Pennsylvania: Sharing the road — Part 3 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “What is the one exception to the school bus stopping requirement described in the manual?” · “What can happen to a driver who forces a bicyclist off the road in Pennsylvania?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Pennsylvania Driver's Manual" (Pub 95), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Bureau of Driver Licensing.
All 20 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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When a school bus stops with red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, how far away must you stop?
- At least 20 feet away
- At least 10 feet away
- At least 5 feet away
- At least 50 feet away
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Correct answer: At least 10 feet away
You must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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What is the license suspension penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with a flashing red light and extended stop arm?
- A 60-day suspension
- A 6-month suspension
- A 1-year suspension
- A 30-day suspension
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Correct answer: A 60-day suspension
Failure to stop for a school bus with a flashing red light and extended stop arm results in a 60-day license suspension, in addition to points and a fine.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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How many points are added to your driving record for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm?
- 5 points
- 3 points
- 2 points
- 6 points
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Correct answer: 5 points
This violation carries five points on your driving record, along with a 60-day suspension and a fine.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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What is the one exception to the school bus stopping requirement described in the manual?
- When driving on the opposite side of a divided highway
- When you are running late for work or school
- When it is raining and the road is slippery
- When there are no children visible near the bus
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Correct answer: When driving on the opposite side of a divided highway
The one exception is when you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway (with a physical barrier, guide rail, or median); you must still reduce speed and drive with caution.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 58 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 58)
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Why are horse-drawn vehicles often difficult to see at dawn, dusk, or night, according to the manual?
- They travel only on unlit back roads
- They are unusually small
- They are required to travel without lights
- Many are dark in color
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Correct answer: Many are dark in color
Many horse-drawn vehicles are dark in color and therefore difficult to see at dawn, dusk, or night.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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Why should you leave plenty of room when following or stopped behind a horse-drawn vehicle?
- They often roll backward after stopping
- They are required to stop every 100 feet
- They cannot use turn signals
- They travel faster than most vehicles
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Correct answer: They often roll backward after stopping
After stopping, horse-drawn vehicles often roll backward, and following too closely limits the horse-drawn vehicle driver's ability to see you. Leaving plenty of room also gives you space when you prepare to pass.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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When passing a horse-drawn vehicle or horseback rider, what should you avoid doing?
- Driving too fast or blowing your horn
- Reducing your speed as you go around
- Checking your mirrors before moving back
- Signaling your lane change
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Correct answer: Driving too fast or blowing your horn
Do not drive too fast or blow your horn when passing a horse-drawn vehicle or horseback rider, as this may spook the horse.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 59 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 59)
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According to the manual, why should you follow a snow plow at a safe distance?
- They must often turn around and cannot see you behind them
- Their mirrors are covered by snow guards while plowing
- Snow always blocks their windshield and side windows
- Plow trucks are built without any side or rear mirrors
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Correct answer: They must often turn around and cannot see you behind them
Plow drivers have very limited visibility in their mirrors. Plows must often turn around, and their drivers cannot see you behind them, so follow at a safe distance.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 60 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 60)
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Why should you never attempt to pass a snow plow, on either side?
- Plows are required to stop for all passing vehicles
- Plows always travel faster than traffic
- It is illegal to be near any government vehicle
- Wing plows may stick out several feet and are hard to see
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Correct answer: Wing plows may stick out several feet and are hard to see
Snow plows may have wing plows that stick out several feet on either side and are difficult to see in bad weather or at night; you should not attempt to pass a plow on either side.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 60 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 60)
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When passing a bicyclist in Pennsylvania, how much clearance must a driver allow between the vehicle and the bicycle?
- At least 2 feet
- At least 4 feet
- At least 3 feet
- At least 6 feet
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Correct answer: At least 4 feet
When passing, a driver must allow at least four feet between the vehicle and a bicycle to pass safely.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When passing a bicyclist, when is a driver permitted to cross a double yellow center line?
