Pennsylvania PennDOT Permit Practice Test 5: 50 Questions
Practice Test 5 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Pennsylvania driving rules, including icy roads most dangerous, manual transmission downhill, missed roundabout exit and fog speed reduction. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More Pennsylvania Practice Tests
What Practice Test 5 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Icy Roads Most Dangerous
- Manual Transmission Downhill
- Missed Roundabout Exit
- Fog Speed Reduction
- Crossing Guard Compliance
- DON'T WALK Flashing Signal
- Oncoming High Beams at Night
- Deep Puddle After Driving Through
- Angry or Upset Driving
- Aggressive Driver Behind
- Motorcycle Road Sharing
- Following Distance Rule
- Overheat Warning Sign
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You see a NARROW BRIDGE sign ahead in Pennsylvania. What should you do?
Show answer
B. Slow down and stay in your lane, since there is generally no shoulder
Each lane on the bridge or underpass becomes narrower and there generally is no shoulder. Slow down and make sure you stay in your lane.
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If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you should avoid coasting downhill in neutral because:
Show answer
A. You will have less control over speed and braking
Coasting in neutral reduces engine braking and control. Always stay in gear when going downhill.
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If you are traveling in a roundabout and miss your exit, you should:
Show answer
B. Continue around until you reach your exit again
Keep circulating in the roundabout until you can exit safely at the correct location.
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You are driving on a road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. In heavy fog, you should:
Show answer
A. Slow down to a speed that matches visibility
Speed limits are based on ideal conditions. In fog, you must reduce speed so you can stop within what you can see.
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When must you obey instructions from a crossing guard?
Show answer
B. At all times, whether or not you see children
Crossing guards have authority to direct traffic when they are on duty and must be obeyed.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 5, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. When you see a 'Do Not Enter' sign, you should:
Correct answer: Not enter the road or ramp in that direction
Why: A 'Do Not Enter' sign means traffic is not allowed to travel in that direction. Entering could put you head-on with other vehicles.
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Q2. A red and white triangular sign at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Slow down and yield the right-of-way
Why: A yield sign requires you to slow or stop as needed, giving the right-of-way to cross traffic and pedestrians.
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Q3. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind with lights and siren on, you must:
Correct answer: Pull over to the right and stop if possible
Why: You must clear a path for emergency vehicles by moving to the right and stopping when it is safe.
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Q4. At an intersection with a stop sign and no stop line, you must stop:
Correct answer: Before entering the crosswalk or intersection
Why: Stop where you can see traffic without blocking crosswalks or entering the intersection.
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Q5. On a road with a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line, passing is allowed:
Correct answer: On the side with the broken yellow line
Why: Vehicles on the side with the broken line may pass when it is safe. The solid line side may not.
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Q6. When turning right from a two-way street onto another two-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Turn from the right lane into the right lane
Why: Right turns should start and end in the right-hand lane unless signs or markings say otherwise.
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Q7. If a pedestrian is crossing the street at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Yield and allow the pedestrian to cross
Why: Drivers must yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
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Q8. When driving on a narrow two-lane road and a vehicle is approaching in your lane, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down, move as far right as you safely can, and be prepared to stop
Why: Reducing speed and moving right give both drivers more room to avoid a collision.
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Q9. The main purpose of a shared center left-turn lane is to:
Correct answer: Allow vehicles from both directions to make left turns
Why: A shared center left-turn lane is used for left turns by vehicles traveling in either direction.
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Q10. When approaching a stop sign, you should:
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and check in all directions
Why: You are required to make a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.
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Q11. You are driving in the left lane of a multi-lane highway and are being overtaken from behind. You should:
Correct answer: Move to the right lane when it is safe
Why: The left lane is generally for passing. Move right and allow faster traffic to pass when safe.
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Q12. If your vehicle begins to skid because of water on the road, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go
Why: Easing off the gas and steering gently helps your tires regain traction without causing more skidding.
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Q13. A flashing red light at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Stop and proceed when it is safe
Why: A flashing red light is treated like a stop sign. Stop fully and go only when safe.
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Q14. Driving too slowly on a multi-lane highway can be dangerous because:
Correct answer: It can cause traffic to bunch up and increase the risk of a crash
Why: Driving much slower than traffic can cause sudden lane changes and rear-end collisions.
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Q15. When following a vehicle at night, you should:
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights
Why: High beams can blind drivers ahead of you. Use low beams when following another vehicle.
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Q16. You are entering a freeway and see a 'MERGE' sign. This means you should:
Correct answer: Adjust speed and position to blend smoothly with traffic
Why: Use the merge lane to match the speed of freeway traffic and find a safe gap.
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Q17. When planning to turn, you should signal:
Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the turn
Why: Signaling well in advance gives other road users time to react to your movement.
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Q18. If your view at an intersection is blocked by parked vehicles or bushes, you should:
Correct answer: Move forward slowly until you can see clearly
Why: Edging forward slowly lets you see cross traffic without suddenly entering its path.
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Q19. The safest way to make a three-point turn is to:
Correct answer: Use it only where there is good visibility and low traffic
Why: Three-point turns should only be done where you can clearly see in all directions and where traffic is light.
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Q20. You must use your headlights:
Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is poor
Why: Headlights are required at night and when weather or conditions reduce visibility.
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Q21. When you see a sign indicating a winding road ahead, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared for several curves
Why: Curves can hide hazards and require lower speeds for safe control.
