Pennsylvania DMV driving test, PA drivers license, CDL, motorcycle practice test

How to Pass Your Permit Test in Pennsylvania

Automobile License

If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you are over 16 years, and you have never obtained a driver’s license; or if you have just moved to Pennsylvania and have no license at all or have one issued in another state, which expired 6 months ago or earlier, you need to pass the driver license permit test and get a learner's permit before you will be able to pass a road test and get a regular Class C driver’s license. This license allows the driving of non-commercial automobiles (passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks and vans) and some types of motorcycles.

To prepare for the knowledge test, you can download a Driver's Manual from a Pennsylvania DMV official website, where English and Spanish versions are presented. Also, you can read Pennsylvania’s Driver’s Manual on Driver-Start.com The questions described in the manual and given during the test include topics such as:

• signals, signs, and markings;
• safety, driver factors, everyday driving and driving in special circumstances;
• Point system in Pennsylvania and related laws and issues.

When passing the test, you have to give 15 correct answers out of 18 questions. If the test is failed, it can be retaken on the next working day. Note that the test can be taken both in written and oral form, as well as in any of the following 9 languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, and Hindi).

To get access to the knowledge test, you have to provide:

• an appropriate application form (different forms are needed for those who are under 18 or over 18 years old);
• 2 proofs of Pennsylvania residence (only for those over 18);
• Your identification document and Social Security card;
• a check or money order, which can be accepted in PennDOT, to pay fees ($5 for Class C permit and $30.50 or $20 depending on the type of license).

Motorcycle License

To operate a motorcycle, you need to get a Class M driver’s license, which requires passing a basic knowledge test after receiving a learner's permit. The knowledge test is based on the information given in the Pennsylvania motorcycle operator’s manual that covers both the rules of the road and specific issues like gear, motorcycle control, conspicuity, mechanical problems, carrying passengers, and group riding.

To apply for the motorcycle learner's permit, you should provide an appropriate form and pay the $10 fee. To pass the test, you need to answer 20 questions out of 25, given that if you fail, you can retake the test only 3 times within a 5-year period.

Commercial Driver’s License

Prior to the knowledge testing, you have to get Knowledge Test Authorization, which is given after providing a commercial learner’s permit application, a self-certification form, and in some cases a medical examiner’s certificate. The required fees have to be paid too. The KTA gives the applicant the right to pass the knowledge test of a certain class. The successful passing results in obtaining a learner’s permit, which allows the learner the right to drive under certain guidelines to develop skills for a further driving road test.

Note that the basic driver’s manual contains Pennsylvania rules of the road and describes the process of applying for the license and passing the tests, but doesn’t cover the complete list of test questions, being limited only to review questions and answers. Thus, it will be smart to use all available tools that can help you both learn the rules given in the manual and practice them. The Driver Start offers a selection of learning and practicing methods to choose from – a list of questions or flashcards to study for the permit test and a practice test (18 random questions) or a marathon test (all 219 questions) to check for understanding. Also, there is a mobile app, available on App Store  and Google Play , which promotes fast progress in learning and strong skills in passing the permit test. All the questions on the website and in the app are based on the current Pennsylvania DMV manual and replicate the real test with the greatest degree of compliance.