How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
The Pennsylvania permit knowledge test typically has 25 to 50 questions depending on the office and the version delivered on the day. To pass you need approximately 80% — that is usually 20 of 25, 32 of 40, or 40 of 50 correct. The test is delivered on a touchscreen at the PA DMV, and you generally cannot go back and change earlier answers once you advance past them.
How much does the permit cost in Pennsylvania?
The current Pennsylvania learner's permit fee is $35.50, payable at the counter by card, cash, or check (some Pennsylvania branches are card-only). If you fail the knowledge test you may be required to pay a re-test fee for each subsequent attempt; check the current fee schedule on the PA DMV website before your appointment.
For a deeper read on this topic across all 50 states, see our right-of-way, speed limits, and alcohol and drugs articles.
How long do I have to hold the permit?
In Pennsylvania the supervised hold period is 6 months. During that time you must drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Many Pennsylvania counties also require 50 logged hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of them after sunset, before you become eligible for the road test.
Can I take the test in another language?
The Pennsylvania permit test is offered in English and Spanish at every PA DMV office, and additional languages — typically Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, and Punjabi — are available at major county offices and on most online versions. An interpreter you bring yourself is generally not allowed for the knowledge test.
What if I fail?
Most Pennsylvania counties allow you to retake the test the same day or the next business day. After three consecutive failures you may be required to wait a longer period and pay an additional fee. The PA DMV will tell you which sections you missed; spend extra time in those sections of the handbook before returning.
Quick facts about Pennsylvania
- Capital: Harrisburg
- Minimum permit age: 16
- Current permit fee: $35.50
- Supervised hold period: 6 months
- Adult BAC limit: 0.08% · Under-21 BAC: 0.02%
- Default speed limits: 70 mph rural Interstate, 55 mph urban Interstate, 25 mph residential, 15 mph school zone
- Handheld phone use: banned
- Vision standard: 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected
- Reinstatement fee after suspension: $94
- Official source: PA DMV
Other Pennsylvania guides on PermitPrep
Each link below opens a dedicated Pennsylvania page. Every guide is built from the same official PA DMV handbook so the rules stay consistent across topics.
- Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test — Practice test for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Driving Permit Guide — Permit guide for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Road Signs Test — Signs test for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Traffic Laws Summary — Traffic laws for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Right-of-Way Rules — Right of way for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Speed Limits Explained — Speed limits for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania DUI Laws — DUI laws for Pennsylvania drivers.
- Pennsylvania Cell Phone Laws — Cell phone laws for Pennsylvania drivers.
Ready to test what you have learned? Take the free Pennsylvania permit practice test — 20 randomized questions, instant grading, full explanations.