Question 1

What does Pennsylvania law say about texting while driving?

Accepted Answer

It is banned for all drivers, including learners — Pennsylvania bans text-based communication while driving for all drivers, regardless of age or license type.

Question 2

Under Pennsylvania's zero tolerance law, at what BAC can a driver under 21 be charged with DUI?

Accepted Answer

0.02% or higher — Pennsylvania's zero tolerance law sets the BAC threshold for drivers under 21 at 0.02%, far below the 0.08% adult limit.

Question 3

Which passengers does Pennsylvania's seat belt law require to buckle up in any seating position, front or back?

Accepted Answer

All passengers ages 8 through 17 — Pennsylvania law requires passengers ages 8 through 17 to wear a seat belt no matter where they sit; adults in the rear seat are not separately required to buckle up.

Question 4

What does Pennsylvania's Move Over Law require near a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Accepted Answer

Move to a non-adjacent lane, or slow well below the speed limit — Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires drivers to move into a lane not adjacent to a stopped emergency vehicle when possible, or slow down significantly if they cannot change lanes.

Question 5

In general, how close to a fire hydrant is parking prohibited in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Within 15 feet — Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is generally prohibited so firefighters can connect hoses without delay.

Question 6

What is the minimum age to apply for a learner's permit in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

16 — Pennsylvania requires applicants to be at least 16 years old to obtain a learner's permit.

Question 7

Why might a driver need to go slower than the posted speed limit?

Accepted Answer

Rain, fog, or heavy traffic can make the posted speed unsafe — The basic speed law requires driving at a speed that's safe for current conditions, which can be lower than the posted limit in bad weather or heavy traffic.

Question 8

What is typical during the posted hours of a school zone speed limit?

Accepted Answer

The limit is temporarily lowered, often to about 15-20 mph — School zones post a reduced limit that's only in effect during the specific times shown on the sign.

Question 9

Under what condition can a driver typically turn right at a red light?

Accepted Answer

After a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign says not to — A right turn on red is generally allowed after stopping completely and yielding, unless it's specifically prohibited by a posted sign.

Question 10

When turning left onto a road with multiple lanes, which lane should a driver end up in?

Accepted Answer

The lane nearest the center line — A left turn should be completed into the lane closest to the center line of the road being entered, not a farther lane.

Question 11

What does a double solid yellow center line indicate?

Accepted Answer

No passing is allowed in either direction — A double solid yellow line means passing is prohibited for traffic moving in either direction.

Question 12

When is it safe to move back into your lane after passing a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Once you can see their vehicle's front in your rearview mirror — Wait until you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror before returning to your lane, to be sure there's enough space.

Question 13

When must a driver yield to a pedestrian at an intersection?

Accepted Answer

Any time a pedestrian is in the crosswalk — Every intersection has a legal crosswalk whether it's painted or not, and pedestrians in it have the right-of-way.

Question 14

What should a driver do when seeing a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog?

Accepted Answer

Always come to a stop and yield to them — A white cane or guide dog indicates a visually impaired pedestrian, and drivers must always stop and yield.

Question 15

What should a driver avoid doing at a railroad crossing?

Accepted Answer

Stopping on the tracks if traffic ahead is blocked — Never stop on the tracks — wait before the crossing if traffic ahead hasn't cleared enough room.

Question 16

What's the correct response to a lowered railroad crossing gate?

Accepted Answer

Wait for the gate to rise before proceeding — Never drive around a lowered gate — always wait until it rises, even if no train appears to be coming.

Question 17

Who has the right-of-way when entering a roundabout?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles already circulating in the roundabout — Traffic already inside a roundabout has the right-of-way; entering drivers must yield for a safe gap.

Question 18

What commonly happens to traffic fines in an active work zone?

Accepted Answer

They are often doubled — Fines for violations in a posted, active work zone are commonly doubled to protect workers.

Question 19

Besides after dark, when else should headlights be used?

Accepted Answer

Any time visibility is reduced, such as in rain or fog — Headlights should be used any time visibility drops, including daytime rain, fog, or snow.

Question 20

What must a driver typically carry to legally operate a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Proof of financial responsibility (insurance) — Drivers are generally required to maintain proof of financial responsibility, most often in the form of liability insurance.

Question 21

What documents should a driver be ready to present at a traffic stop?

Accepted Answer

License and insurance proof — Drivers should be able to show their license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance whenever stopped.

Question 22

How are bicycles generally treated under traffic law?

Accepted Answer

As vehicles with equal rights and duties — Bicycles are generally treated as vehicles, meaning cyclists share the same road rights and same duty to follow traffic laws.

Question 23

How much space should a driver leave when passing a cyclist?

Accepted Answer

At least 4 feet — Pennsylvania law requires drivers to leave at least 4 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist, and permits crossing the centerline to do so safely.

Question 24

What's a useful way to judge a truck's blind spots?

Accepted Answer

If you can't see the driver in their mirror, they can't see you — A simple rule: if you can't see the truck driver's mirror, they likely can't see your vehicle either.

Question 25

Why shouldn't drivers pull into the gap beside a turning truck or bus?

Accepted Answer

Large vehicles often swing wide and may not see a car there — Trucks and buses often swing wide in the opposite direction before turning, making the gap beside them dangerous to enter.

Question 26

What's the first thing a driver should do after a crash?

Accepted Answer

Check for injuries and call for help if needed — Checking for injuries and calling 911 if needed comes before anything else after a crash.

Question 27

What are drivers required to do after a crash with another vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Exchange name, license, and insurance information — Drivers must stop and exchange name, address, license, and insurance details — leaving without doing so is a hit-and-run.

Question 28

When must headlights generally be turned on?

Accepted Answer

From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise — Headlights are generally required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, plus whenever visibility is reduced.

Question 29

What is the appropriate use of a car horn?

Accepted Answer

Warning others of a safety hazard — A horn should be used only as a safety warning, not for greetings or venting frustration.

Question 30

In the standard hand-signal system, what does a straight-out left arm mean?

Accepted Answer

Left turn — A straight, horizontal left arm signals a left turn, used when turn signals aren't working.

Question 31

What should drivers watch for closely in a school zone?

Accepted Answer

Children crossing and crossing guards — Drivers should watch carefully for children crossing and follow any crossing guard's directions.

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