The knowledge test is a written exam containing 18 multiple-choice questions. The test covers your knowledge of Pennsylvania traffic laws, safe driving practices, traffic signs, and more.

The written test is available in English, Spanish, and 23 other languages. To get a passing score, you must get at least 15 correct answers—if you fail the permit test, you can retake it after 24 hours.

Before taking the knowledge test, you should prepare yourself by taking a few

practice tests

and spending at least a few weeks reading your

driver’s manual

. Sample tests help you familiarize yourself with the exam’s format and question style, while your driver’s manual will teach you about common road signs, driving scenarios, and traffic laws.

When you’re ready to take the exam, use the

PennDOT Locator service

to find a testing center near you. You’ll need to bring the following documents:

A completed

non-commercial learner’s permit application

parent and guardian consent form

if under 18

Your

proof of residency and identity

The appropriate

fee

When you pass the knowledge test, you will receive your learner’s permit, allowing you to practice driving with a licensed driver over 21. Drivers under 18 years of age are encouraged to schedule their driving test for six months after the date they receive a learner’s permit.

Key Takeaway Before you can take your Pennsylvania driving test, you must pass a physical exam and a knowledge test to obtain your learner’s permit—and drivers under 18 must also log 65 hours of practice driving.

The road test includes a pre-test and a driving test

After obtaining a valid learner’s permit, you can

schedule your driver’s test online

or by calling 1-800-423-5542. Alternatively, you can schedule a test with a

third-party testing company

In Pennsylvania, the driving test contains two parts:

Pre-test: Prior to the road test, your instructor will ask you to operate several vehicle accessories, including the horn, lights and turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, brakes, windshield defroster, and more. The instructor will also ask you to demonstrate your ability to parallel park. If you are unable to properly operate any accessories or parallel park, you will fail the test.

Road test: The driving skills test measures your ability to practice safe driving habits and your knowledge of traffic lights, right-of-way, emergency vehicle and motor vehicle regulations, and more. Some errors that may result in failure include crashes, ignoring a stop sign, reckless driving, and ignoring the instructor’s directions.

If you pass the test, you will receive your PA driver’s license.

If you fail the test and are under 18, you must wait seven days before retaking it. If you’re over 18 and fail the test, you can retake the test after one day.

Schedule your driving test at a PennDOT location

To schedule your driving test, you can use the

PennDOT online services

, contact the PennDOT driver license center by phone, or go through a

third-party business

or eligible high school. You’ll need to bring the following documents and items with you on the day of your test:

A valid learner’s permit

The car you plan to take the test with, plus valid

car insurance

, proof of registration, and current license plates

In addition to the above documents, drivers under 18 must bring:

A signed and notarized

parent or guardian certification form (DL-180C)

documenting 65 hours of practice driving

A parent or legal guardian with a valid driver’s license

FAQs

How do I pass my road test in PA?

Drivers in Pennsylvania must pass a two-part driving test to get an official driver’s license. The first part includes an assessment of your ability to operate vehicle controls and parallel park, while the second part is a road test designed to analyze your driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

The best way to pass the test is to log a sufficient number of practice hours and study your driver’s manual regularly.

What should I expect on a PA road test?

We can break Pennsylvania’s road test into two parts: a pre-test and a driving test.

During the pre-test, the instructor will ask you to operate key vehicle accessories—like the lights, horn, and windshield wipers—and parallel park.

The driving test is an on-road assessment of your driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws. You will be asked to navigate intersections, make turns, and drive at various speeds.

Can you use a backup camera on a driving test in PA?

Yes—you can use a backup camera on your Pennsylvania driving test, but you must use it in conjunction with your mirrors. That means you cannot use the backup camera as your primary line of vision, and you must demonstrate an ability to use the mirrors in addition to the camera.

While you can use a backup camera during the test, you cannot use more advanced technology, like self-parking or self-driving features.

What is needed for the PA driving test?

Before you can take the PA driving test, you must:

Be at least 16 years old

Pass a physical examination

Pass the written knowledge test

Obtain a learner’s permit

If under 18, log 65 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving and five hours of bad weather driving

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