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Pennsylvania permit test: vehicle checks and inspection

Vehicle checks before driving and safety and emissions inspection. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

Study this topic as flashcards

Rules to remember8 key vehicle checks and inspection rulesShow the rules
  1. In the penny test, if any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread. (p. 35, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  2. Check your tires for wear and damage once every month, or before a long road trip. (p. 35, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  3. Adjust your seat first, then set the mirrors, since mirror angles depend on where you sit. (p. 35, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  4. The recommended psi is in the vehicle owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb; use a gauge to match it. (p. 35, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  5. Nothing may hang from the rearview mirror while you drive; tags, permits and placards may be attached only when the vehicle is parked. (p. 35, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  6. A vehicle may be inspected up to 90 days before its next expiration date. (p. 96, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  7. Vehicles must have a safety inspection at an authorized station every 12 months; the sticker shows when the next one is due. (p. 96, Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (opens the handbook))
  8. If an officer notices faulty equipment, you may be required to fix it within five days to avoid a citation. (p. 96, 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 vehicle checks and inspection questions

  1. 1.Before driving, in what order should you adjust your seat and mirrors?

    • AAdjust both after you start moving
    • BMirrors first, then the seat
    • CSeat first, then the mirrors
    • DMirrors only; the seat doesn't matter
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Seat first, then the mirrors

    Adjust your seat first, then set the mirrors, since mirror angles depend on where you sit.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 35

  2. 2.How often does the handbook advise checking your tires for wear and damage?

    • AOnce every month and before long trips
    • BEvery time you buy gas
    • COnce a year at inspection
    • DOnly when a tire looks flat
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Once every month and before long trips

    Check your tires for wear and damage once every month, or before a long road trip.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 35

  3. 3.You do the penny test and part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread. What does that tell you?

    • AThe tire must be replaced right away
    • BThe tire is out of balance
    • CThe tire has a safe amount of tread
    • DThe tire pressure is too high
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. The tire has a safe amount of tread

    In the penny test, if any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 35

  4. 4.How often must your vehicle pass a safety inspection in Pennsylvania?

    • AEvery 12 months
    • BOnly when you sell it
    • CEvery 6 months
    • DEvery 2 years
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Every 12 months

    Vehicles must have a safety inspection at an authorized station every 12 months; the sticker shows when the next one is due.

    Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95) (PUB 95), page 96