🚗Official 2026 Handbook
Pennsylvania Driver's Handbook 2026
Official Driver's Handbook / DMV Manual published by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Available in 9 languages.
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Information taken from NHTSA’s Share the Road Program.
Sharing the Road with Motorcycles and Vehicles
Today’s motorcycle riders are friends, relatives and
neighbors. The motorcyclist has the same rights
and responsibilities on the roadway as drivers of
other vehicles. Motorists should recognize this
and not attempt to crowd motorcycles or take the
right-of-way from motorcyclists.
Approximately 4,000 motorcycle crashes occur on
Pennsylvania roads each year. Half of these
involved a crash between a motorcycle and
another type of vehicle. And almost two-thirds of
these crashes are caused not by the motorcyclist
but by the driver of the other vehicle.
Look out for motorcyclists Be aware that
motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see.
Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other
vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge
the speed and distance of an approaching
motorcycle.
Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver. Road
conditions, which are minor annoyances to vehicle
drivers, pose major hazards to motorcyclists.
Allow more following distance Leave three or
four seconds when following a motorcycle, so the
motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop
in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles
can stop more quickly than a vehicle.
Signal your intentions Before changing lanes or
merging with traffic, signal your intentions allowing
the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a
safe lane position.
Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a
motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not
self canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn
them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going
to turn before you proceed.
Respect a motorcycle A motorcycle is a full-size
vehicle with the same privileges as any vehicle on
the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width.
Although it may seem as though there is enough
room in the traffic lane for a vehicle and a
motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs room
to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
CRASHES ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR
IN THESE HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS:
Left turns
Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes
involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent
were caused by the other vehicle turning left in
front of the motorcyclist.
Vehicle’s blind spot
Remember, motorcyclists are often hidden in a
vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due
to their smaller size. Always make a visual check
for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind
spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic
and at intersections.
Hazardous road conditions
Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their
position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road
and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet
or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad
crossings and grooved pavement.
Weather conditions
When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists’
braking and handling abilities are impaired.
Strong winds
A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle
across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared for
it. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane
can be a real hazard.
Large vehicles
A large vehicle, such as a van or truck, can block
a motorcycle from a driver’s view. The motorcyclist
may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.
Sharing the roadway is a good indication motorists
and motorcycles both recognize the importance of
cooperation. By curbing aggressive behavior and
operating vehicles in accordance with common
sense, courtesy and the law, motorists and
motorcyclists can ride together on the road.
Introduction PA Driver’s Manual
- i -
INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to help you become a safe driver. It presents many of
Pennsylvania’s laws governing driving. It should be used as a general guide to the
laws but not as a substitute for the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which contains the
laws affecting Pennsylvania’s drivers and vehicles. It should also be noted that the
information contained in this manual is subject to change.
The purpose of this manual is to prepare you to take the driver’s examination and to
obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license. However, the rules of the road and traffic
operation principles presented in this manual apply to the three types of vehicles
recognized by Pennsylvania law: bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles and motor vehicles. For
example, all bicyclists, just like motorists, are required to stop at red lights.
If you are learning to drive, this manual will give you all the information you need to
study for the driver’s examination. If you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license,
you can use this manual to review some of the rules of the road you may have
forgotten or to learn about some of the rules that may be new or have changed since
you received your license.
IMPORTANT
Before taking your Knowledge Test, you must complete the
Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180).
If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must complete the
Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD)
Both forms can be found on our website at www.dmv.pa.gov
under the Forms and Publications link at the top of the page
Driving is a privilege and not a right. This privilege comes with many responsibilities.
One very important responsibility is that you never mix drinking and driving.
For the days and hours of operation of a Driver License Center nearest you,
to download the most current forms, publications, and fact sheets or
to access PennDOT’s online services, including scheduling your
On-the-Road Skills Test, visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services
website at www.dmv.pa.gov
Please read this manual carefully, learn and practice
the rules of the road in order to become a safe driver and
enjoy your driving privilege in our beautiful state.
