Updated for 2026

Pennsylvania PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$35.50 (Learner's Permit & 4-Year License Fee)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

The absolute #1 reason for failure in Pennsylvania is the Parallel Parking maneuver. It is the very first part of the road test; hitting a cone, mounting the curb, or taking more than 3 adjustments results in an immediate fail, and you will not be allowed to proceed to the on-road driving portion.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Pennsylvania traffic laws are enforced under Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, with several regulations that are distinct to the state. One of the most critical and heavily enforced laws is the 'Headlight/Windshield Wiper Law' (Section 4302). Pennsylvania law mandates that if your windshield wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or mist), your headlights MUST be turned on. Daytime running lights are not sufficient; the actual low-beam headlights must be illuminated. Failure to do so is a primary offense. Another vital safety statute is the newly expanded 'Move Over Law' (formerly known as the Steer Clear Law). Drivers approaching an emergency response area—defined as any place where an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or utility vehicle is stopped with flashing lights—must move into a lane not adjacent to the response area. If drivers cannot safely merge into a farther lane due to traffic or road configuration, they must slow down to a speed of at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. For teen drivers, Pennsylvania's 'Young Driver Law' imposes a strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) process. A Junior Learner's Permit holder must be supervised by a licensed adult (21+) and must log 65 hours of driving practice (including 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather) before taking the road test. Once a Junior Driver's License is obtained, strict restrictions apply: the teen cannot drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless for work or volunteer firefighter duties (with documentation). Passenger restrictions are also rigorous: for the first 6 months, a junior driver may not carry more than one passenger under age 18 who is not an immediate family member. After 6 months, if the record is clean, up to three passengers under 18 are allowed. However, if a crash or violation occurs, the restriction reverts to one passenger. Finally, Pennsylvania enforces a 'Zero Tolerance' law for drivers under 21, where any BAC of 0.02% or higher results in serious penalties, including license suspension.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Pennsylvania involves navigating diverse terrain, from the urban grid of Philadelphia to the mountainous curves of the Alleghenies. The state's road test is famous for its structure: you must pass the Parallel Parking test BEFORE you are even allowed to drive on the road. The parking space is typically 24 feet long and 8 feet wide. You are allowed only one attempt to park the vehicle, but within that attempt, you can make up to three maneuvering adjustments (forward and backward moves). If you hit a cone, jump the curb, or fail to park within the three-adjustment limit, the test is over immediately. This causes extreme anxiety for many applicants. Another unique administrative fact is the 'Physical Exam' requirement. Unlike most states where you just pass an eye exam at the DMV, Pennsylvania requires you to visit a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner to get a physical examination (Form DL-180) to prove you are medically fit to drive *before* you can even apply for a permit. Regarding the written test, it is one of the shortest in the nation, consisting of only 18 questions. However, the passing threshold is high; you must answer 15 correctly (83%). The questions are randomly pooled but often focus heavily on signs, signals, and specific pavement markings. Pennsylvania is also known for its high population of white-tailed deer, leading to thousands of collisions annually, especially in November. The manual advises that if a collision with a deer is unavoidable, do not swerve, as swerving into oncoming traffic or trees is far deadlier. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a mandatory vehicle safety inspection program; every vehicle must be inspected annually by a certified mechanic, which includes checking tires, brakes, lights, and chassis. Failure to display a valid inspection sticker is a primary reason for traffic stops. Finally, be aware of the 'Turnpike' culture; the PA Turnpike is one of the oldest toll roads in America, and knowing how to navigate E-ZPass lanes versus 'Toll By Plate' is essential for highway driving.