The Pennsylvania road test is the cause of much stress for many new drivers. Of course, it’s extremely important that you prepare properly to ensure a passing score on the road test, as it is one of the more difficult parts in the licensing process.
If you’re a bit confused about the best way to prepare, take a look at the tips below. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly what you should know to easily pass your road test in Pennsylvania.
The first thing you need to do is ask yourself if you’re ready to take the driving test. The State of Pennsylvania requires new drivers to complete a series of requirements before they are allowed to take their road test. Your testing vehicle must also satisfy certain requirements.
The PennDOT will allow you to take your driving test after you’ve held your permit for six months and practiced for the correct amount of time. However, don’t feel pressured to take the test then; if you don’t feel ready, go ahead and practice as much as you’d like.
Unlike some states, the Pennsylvania road test is taken in your own vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure that it qualifies as a road testing vehicle. A vehicle that doesn’t meet state standards, either because of safety defects or because you don’t have the correct documents, can cause you to be denied even taking the test.
Remember to bring:
It is also important to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. If any of the following is defective, you will not be allowed to take your road test.
If you’ve completed the requirements, you’re all set to take your driving test! You can schedule an appointment at a PennDOT location either by phone or online. You may also choose to schedule your appointment at a third-party testing business as long as it is authorized by Pennsylvania.
Finally – the day of your road test is here! In this section, we’ll go through everything you need to know on the day of the test and what to expect.
It’s definitely a good idea to know what you should bring before the day of your test. Collect these documents ahead of time so that taking your test is as stress-free as possible. If you do not have the following documents, you will need to reschedule your Pennsylvania road test.
Your examiner will ensure that you have all the correct documents and that your vehicle is working well. Then, before you start driving along the testing route, your examiner may ask you to perform certain maneuvers and demonstrate that you know how to properly operate the controls in your vehicle.
You may be asked to use your car horn, your windshield wipers, your parking/emergency brake, your hazard lights, your defroster, etc. You may also have to show that you know how to correctly operate your vehicle’s lights, including your parking lights and your high and low beam headlights.
You will also be asked to parallel park during this part of your test.
After you’ve completed the pre-test, you’ll begin the actual on-the-road section of the road test. This will take place either on a set testing route on public roads, or on a designated testing area.
Your examiner will observe your overall driving skills–how well you obey traffic signs, signals, and lights, if you communicate well with other drivers, and if you control your vehicle smoothly and properly.
It’s especially important to stay calm and focused during this part of the exam. If you’ve prepared properly, a safe driving technique should be habitual and you should have no problem passing your test.
If you fail at any point in the road test, you won’t be allowed to complete the remainder of the test. This includes the pre-test portion of your exam.
Due to COVID-19, Pennsylvania has slightly modified the way road tests are conducted. Rather than riding in your vehicle’s passenger seat, examiners will remain outside of the vehicle, observing driving skills and giving instructions from there. You’ll need your accompanying licensed adult to ride in your front passenger’s seat. Masks are required for everyone.
You probably don’t like to think about failing your road test, but you should know what causes a failure so that you can avoid it.
In Pennsylvania, you’ll have to wait seven days before you can retake the road test if you fail.
That’s everything you need to know about passing the Pennsylvania driving test. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.
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