THIS PUBLICATION IS NOT FOR SALE
Table of Contents PA Driver’s Manual
- ii -
Chapter 1 – Non-Commercial
Learner’s Permit Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Applying for a Learner’s Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Organ Donor Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Veterans Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Social Security Number Information . . . . . . . . 3
Pennsylvania Vision Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Who Needs a Pennsylvania Driver’s License . 3
Junior Learner’s Permit Information . . . . . . . . 3
Junior Driver’s License Information. . . . . . . . . 3
What Class of Driver’s License Do You Need. . . 4
Classes of Driver’s Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Knowledge Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Road Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2 – Signals, Signs and
Pavement Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Red, Yellow and Green Traffic Lights
and Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Flashing Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Non-Functioning Traffic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ramp-Metering Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lane Use Control Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pedestrian Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
School Zone Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Railroad Crossing Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Regulatory Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Guide Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pavement Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 2 Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 2 Review Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 3 – Learning to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Choosing Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vehicle Checks: Preparing to Drive . . . . . . . 31
Driver Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Inattention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Health Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Alcohol and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Drugs and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Everyday Driving Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Managing Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Managing Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Turning, Merging and Passing . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Negotiating Intersections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Negotiating Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Negotiating Highways and Interchanges. . . . 52
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Parallel Parking Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Special Circumstances and Emergencies . . . . . . . . 54
Work Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Railroad Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Sharing the Road with Pedestrians,
Bicyclists, Motorcyclists/Moped Drivers . . . . 55
Sharing the Road with Trucks and Buses. . . 56
School Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Emergency Vehicles/Situations . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Move Over Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Horse-Drawn Vehicles & Horseback Riders 59
Passengers in an Open-Bed Truck . . . . . . . . 59
Snow Plows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Dealing with Road Rage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Dealing with Driving Emergencies . . . . . . . . 60
Funeral Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chapter 3 Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 3 Review Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 4 – Driving
Record Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Pennsylvania’s Point System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
What To Do If You Are Stopped By Police . . 80
Crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Fleeing or Eluding Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
or a Controlled Substance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Underage Drinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Driver’s License Compact (DLC) . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 4 Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Chapter 4 Review Answers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Chapter 5 – Laws and Related Issues . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Required Notification for Change in
Name or Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Seat Belt Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Child Restraint Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Safety Tips for Children and Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Air Bag Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . . . . . . . . 91
Parking Areas for Persons with Disabilities . . . . 92
Anti-Littering Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection . . . . . . 92
Safe Passing (bicycles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Texting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Warning
of Hazardous Conditions Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Chapter 6 – References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Road Test and Special Point Examination
Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Non-CDL Third Party Testing Program . . . . . . . . 94
Departmental Forms and Publications . . . . . . . . 94
Statewide and County Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
511PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Information PA Driver’s Manual
- 6 -
If your vehicle passes this inspection, the examiner will test you to see if you can drive safely.
You will fail the Road Test if you drive dangerously, violate the law, cause a crash, do not follow the examiner’s
instructions or make too many driving errors.
The examiner may ask you to do the following prior to taking the Road Test:
• Vehicle Controls: Operate horn, lights (parking lights, high and low beam headlights, turn signals), windshield
wipers, parking (emergency) brake, 4-way flashers (hazard lights), defroster, etc. Failure to properly operate any
of the vehicle controls will result in a failure of the Road Test.
• Parallel Park: Park your vehicle midway between two (2) uprights in a space that is 24 feet long and eight (8)
feet wide. Your entire vehicle must be completely inside the space, and you cannot make contact with any of the
uprights to the rear or front of your vehicle, cross over the painted line, or go up onto or over the curb. You have
one (1) attempt to successfully park your vehicle using no more than three (3) adjustments.
Note: Vehicles equipped with Advanced Parking Guidance Systems (self parking vehicles) can be used for testing;
however, the self parking feature must be turned off and is not permitted to be activated during the Road Test.