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Q22. If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down gradually and gently steer back onto the road
Why: Gradual braking and gentle steering reduce the chance of skidding or losing control.
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Q23. On a multi-lane road, if you miss your exit, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit and then return
Why: You must never back up or weave across lanes at the last second to reach an exit.
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Q24. When driving behind a large truck going uphill, you should:
Correct answer: Be prepared for the truck to move slowly and leave extra space
Why: Trucks may lose speed on hills; extra space gives you room to react.
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Q25. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and lowered gates, you must:
Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop and gates rise
Why: Gates and lights may remain active for another train. Wait until they are fully off and raised.
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Q26. If you are stopped at a red light and a vehicle pulls up closely behind you, you should:
Correct answer: Leave extra space in front of you in case you need to move forward
Why: Leaving a little room ahead can give you options if the driver behind does not stop in time.
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Q27. You must not park:
Correct answer: In a designated handicap space without the proper placard or plate
Why: Handicap spaces are reserved for vehicles with valid disabled placards or license plates.
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Q28. When entering a freeway from the right, which vehicles have the right-of-way?
Correct answer: Vehicles already on the freeway
Why: Freeway traffic has the right-of-way. Merging drivers must adjust to join safely.
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Q29. If your vehicle starts to slide sideways on a wet road, you should:
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want the front to go and avoid hard braking
Why: Steering gently in the direction of the slide helps you regain control without overcorrecting.
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Q30. When approaching a school zone with a flashing light, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down to the posted school speed limit
Why: Flashing signals indicate the school speed limit is active and you must slow down.
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Q31. In heavy rain, your tires can begin to ride on a thin film of water. This is called:
Correct answer: Hydroplaning
Why: Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road and float on water, reducing control.
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Q32. You are driving at night and an oncoming vehicle has its high beams on. You should:
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and keep your low beams on
Why: Looking toward the right edge of the road reduces glare and helps you stay in your lane.
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Q33. Before backing your vehicle out of a driveway, you should:
Correct answer: Check behind your vehicle and use mirrors, then back out slowly
Why: Walk-around checks, mirrors, and slow backing help you avoid hidden hazards.
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Q34. When you drive through a deep puddle, you should:
Correct answer: Test your brakes gently after you are out of the water
Why: Light braking after leaving water helps dry the brakes and ensures they work properly.
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Q35. If another driver is driving aggressively behind you, you should:
Correct answer: Stay calm, avoid eye contact, and do not engage
Why: Avoid escalating the situation. Focus on safely creating space and letting them pass.
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Q36. A sign showing a car with curves behind it on a yellow background warns of:
Correct answer: A slippery road surface when wet
Why: This sign warns that the road may be slippery, especially when wet or icy.
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Q37. If you see a pedestrian starting to cross the street after the 'DON’T WALK' signal begins to flash, you should:
Correct answer: Allow the pedestrian to finish crossing safely
Why: Drivers must allow pedestrians already in the crosswalk to reach the other side safely.
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Q38. When must you obey instructions from a crossing guard?
Correct answer: At all times, whether or not you see children
Why: Crossing guards have authority to direct traffic when they are on duty and must be obeyed.
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Q39. To reduce the risk of being hit from behind, you should:
Correct answer: Signal in advance and brake gradually
Why: Smooth, predictable driving and early signals give drivers behind you time to react.
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Q40. You see a NARROW BRIDGE sign ahead in Pennsylvania. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow down and stay in your lane, since there is generally no shoulder
Why: Each lane on the bridge or underpass becomes narrower and there generally is no shoulder. Slow down and make sure you stay in your lane.
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Q41. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you should avoid coasting downhill in neutral because:
Correct answer: You will have less control over speed and braking
Why: Coasting in neutral reduces engine braking and control. Always stay in gear when going downhill.
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Q42. When driving near motorcycles, you should:
Correct answer: Allow extra following distance and be ready for quick stops
Why: Motorcycles can stop quickly and are harder to see, so they need extra space.
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Q43. If you are driving and feel yourself becoming angry or upset, you should:
Correct answer: Pull over in a safe place to calm down if needed
Why: Emotional driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving. Calm down before continuing.
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Q44. A broken white line on a freeway means:
Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe to do so
Why: Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and allow lane changes.
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Q45. If you are traveling in a roundabout and miss your exit, you should:
Correct answer: Continue around until you reach your exit again
Why: Keep circulating in the roundabout until you can exit safely at the correct location.
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Q46. You are driving on a road with a posted speed limit of 35 mph. In heavy fog, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down to a speed that matches visibility
Why: Speed limits are based on ideal conditions. In fog, you must reduce speed so you can stop within what you can see.
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Q47. A good rule for safe following distance on dry roads is to:
Correct answer: Use at least the four-second rule
Why: Pennsylvania’s driver manual teaches the four-second rule: at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead in good conditions, and more in bad weather.
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Q48. If your vehicle starts to overheat, one sign you may notice is:
Correct answer: Steam or smoke coming from under the hood
Why: Steam or a rising temperature gauge are signs that the engine is overheating and you should pull over safely.
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Q49. When approaching a hill or curve where your view is limited, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and stay centered in your lane
Why: Hills and curves limit visibility. Slowing down keeps you prepared for stopped traffic, animals, or hazards ahead.
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Q50. When driving through a work zone, you should:
Correct answer: Reduce speed, obey flaggers, and watch for sudden lane shifts
Why: Work zones often have uneven pavement, narrowed lanes, and unexpected stops. Slowing down and obeying flaggers is required by law.