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Pennsylvania permit test: safe driver habits

Seat belts, distractions, lack of sleep, health factors, the seat belt and child restraint laws, air bags, heatstroke, anti-texting and carbon monoxide. 24 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
  1. If you wear corrective lenses, always wear them, but do not wear sunglasses or tinted contact lenses at night. (p. 36, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  2. Headphones or ear pieces may be used in only one ear, and only for communication. (p. 36, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  3. Set the head restraint so its top is at least as high as the top of your ears to reduce neck injuries in a crash. (p. 36, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  4. Have your vision checked every one or two years, since side vision, distance judgment and night vision can worsen without your noticing. (p. 37, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  5. Passengers aged 8 or older but under 18 must wear seat belts no matter where they sit in the vehicle. (p. 93, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  6. Children under 2 must stay in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's maximum weight and height limits. (p. 94, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  7. Children under 4 must ride in a federally-approved child safety seat secured by the seat belt or LATCH system, in any seat. (p. 94, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  8. All children 12 and under should ride in the rear seat, away from frontal impacts and the air bag compartment. (p. 95, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  9. Sit as far from the air bag as you can while still reaching the controls, at least 10 inches from the steering wheel. (p. 95, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  10. Texting while driving is a primary, summary offense carrying a $50 fine. (p. 97, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample safe driver habits questions

  1. 1.You parked on a street with a bike lane. How should you open your driver's door?

    • AOnly after honking to warn cyclists
    • BWith your far hand after checking mirrors
    • CQuickly, to get out of the way
    • DWith the near hand while looking ahead
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. With your far hand after checking mirrors

    Check your rear-view and side mirrors, then open the door with your far hand (the Dutch Reach), which turns your body so you see approaching cyclists.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 97

  2. 2.May you wear earbuds in both ears to listen to music while driving?

    • ANo, only one ear, and only to communicate
    • BYes, if the car has no working radio
    • CYes, as long as the volume is kept low
    • DYes, everywhere except in school zones
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. No, only one ear, and only to communicate

    Headphones or ear pieces may be used in only one ear, and only for communication.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 36

  3. 3.What does the handbook recommend for children 12 and under?

    • AThey ride in the front seat
    • BThey sit closest to the air bag
    • CThey ride in the rear seat
    • DThey ride without belts in the back
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. They ride in the rear seat

    All children 12 and under should ride in the rear seat, away from frontal impacts and the air bag compartment.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 95

  4. 4.Where should you hold the steering wheel to reduce injury if the air bag deploys?

    • AAt 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock
    • BAt 12 o'clock with one hand
    • CAt 10 and 2 o'clock
    • DGripping the inside of the rim
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. At 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock

    Holding the wheel at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 keeps your hands and arms out of the air bag's path; keep thumbs on the outside of the rim.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 95