Free Permit Practice Test: 345 DMV-Style Questions with Explanations
In short: A free permit practice test with 345 original DMV-style questions on road signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, parking, alcohol rules, sharing the road and emergencies. Take a timed 40-question mock, see your score by topic and read the rule behind every answer. Rules that differ by state are flagged. No subscription, no auto-renew, no account.
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Permit Test practice test: the facts
| Price | Free. No payment step on this page. |
|---|---|
| Subscription | No subscription, no auto-renew, no card needed. |
| Question bank | 345 original questions, every one with an explanation and the outline section it tests. |
| Timed mock test | 40 questions in 30 minutes, drawn across topics in proportion to the bank; pass at 80% (32/40), a little stricter than most states (70–83%). Your state sets its own length and pass mark. |
| Weak-topic stats | Score by topic after every mock, plus a running weak-topic list from practice mode. |
| Modes | Timed mock, practice mode (instant answer and explanation), flashcards, one-topic drills. |
| Account | Not required. Nothing to sign up for. |
| Access | No time limit and no expiry. |
| Privacy | Your answers and stats stay in your browser (local storage). Nothing is sent to us. |
| Based on | MUTCD (FHWA) sign, signal and marking standards plus rules common to state driver handbooks; check your own state's handbook for local numbers. |
| Checked | November 2026 |
The real Permit Test at a glance
| Format | Multiple choice; length varies by state, from 18 questions (Pennsylvania) to 50 (Florida). Many states score road signs separately. |
|---|---|
| Time | Usually untimed or generous; online tests (e.g. New York) set a time limit. |
| Passing score | Usually 70–83%. Examples: Florida 40/50, Pennsylvania 15/18, Ohio 30/40, Illinois 80%. |
| Content | Road signs, signals and markings, right-of-way, speed and following distance, parking and turns, alcohol and drugs, sharing the road, emergencies. |
| Fee | Varies by state; e.g. Georgia $10 per attempt, Ohio $26.50 for the temporary permit. |
Sources: Florida Class E knowledge exam (FLHSMV) · Pennsylvania testing (PennDOT) · Georgia DDS fees. Rules change; confirm with the official source before test day.
Every state writes its own permit (knowledge) test, but most cover the same things: road signs, signals and markings, right-of-way, speed and following distance, parking and turns, alcohol, sharing the road and emergencies. Our 345 questions cover those common rules and the national sign standards (MUTCD). Numbers that change by state, like exact fines or BAC limits for drivers under 21, are flagged in the explanations: always check your own state handbook.
Questions by topic
Road signs
44 questionsShapes, colours and meanings of regulatory, warning and guide signs.
Signals and pavement markings
39 questionsTraffic lights, flashing signals, lane lines, crosswalks and curb colours.
Right-of-way and intersections
41 questionsFour-way stops, uncontrolled intersections, roundabouts, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Speed, following distance and passing
44 questionsBasic speed law, the 3-second rule, school zones and safe passing.
Parking, turns and lane use
43 questionsParking on hills, distances from hydrants, turning lanes, U-turns and merging.
Alcohol, drugs and impairment
39 questionsBAC limits, implied consent, drowsy and distracted driving.
Sharing the road
44 questionsSchool buses, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks and work zones.
Emergencies and adverse conditions
51 questionsSkids, blowouts, fog, night driving, crashes and breakdowns.
10 sample Permit Test questions with answers
Taken from the bank above. Open each one for the answer and the explanation.
- 1. Road signs
Which sign shape is reserved exclusively for a stop sign?
- A. Octagon (eight sides)
- B. Pentagon (five sides)
- C. Downward-pointing triangle
- D. Vertical rectangle
Show answer
Answer: A. Octagon (eight sides)
The eight-sided octagon is used only for STOP so drivers can recognize it even from behind or when the face is covered with snow. No other regulatory or warning sign uses this shape.
Source: MUTCD Part 2: Regulatory signs (R1-1 Stop)
- 2. Signals and pavement markings
What does a steady red traffic light require you to do?
- A. Come to a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk
- B. Slow down and proceed if clear
- C. Stop only if cross traffic is present
- D. Yield only to pedestrians
Show answer
Answer: A. Come to a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk
A steady red means stop and stay stopped until the signal turns green, with limited exceptions for turns on red. Stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.
Source: MUTCD Part 4: Traffic signals (Section 4D)
- 3. Right-of-way and intersections
Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at nearly the same time from different roads. Which one goes first?
