PA Driving Instructor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Junior Learner's Permit Age

A Pennsylvania junior learner's permit may be issued at age 16 with parental consent, identity and residency documents, and a physical exam; it is valid for one year.

Permit Supervising Driver Age

A learner's permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or a parent, guardian, or spouse at least 18, seated in the front passenger seat.

65 Supervised Driving Hours

Junior license applicants must complete 65 hours of supervised driving, including 10 nighttime hours and 5 hours in inclement weather, before taking the road test.

Junior License Night Restriction

Junior license holders may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 or older, or driving for work, school, or religious activity.

Junior License Passenger Limit

During the first six months of a junior license, no more than one passenger under 18 who is not a sibling may ride unless a parent or guardian is present.

Dual Control Vehicle Definition

A dual control vehicle has a second brake pedal, and often a second clutch, accessible from the front passenger seat; it is required for certified behind-the-wheel instruction.

Sponsor Signature Requirement

An applicant under 18 must have a sponsor, typically a parent, guardian, or spouse 18 or older, sign the application and accept liability for the minor's driving.

Knowledge Test Passing Score

The Pennsylvania non-commercial learner's permit knowledge test has 18 multiple-choice questions; a passing score requires at least 15 correct answers, or 83 percent.

Pennsylvania Driver's Manual

Published by PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual is the source document for the knowledge test and covers licensing, signs, signals, rules of the road, and sharing the road.

Octagon and Pennant Signs

An octagon sign means stop, an inverted triangle means yield, and a pennant-shaped sign marks a no-passing zone; these shapes are tested on the knowledge exam.

Flashing Red Signal

A flashing red traffic signal requires a full stop, then proceeding only when safe, functioning like a stop sign; a flashing yellow means proceed with caution.

Four-Second Following Rule

Drivers should maintain at least a four-second gap behind the vehicle ahead in normal conditions, increasing the gap in rain, snow, darkness, or when following motorcycles.

Six-Point Accumulation Exam

Accumulating six points on a Pennsylvania driving record triggers a requirement to pass a written special examination; failure can lead to suspension.

Pennsylvania Speed Limits

Unless posted otherwise, Pennsylvania limits are 65 mph on freeways, 55 mph on other highways, 35 mph in urban districts, and 25 mph in school zones.

Left-Turn Right-of-Way

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk; entering traffic from a driveway or alley must also yield.

Motorcycle Helmet Age Rule

In Pennsylvania, riders and passengers under 21 must wear helmets; riders 21 and older may ride without one after two years of licensure or an approved safety course.

Motorcycle Permit Limits

A Pennsylvania motorcycle learner's permit holder may not carry passengers, ride at night, or ride on limited-access highways; the permit is valid for one year.

School Bus Stop Law

Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing on a two-lane road; on a divided highway, only same-direction traffic must stop.

School Bus Violation Penalty

Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing carries a 60-day license suspension, 5 points, and a $250 fine; a second offense within five years means a one-year suspension.

School Bus Driver Endorsements

School bus drivers need a CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements, a fingerprint background check, annual training, and periodic physical exams.

Railroad Crossing Stop Distance

When required to stop at a railroad crossing, a driver must stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and never stop on the tracks.

Move Over Law

Drivers must change lanes away from emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights, or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit if a lane change is unsafe.

Child Restraint Requirements

Pennsylvania requires approved child restraints for children under 4, booster seats for children 4 to 8, and seat belts for all occupants under 18.

REAL ID Document Requirements

A Pennsylvania REAL ID requires proof of identity such as a birth certificate, a Social Security number, two proofs of residency, and proof of any name change.

REAL ID Air Travel Deadline

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted document such as a passport is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities.

Form DL-180 Purpose

PennDOT form DL-180 is the non-commercial learner's permit application; the DL-180TD is the teen driver version requiring a sponsor's signature.

Form MV-44 Purpose

PennDOT form MV-44 is used to apply for vehicle registration and titling; form DL-80 requests a duplicate driver's license.

PUB 95 Manual

PennDOT publication PUB 95 is the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, the study source for the non-commercial knowledge test; PUB 147 is the Motorcycle Operator Manual.

Driver Training School License

Pennsylvania driver training schools must be licensed by PennDOT, carry required insurance, use dual-control vehicles, and employ certified instructors with background checks.

Business Partner Agreement

PennDOT business partners such as AAA offices process license and registration transactions under a signed agreement with bonding, training, audit, and fee remittance requirements.

Third-Party Examiner Rules

PennDOT may authorize certified third-party examiners to administer CDL and non-commercial road tests; examiners are bonded and subject to PennDOT audits.

Title 75 Vehicle Code

The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Title 75, governs licensing, the point system, suspensions, restoration, and vehicle registration administered by PennDOT.