Pennsylvania Safe Driving practice test
Practice following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road, with questions based on the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95).
Sample Safe Driving questions
A 16-year-old rides in your back seat in Pennsylvania. Must the passenger buckle up?
Yes, anyone 8 to 17 must, in any seat No, the law covers only children under 8 No, back seat riders are always exempt Only if the driver is under the age of 18 Show the answer
Yes, anyone 8 to 17 must, in any seat
Riders from 8 up to 18 must wear a seat belt in any seat, and the driver is responsible for that.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 5, Laws and Related Issues: Child Restraint Law
Your right wheels have dropped off the pavement. What speed should you slow to before steering back?
About 55 mph, to match traffic About 45 mph, as long as it is safe A complete stop on the shoulder Less than 25 mph, closer to 10 Show the answer
Less than 25 mph, closer to 10
Slow gradually until you are in control, check for traffic behind, signal left, then ease back on gently.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Special Circumstances and Emergencies: If Your Vehicle Drifts Off of the Pavement Onto the Shoulder
On which side is it safe to pass a working snow plow, according to Pennsylvania's manual?
Either side, if you pass quickly The right side, along the shoulder Neither side; you should not pass one The left side, at any time Show the answer
Neither side; you should not pass one
Wing plows can stick out several feet on either side and are hard to see, so follow at a safe distance.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Special Circumstances and Emergencies: Snow Plows
Pennsylvania requires headlights once you can't see people or vehicles on the highway for what distance ahead?
1,000 feet 100 feet 5,000 feet 250 feet Show the answer
1,000 feet
Headlights are required if you can't see people or vehicles on the highway for 1,000 feet ahead.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Managing Speed: Driving at Night
You feel drowsy and nauseous sitting in your idling car. What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide?
Turn the heater up to maximum Close all of the windows Drive on with the radio up Exit the car and get fresh air Show the answer
Exit the car and get fresh air
Leave the vehicle right away, get fresh air and seek emergency medical attention.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 6, References: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
May you drive in Pennsylvania with a parking placard hanging from your rearview mirror?
Yes, if it is a small placard Yes, on any short local trip Yes, if you have a permit No, only while the vehicle is parked Show the answer
No, only while the vehicle is parked
Tags, permits and placards may be attached to the rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Choosing Safety First: Vehicle Checks: Preparing to Drive
You drive through a posted Pennsylvania work zone on a sunny day. What does the law require of your headlights?
They must be on They must be on high They may be off They must flash Show the answer
They must be on
This applies to all posted work zones, not just active ones, and a violation can add a $25 fine to a traffic stop there.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 2, Signs: Work Zone Signs
What can warn you of black ice on a road that looks wet?
A loud hum from your engine Heavy spray from other tires A rainbow sheen on the pavement No spray from other vehicles' tires Show the answer
No spray from other vehicles' tires
When the road looks wet but other vehicles throw no spray, black ice may be present.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Managing Speed: Snow and Ice
How far should you sit from the steering wheel in case the airbag deploys?
At least 4 inches At least 30 inches At least 2 inches At least 10 inches Show the answer
At least 10 inches
Stay at least 10 inches away while still reaching the pedals and controls.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 5, Laws and Related Issues: Airbag Safety Information
How high should your head restraint be set?
As low as it will go in the seat Its top level with or above your ear tops Its top level with the base of your neck Its top level with the middle of your back Show the answer
Its top level with or above your ear tops
A restraint that cushions the back of your head can prevent neck injuries or make them less severe.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3, Choosing Safety First: Vehicle Checks: Preparing to Drive
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95 (4-21) PDF, plus the undated online manual on pa.gov, read 2026-11-06 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