- A. The vehicle on the left
- B. The larger vehicle
- C. The faster vehicle
- D. The vehicle on the right
Show answer
Answer: D. The vehicle on the right
When two drivers arrive together at a four-way stop, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Gesture or wait if unsure rather than assuming.
Source: Common state handbook rule: right-of-way at four-way stops
- 4. Speed, following distance and passing
What is the basic speed law?
- A. Never drive faster than is safe for conditions, regardless of the posted limit
- B. Always drive at the posted limit
- C. Drive 5 mph over
- D. Follow the fastest traffic
Show answer
Answer: A. Never drive faster than is safe for conditions, regardless of the posted limit
Posted limits are maximums for ideal conditions. Weather, traffic, and visibility can make the safe speed lower.
Source: Common state handbook rule: basic speed law
- 5. Parking, turns and lane use
You are parking uphill next to a curb. How should you turn your front wheels?
- A. Toward the curb
- B. Straight ahead
- C. Away from the curb
- D. Toward the road
Show answer
Answer: C. Away from the curb
Turning away from the curb lets the tire catch the curb if the car rolls back. Also set the parking brake.
Source: Common state handbook rule: parking on hills
- 6. Alcohol, drugs and impairment
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older in nearly all states?
- A. 0.02 percent
- B. 0.15 percent
- C. 0.08 percent
- D. 0.04 percent
Show answer
Answer: C. 0.08 percent
All states set 0.08 as the per se limit for adult noncommercial drivers (Utah uses 0.05). You can still be charged with lower levels if impaired.
Source: NHTSA: alcohol-impaired driving; common state handbook rule
- 7. Sharing the road
How much space do many states require you to leave when passing a bicyclist?
- A. About six inches
- B. At least three feet
- C. About one foot
- D. Exactly one lane width
Show answer
Answer: B. At least three feet
Most states with a passing law require three feet or more, and a few require four. Slow down and change lanes if you cannot leave that space.
Source: Common state handbook rule: passing bicyclists (varies by state)
- 8. Emergencies and adverse conditions
Your car starts to skid on a slippery road. What should you do?
- A. Slam the brakes
- B. Accelerate
- C. Turn away sharply
- D. Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go
Show answer
Answer: D. Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go
Steering where you want the front of the car to go, while easing off the accelerator, helps tires regain grip. Do not brake hard.
Source: Common state handbook rule: skid recovery
- 9. Road signs
A white X-shaped sign reading RAILROAD CROSSING, found at the crossing itself, is called what?
- A. A stop beacon
- B. A yield marker
- C. A tracks-closed sign
- D. A crossbuck
Show answer
Answer: D. A crossbuck
The crossbuck marks the actual crossing and acts like a yield sign for trains. You must slow, look, and stop if a train is approaching.
Source: MUTCD Part 8: Highway-rail grade crossings (R15-1 Crossbuck)
- 10. Signals and pavement markings
A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means what?
- A. You are protected from oncoming cars
- B. Left turns are banned
- C. You must stop completely
- D. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Show answer
Answer: D. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive turn signal. Oncoming traffic may have a green, so you must wait for a safe gap.
Source: MUTCD Part 4: Traffic signals (flashing yellow arrow)
How to use this Permit Test practice test
- 1Read your state driver handbook once; it is the source for your real test.
- 2Take one timed mock to find your weakest topics.
- 3Drill road signs with flashcards until you get every shape and colour right; many states fail you on signs alone.
- 4Redo missed questions in practice mode and read the rule in each explanation.
- 5Pass two mocks in a row at 80% or more before you book the real test.
Questions people ask
Is this permit practice test free?
Yes, all 345 questions, the timed mock and flashcards are free. No subscription, no auto-renew, no account and no card.
Is this the same as my state DMV permit test?
It covers the rules and signs that almost every state tests, written to the national sign standard (MUTCD). It is not your state's official test, and some numbers (fines, curfews, BAC for under-21 drivers) vary, so read your state handbook too.
How many questions are on the permit test and how many can I miss?
It depends on the state. Florida asks 50 and you need 40 right; Pennsylvania 18 (15 right); Ohio 40 (30 right); Illinois needs 80%. Our mock is 40 questions in 30 minutes and you pass at 80% (32), a little stricter than most states.
What is the hardest part of the permit test?
Most people miss right-of-way questions (four-way stops, uncontrolled intersections, roundabouts) and numbers like parking distances and following distance. Take a mock and check your weak-topic list.
How long should I study for the permit test?
Most people need a few evenings: read the handbook once, then take mocks until you pass two in a row at 80% or more.
More free practice
Want cards from your own notes or textbook instead? Turn your driver handbook into flashcards.