Failed the Pennsylvania DMV Test? Here's What to Do Next
Failing the knowledge test is far more common than people expect. First-attempt fail rates run 35-50% in many states. Here's how the retake process works in Pennsylvania and how to actually pass next time.
Retake rules
- Passing score (%)
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83%
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests, Knowledge Test section
- Number of questions
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18
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests, Knowledge Test section
- Questions needed to pass
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15
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests, Knowledge Test section
- Test format
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computer (written and audio)
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests, Knowledge Test section
- Retake wait (days)
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1 (next business day)
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests, Knowledge Test section
- Per-section minimums?
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Pennsylvania does not break its knowledge test into scored sections. You face 18 multiple-choice questions covering signs, signals, pavement markings, driving laws, and safe practices, and you pass by answering 15 of them correctly. There is no separate minimum for any category; one overall score decides the result.
Source: Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 1: Tests - Knowledge Test, p. 5
Retake fees
We're still gathering verified Pennsylvania data on this; see the full License & Test Fees page for the latest.
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