rules
2. Where do teenage drivers have a high percentage of their crashes according to the handbook?
- At intersections
- On highway entrance ramps
- In parking lots
Correct answer: At intersections
Why: The handbook specifically states that intersections are places where teenage drivers have a high percentage of their crashes, with over one-third involving pulling out from stop signs or turning left across traffic.
Alcohol & Drugs
3. In Pennsylvania, what is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under age 21?
- .02 percent
- .08 percent
- .04 percent
Correct answer: .02 percent
Why: Pennsylvania has zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21, meaning any BAC of .02 percent or more is considered DUI for underage drivers.
Speed & Following Distance
4. What is the number one reason 16 and 17-year-old drivers are involved in crashes?
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Tailgating
- Distractions
Correct answer: Driving too fast for conditions
Why: The handbook explicitly states that 'Driving too fast for conditions' is the No. 1 reason 16 and 17-year-old drivers are involved in crashes.
Parking Rules
5. Before leaving your parked vehicle, what should you do to secure it?
- Turn off the engine, remove the key, and lock all doors
- Turn off the engine and lock the doors, but leave the key in the ignition
- Turn off the engine and remove the key, but only lock the driver's door
Correct answer: Turn off the engine, remove the key, and lock all doors
Why: The handbook specifically states you must turn off the engine, remove the key, and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle. This is a required safety procedure.
What's on the Pennsylvania knowledge test
The Pennsylvania test draws on 12 subject areas. Our question bank covers all of them with 152 active questions written from the official handbook, so practice matches the range of what you can be asked rather than a narrow slice of it.
- Signs & Signals
- Regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Traffic signal phases and meaning.
- Right-of-Way Rules
- Who goes first at intersections, ramps, crosswalks, emergency vehicles.
- Alcohol & Drugs
- BAC limits, implied consent, zero tolerance, prescription drugs.
- Speed & Following Distance
- Posted limits, basic-speed law, following distance, stopping distance.
- Parking Rules
- Curb colors, hill parking, restricted zones, towing.
- Sharing the Road
- Bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians, large trucks, school buses.
- License & Registration
- License classes, age requirements, registration, insurance.
- Emergencies & Collisions
- Brake failure, skids, what to do at a collision, reporting.
- Lane Usage
- Passing, lane changes, HOV/carpool, turn lanes, two-way left turn.
- Signaling & Turning
- Hand signals, turn signals, U-turns, three-point turns.
- Hazards & Defensive Driving
- Distractions, fatigue, road rage, blind spots, scanning.
- Special Conditions
- Night, fog, rain, snow, construction zones, school zones.
DLStudy is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Questions are written from the official handbook, not copied from the real exam.