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Pennsylvania permit test: sharing the road

Railroad crossings, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, trucks and their No-Zones, buses, school buses, emergency vehicles and horse-drawn vehicles. 26 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
  1. Even when a pedestrian sees you, it is never safe to wave them into the line of traffic, especially at unmarked or mid-block spots. (p. 59, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  2. Familiar crossings with little train traffic can be the most dangerous, because you may begin to believe trains never go by. (p. 59, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  3. By law you must allow a motorcyclist or moped driver to use one complete lane. (p. 60, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  4. Allow the same 4-second following distance or more behind a motorcycle as for other vehicles, and more in bad conditions. (p. 60, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  5. At highway speeds it can take up to 30 seconds to pass a truck safely, so allow plenty of time and don't linger beside it. (p. 60, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  6. Always dim your headlights when following a truck or any vehicle at night; bright lights reflect off a truck's large mirrors and blind the driver. (p. 61, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  7. Failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended brings a 60-day suspension, five points and a fine. (p. 62, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  8. Never cross behind a truck preparing to back up; wait the few seconds for it to finish, since you'd be in its No-Zone. (p. 62, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  9. Escape ramps are only for out-of-control large vehicles; never stop or park near them. (p. 62, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  10. Bicyclists should ride at least three feet from parked cars to stay out of the door zone, with or without a bike lane. (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 sharing the road questions

  1. 1.You stop to let a pedestrian cross mid-block, and they look at you. Should you wave them across?

    • AYes, but only at unmarked crossings
    • BNo, never wave them into traffic
    • CYes, since waving is the polite thing
    • DYes, if you also flash your lights
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. No, never wave them into traffic

    Even when a pedestrian sees you, it is never safe to wave them into the line of traffic, especially at unmarked or mid-block spots.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 59

  2. 2.You are following a truck at night with your high beams on. What should you do?

    • ADim your headlights
    • BTurn off all lights
    • CKeep them on to see the road
    • DFlash them to warn the driver
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Dim your headlights

    Always dim your headlights when following a truck or any vehicle at night; bright lights reflect off a truck's large mirrors and blind the driver.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 61

  3. 3.How many points are added to your record for failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm out?

    • A5 points
    • B3 points
    • C2 points
    • D6 points
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. 5 points

    Failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended brings a 60-day suspension, five points and a fine.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 62

  4. 4.You are passing a horse-drawn buggy on a rural road. What should you avoid?

    • AWaiting for a safe spot
    • BPassing slowly
    • CDriving fast or honking your horn
    • DLeaving extra space
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Driving fast or honking your horn

    When passing a horse-drawn vehicle or rider, don't drive too fast or blow your horn, which can spook the horse, and leave plenty of space before pulling back in.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 63