The examiner will be your only passenger during the Road Test. When the Road Test begins, you will be told where
to drive and what maneuvers to make. Close attention will be paid to the way you approach and obey warning
signs, stop signs and traffic lights. The examiner will note how you control your vehicle, use turn signals to
communicate with other drivers or use any other vehicle controls that may become necessary during the test.
IF YOU PASS THE ROAD TEST AT A PENNDOT DRIVER'S LICENSE CENTER, you will receive your driver's
license at that time.
YOU WILL FAIL THE ROAD TEST FOR:
(These are some examples of possible reasons for failing the Road Test)
If you are under the age of 18 and fail the Road Test, Pennsylvania law requires you to wait seven (7) days before
you can retake the Road Test. This delay in retaking the test will give you time to practice and to improve your
driving skills. You have three (3) chances with each learner’s permit to pass the Road Test before the expiration
date of the learner’s permit. After the third failure, you must reapply to extend your learner’s permit.
If you do not pass your Road Test after three (3) tries or if your learner’s permit expires, you may obtain an
Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit (DL-31). If you have not
taken or successfully completed the Road Test within three (3) years of your physical examination date, you must
start over with another Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180) and retake the Knowledge Test.
• Inability to operate any vehicle controls
• Violating any traffic laws
(e.g., failing to obey a stop sign)
• Driving dangerously or recklessly
• Making errors in safe driving practices
• Failing to follow instructions given by
the examiner
• Causing a crash
• Not using turn signals
Chapter 2 - Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings PA Driver’s Manual
- 30 -
CHAPTER 2 ANSWER KEY
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. C
6. C
7. C
8. A
9. A
10. B
11. D
12. B
13. C
14. C
15. D
16. A
17. A
18. A
19. A
20. A
21. A
22. B
23. D
24. D
25. D
26. A
27. A
28. C
29. C
30. A
31. A
32. C
33. C
34. D
35. C
36. C
37. A
38. C
39. B
40. A
41. A
42. D
43. B
44. B
45. B
46. A
47. B
48. C
49. D
50. C
51. D
52. C
53. C
54. D
55. C
56. C
57. A
58. A
Chapter 3 - Learning to Drive PA Driver’s Manual
- 78 -
CHAPTER 3 ANSWER KEY
1. C
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. C
9. C
10. A
11. B
12. C
13. B
14. A
15. A
16. A
17. A
18. A
19. A
20. A
21. A
22. C
23. C
24. A
25. D
26. D
27. A
28. D
29. A
30. A
31. C
32. D
33. C
34. A
35. D
36. C
37. C
38. D
39. A
40. D
41. A
42. A
43. C
44. A
45. C
46. B
47. A
48. B
49. C
50. A
51. A
52. A
53. C
54. B
55. B
56. C
57. B
58. C
59. D
60. D
61. A
62. C
63. D
64. D
65. A
66. B
67. B
68. A
69. D
70. D
71. C
72. D
73. A
74. B
75. D
76. A
77. A
78. C
79. D
80. B
81. A
82. D
83. D
84. D
85. A
86. A
87. D
88. A
89. A
90. C
91. B
92. C
93. C
94. A
95. A
96. A
97. A
98. C
99. C
100. A
101. D
102. C
103. D
104. C
105. A
106. C
107. D
108. D
109. C
110. D
Chapter 4 - Driving Record Information PA Driver’s Manual
- 88 -
CHAPTER 4 ANSWER KEY
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. C
10. D
11. D
12. D
13. D
14. B
15. A
16. C
Chapter 5 - Laws and Important Issues PA Driver’s Manual
- 93 -
ANTI-TEXTING LAW
The law went into effect March 8, 2012, and violating the law is a primary, summary offense with convictions
carrying a $50 fine.
What the Law Does
• Defines an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) as a wireless phone, personal digital assistant,
smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices that can be used for texting, instant messaging,
emailing or browsing the Internet.
• Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication
composed or received on an IWCD.
• Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive
wireless devices by drivers.
