20 questions from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How often does a normal, undistracted driver fail to notice an important road event?
Answer: Three percent of the time. The handbook indicates that a normal, undistracted driver misses important road events three percent of the time.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 36: “Research has found a normal, undistracted driver fails to notice an important road event such as another driver making a mistake, three (3) percent of the time.”
2. Why is it considered more slippery near 32° Fahrenheit when precipitation turns to rain or sleet?
Answer: Because a thin layer of water forms on top of the ice. The handbook explains that the combination of water sitting on top of ice creates a more slippery surface than ice by itself.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 45: “Also, it is extremely dangerous near 32° (Fahrenheit), when precipitation turns to rain or sleet — a thin layer of water on top of ice is more slippery than ice alone.”
3. According to the Pennsylvania Point System, what is the specific point threshold at which PennDOT begins to take corrective action on a driving record?
Answer: Six points. The handbook states that corrective action begins when the record reaches six or more points.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 83: “PennDOT begins to take corrective action when a driving record reaches six (6) or more points.”
4. What does the downward-pointing arrow accompanying a School sign indicate?
Answer: You are at the school zone crosswalk. The handbook states that a downward arrow on a School sign specifically marks the location of the school zone crosswalk.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 21: “If the sign is accompanied by a downward-pointing arrow, it means you are at the school zone crosswalk.”
5. Which of the following is true regarding bicyclists in a roundabout?
Answer: They have the option to function as a vehicle or pedestrian. The handbook states that bicyclists may choose to act as either vehicles or pedestrians within the roundabout environment.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 54: “Bicyclists have the option to function as a vehicle or pedestrian when using a roundabout.”
6. According to the handbook, why should a driver use low beam headlights instead of high beams in foggy conditions?
Answer: High beams direct light up into the fog, bouncing it back and creating glare. The handbook states that high beams cause glare by reflecting light back at the driver, whereas low beams help others see the vehicle without this issue.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 46: “Do not use your high beams. They direct their light up and into the fog, which bounces the light back into your eyes, creating glare and making it even harder for you to see ahead.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the minimum stopping distance required for a loaded truck traveling at 65 mph on a clear, dry roadway?
Answer: 600 feet. The handbook states that a loaded truck requires a minimum of 600 feet to stop under these specific conditions, compared to 400 feet for passenger vehicles.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 62: “A loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 65 mph on a clear, dry roadway, requires a minimum of 600 feet to come to a complete stop”
8. How long must a person who has just moved to Pennsylvania and holds a valid driver's license from another state or Canada wait before obtaining a Pennsylvania license?
Answer: Within 60 days after moving. The handbook states that new residents with out-of-state licenses must obtain a Pennsylvania license within 60 days.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 7: “People who just moved into Pennsylvania and are establishing Pennsylvania residency - if you hold a valid driver’s license from another state or Canada, you must get a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days after moving to Pennsylvania and surrender your out-of-state driver’s license.”
9. If your accelerator sticks, what should you do immediately if tapping the pedal does not free it?
Answer: Shift to neutral immediately and use the brakes. The instructions specify shifting to neutral and braking if the pedal does not spring back after tapping.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 66: “Shift to neutral immediately and use the brakes, if the pedal remains stuck.”
10. Which specific sign is identified as the only pennant-shaped warning sign?
Answer: No Passing Zone. The handbook states that the No Passing Zone sign is uniquely pennant-shaped among warning signs.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 17: “NO PASSING ZONE This is the only pennant-shaped warning sign.”
11. When is it appropriate to use your horn according to the handbook?
Answer: When you think another driver or pedestrian does not see you. The horn is intended to instantly attract attention when visibility is compromised or a collision seems imminent, not for general communication.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 48: “Use it when you think another driver or a pedestrian does not see you – for example, if a child is beginning to run into the street or if you think another vehicle is about to hit you.”
12. What is the unique shape of the STOP sign as described in the handbook?
Answer: Octagon-shaped (8-sided). The handbook identifies the STOP sign as having an octagonal shape, distinguishing it from other sign shapes mentioned.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 14: “The STOP sign is the only octagon-shaped (8-sided) sign you see on the highway.”
13. What is the recommended practice for wearing corrective lenses while driving?
Answer: Always wear them while driving if normally required. Drivers who need corrective lenses must wear them consistently while driving, and specific types like sunglasses or tinted contacts are discouraged at night.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 36: “If you normally wear corrective lenses, always wear them while driving. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted contact lenses at night.”
14. How does the handbook advise drivers to handle speed when road conditions are wet, slippery, or visibility is poor?
Answer: Drive below the posted speed limit. The handbook instructs drivers to reduce speed below the posted limit when conditions are less than ideal, even if they are currently within the legal limit.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 43: “When the road is wet or slippery, when you cannot see well or when anything else makes conditions less than perfect, drive below the posted speed limit.”
15. Why is it recommended to follow snow plows at a safe distance?
Answer: To protect your vehicle from damage caused by salt, de-icing liquids, and anti-skid pellets. Maintaining distance prevents debris and chemicals ejected from the plow from damaging the following vehicle.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 64: “Be sure to follow at a safe distance. This will help protect your vehicle from being damaged by the salt, de-icing liquids and anti-skid pellets thrown from snow plows.”
16. On which page is the topic 'Turning Left' listed in the index?
Answer: 45, 48, 49. The index lists multiple page numbers (45, 48, and 49) for the topic of turning left.
17. Under Pennsylvania's Implied Consent law, when is a driver considered to have agreed to take a chemical test?
Answer: Just by being licensed to drive in Pennsylvania. The law states that holding a driver's license in Pennsylvania constitutes implied consent to chemical testing.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 86: “The law covering chemical testing says you have agreed to take such a test -- just by being licensed to drive in Pennsylvania.”
18. When encountering a 'Sharp Left Turn' sign, how should you position your vehicle while navigating the turn?
Answer: Stay in the center of your lane. The handbook instructs drivers to stay in the center of their lane for a sharp left turn, distinguishing it from the right turn instruction.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 17: “You need to slow down substantially, stay in the center of your lane and prepare to navigate through the sharp left turn.”
19. What does the posted speed limit represent according to the handbook?
Answer: The maximum safe speed under ideal road and weather conditions. The handbook defines posted speed limits as the maximum safe speed applicable only when road and weather conditions are ideal.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 33: “The maximum safe speed under ideal road and weather conditions”
20. According to the handbook, how should you adjust your speed when a truck is passing your vehicle?
Answer: Reduce your speed slightly and keep it steady. The handbook instructs drivers to slightly reduce speed and maintain it steadily to assist the truck driver during a pass.
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), page 61: “You will make it easier for the truck driver if you reduce your speed slightly and then keep your speed steady.”