Most Tested Road Rules on the PA Permit Test

Right-of-way rules are everywhere on the PA permit test, and they’re also where people lose easy points because they answer based on what drivers usually do, not what the law says. In Philly that might mean tight intersections with blocked sight lines. In Pittsburgh it might mean a short merge lane right after a curve. Stay calm.

At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to stop should be the first to go. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. And if you’re turning left, you yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. Always.

School bus questions are a big deal in Pennsylvania. Period. If the bus has red lights flashing and the stop arm out, you stop—even if you’re “just going around” and even if you’re late. The common exception is when you’re on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier or median. Read slowly.

Lane rules also come up constantly, especially for highway situations like I‑76 near Philly or I‑376 around Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania’s “keep right except to pass” rule matters more than people think, and yes, sitting in the left lane can be a problem depending on traffic flow and signage. PennDOT also promotes zipper merging at lane drops: use both lanes to the merge point, then alternate. It feels rude. It isn’t.

A few high-frequency rules worth drilling until they’re automatic:

• At a 4-way stop, go in order of arrival; tie goes to the driver on the right.
• When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
• At a red light, right turn is usually allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
  This one trips people up.

You’ll also see bicycle and emergency-vehicle laws in “what should you do?” form. Pennsylvania requires at least 4 feet when passing a bicyclist, and you may cross the centerline briefly if it’s safe and you slow to a prudent speed. That “may” is doing a lot of work.

Then there’s the Move Over law. If you’re approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights (police, tow, emergency, or certain service vehicles), you must move to a non-adjacent lane if you can do it safely. If you can’t move over safely, you must slow down—Pennsylvania specifically pushes the “at least 20 mph below the posted limit” idea for the test.

• Move over a lane when safe for flashing lights on the shoulder.
• If you can’t move over, slow by at least 20 mph below the limit.
• Don’t wait until you’re beside the vehicle to decide.
  This one trips people up.

“Christine’s Law” is another frequent PennDOT favorite: drivers are required to make reasonable efforts to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. Even if nothing flies off. It’s about the risk, not just the result.

Work zones show up too, especially on limited-access highways like the Turnpike. Pennsylvania uses automated work-zone speed enforcement in active work zones. The detail many people miss: the first violation can be a warning, then fines after that, typically without points. No shame if that’s new to you.

How Many Questions Are on the PA Knowledge Test?

The Pennsylvania knowledge test is simple in format and picky in wording. Multiple choice. No essays. You’ll read a question and think, “Easy,” then hit one where you’re stuck between two choices. That’s normal.

PennDOT’s standard knowledge test has 18 questions. You need at least 15 correct to pass. Not much room.

Most of the questions come straight from the PennDOT Driver’s Manual, but they’re written like real driving moments: who goes first, what a sign or pavement marking means, what you’re required to do near a school bus, what speed is safe for conditions, and what the law says in work zones. You’ll also see headlight rules—like using headlights in tunnels and using them when your wipers are on in continuous use. People forget that one.

Time pressure makes you misread things like “may” versus “must.” It matters. A “may” answer is optional. A “must” answer is required. That single word can be the whole question.

If you don’t pass, you can retake it, but retest rules and scheduling can change. Check the current PennDOT instructions before you show up so you’re not surprised at the counter. Life happens.

Common PA Driver License Test Mistakes

Most misses on the PA driver’s license test aren’t about being “bad at tests.” They’re about habits, assumptions, and rushing.

Right-of-way confusion is the biggest one, especially at uncontrolled intersections and while turning left. A lot of people assume the bigger road automatically has priority. Not always. Another classic mistake is treating yield like stop. They’re different. Stop means a full stop. Yield means slow down and be ready to stop if needed.

Sign mistakes come next, especially if you’re used to city driving in places like Reading or Scranton where one-way streets and turn restrictions are everywhere. In Pennsylvania, right on red is generally allowed after you come to a complete stop—unless a sign says you can’t. The sign wins. Always.

Speed questions can be sneaky. Students memorize max limits but forget special situations: school zones when posted, work zones, and “too fast for conditions” in fog, rain, or winter weather. Erie drivers know how quickly roads can change.

Three more mistakes that show up in a lot of driver license PA test questions:

• Forgetting the 4-foot passing rule for bicycles (or assuming you can never cross the centerline).
• Picking “slow a little” for Move Over situations instead of “move over or slow by 20 mph.”
• Assuming cash is accepted on the PA Turnpike even though it’s all-electronic tolling.
  This one trips people up.

If you’re practicing for the pa driver's license test, focus on scenarios more than vocabulary. Read each question like you’re actually there at the intersection. And when you review Pennsylvania permit practice items, hunt for the hinge word: unless, only, must, except. Tiny word. Big points.