The law does not authorize the seizure of an IWCD. The texting ban does not include the use of a GPS device,
a system or device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device that
is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus.
OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES WARNING OF HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS LAW
This law, which went into effect on September 6, 2012, makes it illegal to drive around or through signs or traffic
control devices closing a road or highway due to hazardous conditions, like flooded roadways. A conviction for
violation of this law results in 2 points added to your driving record and a fine of up to $250. Additionally, if
emergency responders are called out because of your actions, the fine is increased to up to $500 and you will
be held liable for repaying the emergency response costs.
THE DANGER OF OPEN DOORS TO BICYCLISTS
Open vehicle doors pose a very serious threat to bicyclists. When opening a vehicle door, drivers and
passengers are suggested to do the following:
1. Check your rear-view mirror.
2. Check your side-view mirror.
3. Open the door with your far hand (the hand farther from the door)
This is called the "Dutch Reach" method because it originated in the
Netherlands. It forces your body to turn, which will better allow you to see
approaching bicyclists. It also prevents the vehicle door from being
opened too fast. This not only protects bicyclists, but can also prevent
your door from being damaged or torn off by an approaching motor
vehicle.
Bicyclists should ride at least three feet from parked cars to avoid doors,
both on streets with and without bike lanes. This will keep bicyclists
outside of the "door zone" and protect them from getting hit by opening
vehicle doors.
Chapter 6 - References PA Driver’s Manual
- 95 -
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas which is released out of the exhaust pipe
of the vehicle. You cannot smell carbon monoxide gas. If you become drowsy or nauseous, it could indicate carbon
monoxide poisoning.
SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular breathing
• Confusion of disorientation
• Coughing
• Chest pain
TIPS TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING IN VEHICLES
• Regular inspection and maintenance of your vehicle’s exhaust system and mufflers are essential in preventing
carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle. If you are aware of holes or other deficiencies in your exhaust
system have it checked out by an automotive professional right away.
• Do not warm up your vehicle in the garage with the garage door down or partially down. Open your garage door
completely if your vehicle is running in your garage.
• If your vehicle is keyless and you park it in an attached garage, never forget to turn off the vehicle.
• On snowy days, always inspect your tail pipe and remove any snow or ice that might be obstructing your vehicle’s
tail pipe.
• If you are stuck in traffic or otherwise sitting in an idling vehicle, make sure to partially open a window.
• Consider installing a battery operated carbon monoxide detector in your vehicle and check or replace batteries
when changing the time on clocks in spring and fall each year.
• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle, exit the vehicle immediately, get fresh air, and seek
emergency medical attention right away.
INDEX PA Driver’s Manual
- I–1 -
TOPIC PAGE
Accelerator Sticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Accidents (See Crashes)
Address, Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Air bag Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Alcohol and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Alternative Testing Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). . . . . . . . . 91
Appointments:
Road Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 94
Special Point Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Backing Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Bicyclists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 56, 92, 93
Blind Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Blind Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Brake Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58, 60
Buses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
School Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Changing Lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Child Restraint Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Circular Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Classes of Driver’s Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Communicating Your Intentions to Other Drivers . . 43
Controlled Substance:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 81
Critical Driving Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Crossing Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Curves, Negotiating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Customer Call Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Deaf/Hearing Impaired, Interpreters for the. . . . . 91
Driver Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Alcohol and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Diseases and Medical Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Driving Distractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Drugs and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Health Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Inattention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Lack of Sleep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Driver’s License Compact (DLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Driver’s License/Learner Permit:
Classes of Driver’s Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Junior Driver’s License Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Junior Learner’s Permit Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TOPIC PAGE
What Class Do You Need? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Driver’s License/Learner Permit:
Who Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Driving at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Driving Emergencies, Dealing With:
Accelerator Sticks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Brake Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Brake Suddenly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Drifting Off Pavement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Flooded Roadways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Horn, Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Signals, Using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Slippery Surfaces - Road Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . 40
Snow and Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Tire Blowout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Vehicle Approaching Head On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Wet Pavements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Driving Record Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) . . . . . . . . 33, 34, 81
Drugs and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 81
Emissions, Vehicle Safety Inspection . . . . . . . . . 92
Emergency Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Fleeing or Eluding Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Flooded Roadways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Fog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Foreign License Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Forms and Publications, Departmental . . . . . . . . 94
“Four-Second Rule,” The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Funeral Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Guide Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 40
Headlight/Windshield Wiper Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Head Restraints, Adjust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Health Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Highways and Interchanges, Negotiating:
Entering Highways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Exiting Highways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Traveling on Highways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Horn, Using Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Horse-Drawn Vehicle and Horse Back Riders. . . 59
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Inattention (How it Can Affect Your Driving) . . . . 32
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Inspection, Vehicle Safety and Emissions . . . . . 92
INDEX PA Driver’s Manual
- I–2 -
TOPIC PAGE
Insurance, Driving Without . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Interpreters for the Deaf/Hearing Impaired . . . . . 91
Intersections:
Approaching Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Jughandles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Negotiating, Who Must Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Roundabouts and Traffic Circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Signs & Pavement Markings for Lane Assignment 48
Traffic Signals & Stop Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Traveling Across. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Turning Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 48, 49