- Never, under any circumstances
- Only at night with headlights on
- If needed and safe, to keep 4 feet of clearance
- Only if the bicyclist signals permission
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Correct answer: If needed and safe, to keep 4 feet of clearance
If necessary and if it can be done safely, a driver is permitted to cross the center double yellow line to maintain the four feet of clearance from a bicycle.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Unless making a left turn, where must a bicyclist traveling more slowly than other traffic ride, and when is this requirement waived?
- In the center of the lane at all times, never waived
- On the sidewalk, waived at intersections with traffic lights
- In the leftmost lane, waived during rush hour
- To the right, with traffic, waived on roads with one lane each way
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Correct answer: To the right, with traffic, waived on roads with one lane each way
Bicyclists traveling more slowly than passing vehicles must keep to the right and travel in the same direction as traffic, except when turning left; this is waived on roads with a single lane in each direction.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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On a roadway with only one travel lane, what may a bicyclist do to avoid hazards or keep a safe distance from parked cars?
- Use any portion of the lane
- Ride only on the painted center line
- Pull completely off the paved roadway
- Dismount and walk the bicycle
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Correct answer: Use any portion of the lane
When there is only one travel lane, bicyclists may use any portion of the lane to avoid hazards, including keeping a safe distance from parked cars.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does Pennsylvania law say about a driver turning in relation to a bicyclist riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder?
- Drivers may turn into the bicyclist's path if turning slowly
- Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist riding straight ahead
- Drivers may turn if they sound their horn first
- Drivers may turn only if the bicyclist is more than 50 feet away
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Correct answer: Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist riding straight ahead
Drivers cannot turn into the path of a bicyclist who is riding straight ahead on a roadway or shoulder.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What can happen to a driver who forces a bicyclist off the road in Pennsylvania?
- Nothing, since bicyclists are not protected under this law
- They receive a written warning only
- They may face criminal charges
- They must pay for the bicycle's repair only
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Correct answer: They may face criminal charges
A driver cannot force a bicyclist off the road; doing so may result in criminal charges.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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How does Pennsylvania law treat bicyclists in relation to traffic laws and posted minimum speed limits?
- Bicyclists are exempt from all traffic laws
- Bicyclists must always travel at the posted minimum speed
- Bicyclists may only ride during daylight hours
- Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators who must obey traffic laws, but may travel below the posted minimum speed without being cited for impeding traffic
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Correct answer: Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators who must obey traffic laws, but may travel below the posted minimum speed without being cited for impeding traffic
Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and must obey all traffic laws, but they may travel at less than the posted minimum speed and may not be cited for impeding traffic.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Are Pennsylvania bicyclists required to ride on a road's shoulder or berm when one is available?
- No, they may use it but are not required to
- Yes, it is always required
- Only required on freeways
- Only required when carrying a passenger
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Correct answer: No, they may use it but are not required to
Bicyclists may operate on a shoulder or berm, but are not required to do so.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What is the 'Dutch Reach' method for safely opening a vehicle door around bicyclists?
- Opening the door slowly with the hand nearer to the door
- Opening the door with your far hand, the hand farther from the door
- Opening the door only after honking the horn
- Opening the door while looking straight ahead
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Correct answer: Opening the door with your far hand, the hand farther from the door
The 'Dutch Reach' method means opening the door with your far hand, the hand farther from the door.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Why does the 'Dutch Reach' method help protect bicyclists?
- It automatically locks the door if a bicyclist is near
- It keeps the door from opening more than one inch
- It forces your body to turn, helping you see approaching bicyclists, and prevents the door from opening too fast
- It sounds an alarm to warn cyclists
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Correct answer: It forces your body to turn, helping you see approaching bicyclists, and prevents the door from opening too fast
Using your far hand forces your body to turn, which better allows you to see approaching bicyclists, and also prevents the door from being opened too fast.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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According to the manual, how far from parked cars should bicyclists ride to stay out of the 'door zone'?
- At least 1 foot
- At least 6 feet
- At least 10 feet
- At least 3 feet
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Correct answer: At least 3 feet
Bicyclists should ride at least three feet from parked cars to avoid doors and stay outside the 'door zone.'
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (Pub 95), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)