100+ Free PA Driving Instructor Practice Questions
Pass your Pennsylvania Driving Instructor Certification Exam (PDTS) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: PA Driving Instructor Exam
55
Exam Questions
MC + short answer
70%
Passing Score
Minimum to pass
2 hrs
Time Limit
Written exam
15,000
Miles Required
All weather conditions
18+
Minimum Age
Years old
Annual
License Renewal
By April 30
Pennsylvania requires passing both a written exam and practical driving test. The written exam has 55 multiple-choice and short answer questions with a 70% passing score and 2-hour time limit. Testing is at PaTTAN locations monthly: Pittsburgh (1st Monday), Harrisburg (2nd Monday), Malvern (3rd Monday). Minimum age is 18 with 15,000 miles experience. Annual renewal by April 30.
About the PA Driving Instructor Exam
The Pennsylvania PDTS Instructor Exam is administered by the Department of Education at PaTTAN locations statewide. It includes 55 multiple-choice questions and short answer questions based on the Driver Education Program Guide, with a 70% passing score and 2-hour time limit.
Questions
55 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
$50 (Pennsylvania Department of Education / PaTTAN)
PA Driving Instructor Exam Content Outline
Pennsylvania Traffic Laws & Regulations
PA Vehicle Code, speed limits, tiered DUI penalties, junior license restrictions, school bus laws, and inspection requirements
Teaching Methods & Classroom Instruction
Instructional techniques, lesson planning, differentiated instruction, assessment methods, and learning objectives
Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
BTW procedures, graduated instruction, mountain driving, highway skills, and emergency intervention
Defensive Driving & Safety
SIPDE, Smith System, winter driving, skid recovery, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition
How to Pass the PA Driving Instructor Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam length: 55 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $50
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PA Driving Instructor Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the Pennsylvania PDTS instructor exam?
The exam consists of 55 questions including multiple-choice and short answer questions, with a 2-hour time limit. It is based on the Pennsylvania Driver Education Program Guide. The minimum passing score is 70%. You must also pass a separate practical driving examination.
Where and when is the PDTS instructor exam offered?
The exam is offered monthly at three PaTTAN locations: PaTTAN West in Pittsburgh (1st Monday), PaTTAN Central in Harrisburg (2nd Monday), and PaTTAN East in Malvern (3rd Monday). This provides statewide access to testing on a regular schedule.
What are the prerequisites for a Pennsylvania driving instructor certification?
You must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate at least 15,000 miles of driving experience in all weather conditions, and have a physician certify your health is suitable for providing instruction. You must pass both the written and practical exams.
How often must Pennsylvania driving instructor licenses be renewed?
PDTS instructor licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal applications should be submitted by April 30 to be ready for the July 1 renewal date. Instructors must maintain all requirements throughout the license period.
What study materials should I use for the PA PDTS exam?
The primary study material is the Pennsylvania Driver Education Program Guide published by the Department of Education. You should also study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual for traffic law questions and review defensive driving concepts including SIPDE and the Smith System.