Turning Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45, 46, 48
Interstate Route Numbering System . . . . . . . . . . 20
Junior Driver’s License Information. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Junior Learner’s Permit Information . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Keeping Your Vehicle Where It Can Be Seen . . . 37
Laws:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . . . . . . . . . . 91
Anti-Littering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Safety Tips for Children and Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Driver’s License Compact (DLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
or a Controlled Substance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Headlight/Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Implied Consent (Chemical Testing for
Alcohol or Drugs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Insurance, Driving Without. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Name or Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Warning
of Hazardous Conditions Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Passengers in an Open-Bed Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Required Notification for Change in Name or Address . . 89
Parking Areas for Persons with Disabilities . . . . . . 92
Seat Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Snow/Ice Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Move Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Texting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Underage Drinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Zero Tolerance (Under 21 DUI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Learner’s Permit:
Applying for a Learner’s Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Junior Learner’s Permit Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Junior Driver’s License Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Learning to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
TOPIC PAGE
Looking:
Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
To the Sides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Managing Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Managing Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Maps, Statewide and County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Merging With Traffic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Military Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Motorcycles/Mopeds, Sharing the Road . . . . . . . 55
Name, Change in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Negotiating at Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Night, Driving at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund . . . . . . . . 2
Organ Donor Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Areas for Persons with Disabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Parallel Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 52, 53
Passing:
In General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46, 47
May Not. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
On a Two-Lane Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
On the Right. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Pavement:
Drifting Off The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Point Removal for Safe Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Point System, Pennsylvania’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Police, What to Do if Stopped By . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Railroad Crossbuck Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Railroad Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Railroad Crossing Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Regulatory Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Road, Conditions:
Flooded Roadways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Slippery Roads/Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 41
Snow and Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Wet Pavements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Road Rage, Dealing With. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Roundabouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
School Buses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
INDEX PA Driver’s Manual
- I–3 -
TOPIC PAGE
Seat, Adjust the Driver’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Seat Belt, Fasten Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Signaling:
Using Emergency Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
When Changing Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
When Slowing Down or Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Signals (Traffic):
Flashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lane Use Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lights and Arrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Non-Functioning Traffic Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Railroad Crossing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Ramp Metering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
School Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Signs:
Guide Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Exit Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Highway/Expressway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Interstate Route Numbering System . . . . . . . . . 20
Mile Markers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Route Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Tourist-Oriented Directional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Regulatory Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Channeling Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Electronic Arrow Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Warning
of Hazardous Conditions Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Objects Adjacent to the Roadway . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Work Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Skidding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Slippery Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 41
Slow-Moving Traffic, Reactions to . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Snow-Ice Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Snow Plows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Snow Squall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Social Security Number Information . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Space Cushion:
Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Behind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
“Four-Second Rule,” The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
To the Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Speed:
Managing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Posted Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Move Over Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
TOPIC PAGE
Suspensions and Revocations
of Driving Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Tests:
Alternative Testing Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
If You Fail the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
If You Pass the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Tires:
Blowout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 63
Traffic:
Circles, Roundabouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Handling Traffic Conditions One at a Time 40, 41, 42
Slow Moving Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Traffic Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Traffic Lights (See Signals)
Trucks:
Backing Crashes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Escape Ramps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Following a Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Oversized Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Passing a Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Truck Passing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Turning, Merging, and Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Crossing Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Left and Right Turns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Merging with Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Turning From or Into a Center Turn Lane . . . . . . . 45
Turning Right at a Red Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
U-Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Underage Drinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Vehicle Checks, Preparing to Drive.. . . . . . . . . . . 31
Veterans Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Visibility Conditions:
Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 33
Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wet Pavements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 41
Winter Roads, Slick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Work Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 54
Channeling Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Work Zone Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Zero Tolerance Law (Under 21 DUI) . . . . . . . . . . . 84
They’ll
Never Forget
The Thompsons’
Party.
Neither will the Thompsons.
Because the law says any
adult who gives or sells beer,
wine, wine coolers or liquor
to a person under 21 faces
up to a year in jail, a
minimum fine of $1,000 for
the first kid served and
$2,500 for each additional
minor.
Giving your own son or
daughter a drink is illegal,
too. Before you make a
mistake, call or write for
our free brochure, “The
Responsible Parent,” and
read it.
A downloadable PDF is also
available online at:
http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/
webapp/Education/Materials/
Materials_Order_form.asp
We guarantee it’s something
you’ll remember for a long,
long time. Pennsylvania Liquor
Control Board
Northwest Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17124
Pennsylvania Chapter
American Academy of
Pediatrics
Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation
T h e H e
IMPORTANT WORDS IMPORTANT WORDS
TO REMEMBER TO REMEMBER
SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT ORGAN
AND TISSUE DONATION
• One organ and tissue donor can save up to 8
lives and help more than 75 people.
• Anyone, regardless of age or medical history,
can sign up to be a donor.
• All major religions in the United States support
organ and tissue donation and consider
donation as a final act of love and generosity
toward others.
• There is no cost to donors or their families for
organ or tissue donation.
- For more information visit donatelifepa.org
TO GET AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR CARD,
CALL:
In Eastern Pennsylvania:
Gift of Life Donor Program . . . . . 1-888-DONORS-1
In Western Pennsylvania:
Center for Organ Recovery
& Education (CORE). . . . . . . . . 1-800-DONORS-7
For additional organ and tissue resource
information, call:
PA Department of Health. . . . . . 1-877-PAHEALTH
WHEN YOU GET YOUR LICENSE, REMEMBER THESE IMPORTANT WORDS
They’re important words to thousands who await life-saving organ and tissue transplants. Words that could help
others regain sight through cornea transplants, heal from burns more quickly with donated skin, or walk without
pain with transplanted bone.
Individuals who choose to save a life by saying "yes" to organ and tissue donation should place the donor
designation on the license and sign a donor card. The wish to donate also should be shared with family and
friends so that they are aware of the important decision that has been made to help others.
ORGAN DONOR
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania DMV written test?
The Pennsylvania (PA) DMV written knowledge test typically consists of 20–50 multiple-choice questions. The exact number varies — check the official Pennsylvania DMV website for the current format.
What topics are covered in the Pennsylvania driver's handbook?
The Pennsylvania driver's handbook covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and signals, safe driving practices, right-of-way rules, speed limits, DUI/DWI laws, and vehicle operation requirements specific to Pennsylvania.
Is the Pennsylvania driver's handbook available in Spanish?
Many states provide their driver's handbook in multiple languages. Download links for all available languages — including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and more — are listed above on this page.
How do I pass the Pennsylvania DMV written test?
Study the official Pennsylvania driver's handbook thoroughly, then take free practice tests at DMVSOS.com to reinforce what you've learned. Most test-takers who study the full handbook and complete several practice tests pass on their first attempt.