Pennsylvania

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a learner's permit:

• You may only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless you're traveling for work or school (you must carry written authorization/documentation with you in these cases).
• You may NOT carry more passengers than the designated number of seatbelts in your vehicle.

If you have a junior driver's license:

• You may NOT drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it's for school or employment purposes, for which you'll need to carry proper documentation.
• You can only carry as many passengers as there are seat belts in your vehicle.
• For the first 6 months, you may only carry 1 passenger under 18 years old who is NOT an immediate member of your family. After 6 months have passed, this limit increases to 3 non-family passengers under 18 years old.
  • The only exception to these limits is if your parent/guardian is in the vehicle with you.

The examiner will direct you to a Photo License Center to have your photo taken for your junior driver's license.

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver (at least 21 years old).

Yes, you can choose to visit a Photo License Center near you. Your Driver License Center may also have a Photo License Center within it.

With your learner's permit in hand, you can immediately begin practicing your driving skills with your parent or supervising driver.

Once you've passed your road skills exam, the examiner will issue a camera card to take to a Photo License center. There, you'll have your picture taken for your permanent license.

You can apply for your license at any PennDOT Driver License Center.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To take your road test and apply for your license, you'll need your:

• Valid PA learner's permit.
• Additional identity documents, if you wish to upgrade to a REAL ID at this time.
• Registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be testing in.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment. Be ready to provide:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Your parent/guardian, along with their valid driver's license.
• A completed Parent or Guardian Certification Form (DL-180C) certifying your behind-the-wheel practice hours.
  • Make sure your parent/guardian waits to sign this in front of the Driver License Center agent.
• A testing vehicle, along with its valid registration and insurance.

To apply for a PA junior driver's license, you must:

• Have earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 6 months.
• Have completed your required 65 driving practice hours.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a PA license, you must:

• Have earned your learner's permit and practiced driving.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can obtain your license once you're at least 16 years and 6 months old and you have earned your learner's permit. If you're under 18 years old, you must also have:

• Held your permit at least 6 months
• Completed your required driving practice hours.

You may be eligible for an occupational limited license (OLL), which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

You will need to demonstrate a valid need to travel for work or education purposes and be able to document it. You may also be required to obtain an ignition interlock device (IID).

To apply, you will need to:

• Complete an Occupational Limited License (OLL) Petition (form DL-15).
• Calculate the appropriate fee using the form.
• Send the form, along with a check or money order, to the address listed on the petition.

If your petition is granted, you'll receive a camera card to bring to your local Photo License Center. If not, you'll receive an explanation by mail.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to obtain a learner's permit. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

PennDOT offers the PA Driver's Manual for a rundown of what you can expect.

A licensed driver at least 21 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with PA laws regarding tinted windows.

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Schedule your road test with your local PennDOT Driver License Center.

• Permit + first 4-year license (under 65 years old): $35.50
• Permit + first 2-year license (65 and older): $25

The Pennsylvania Driver Handbook is available online.

If you're under 18 years old, you can apply for your license once you've held your permit for at least 6 months. If you're a new driver 18 years old or older, there is no minimum holding period.

• Permit + first 4-year license (under 65 years old): $35.50
• Permit + first 2-year license (65 and older): $25

No, but you will need to complete a physical with your doctor.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent/guardian will need to sign your application and a consent form in front of the driver license agent. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your permit test.

To apply, you'll need to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number.
    • Though proof of residency proof isn't required for minor applicants, you WILL need to provide it if you want a REAL ID-compliant license down the road. You can either submit it now or when you apply for your junior license.
• A completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (form DL-180), filled out by a licensed medical practitioner.
• A Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) along with your application your parent/guardian should wait to sign it at the Driver License Center.
• Payment for the applicable fee based on your age:
  • Permit + first 4-year license (under 65 years old): $35.50
  • Permit + first 2-year license (65 and older): $25

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit.

To apply, you'll need to:

• Submit proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number.
  • Pennsylvania residency, if you're 18 years old or older.
    • Though proof of residency proof isn't required for minor applicants, you WILL need to provide it if you want a REAL ID-compliant license down the road. You can either submit it now or when you apply for your junior license.
• Provide a completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (form DL-180), filled out by a licensed medical practitioner.
• If you're under 18 years old, you must also submit a Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) along with your application your parent/guardian should wait to sign it at the Driver License Center.
• Pass a knowledge exam and vision screening.
• Pay the applicable fee based on your age:
  • Permit + first 4-year license (under 65 years old): $35.50
  • Permit + first 2-year license (65 and older): $25

Some examples of potential questions include:

Q: You may cross a double solid yellow line:

1. Only to pass another car
2. In order to get into the left-hand turn lane
3. Never

Q:The maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania is:

1. 65 MPH
2. 70 MPH
3. 75 MPH

Q: When making a right-hand turn at a red light, who has the right of way?

1. The driver making the right-hand turn
2. Other vehicles on the through-road

Find more sample questions on a free Pennsylvania practice test.

No, driver's education is not mandatory in Pennsylvania, for either a permit or a license. However, if you want to convert your junior license to a senior license before you turn 18 years old, you must take a state-approved Driver's Ed course to do so.

The Pennsylvania Driver Handbook has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

Yes, a physical is required for a PA learner permit. Your medical professional must fill out the appropriate portions of your driver's license application.

If you are under 18, you'll need your parent/guardian to come with you to the DPS. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your permit test.

You can contact PennDOT online, or call your local branch office.

You can apply once you're 16 years old.

If you have a learner's permit:

• You must always be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, regardless of your age.
• If you're under 18 years old, you must:
  • Hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a junior license.
  • Only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless you're traveling for work or school (you must carry written authorization/documentation with you in these cases).
  • NOT carry more passengers than the designated number of seatbelts in your vehicle.

If you have a junior driver's license:

• You may NOT drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it's for school or employment purposes, for which you'll need to carry proper documentation.
• You can only carry as many passengers as there are seat belts in your vehicle.
• For the first 6 months, you may only carry 1 passenger under 18 years old who is NOT an immediate member of your family. After 6 months have passed, this limit increases to 3 non-family passengers under 18 years old.
  •  The only exception to these limits is if your parent/guardian is in the vehicle with you.

• You must always be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, regardless of your age.
• If you're under 18 years old, you must:
  • Hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a junior license.
  • Only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless you're traveling for work or school (you must carry written authorization/documentation with you in these cases).
  • NOT carry more passengers than the designated number of seatbelts in your vehicle.

You'll need to complete the:

• Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (form DL-180), filled out by a licensed medical practitioner.
• Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) if you're under 18 years old.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Driver's education is not mandatory in Pennsylvania. However, if you wish to upgrade your junior driver's license to a senior license before you turn 18 years old, you'll need to complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course that consists of at least 30 classroom hours and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Before applying for your Pennsylvania learner's permit, you'll first need to have turned 16 years old and gotten a physical through your healthcare provider. Your doctor must fill out the designated portion of your permit application.

To apply for your PA learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit proof of your:
  • Name and birth date.
  • Social Security number.
  • Pennsylvania residency, if you're 18 years old or older.
    • Though proof of residency proof isn't required for minor applicants, you WILL need to provide it if you want a REAL ID-compliant license down the road. You can either submit it now or when you apply for your junior license.
    • PennDOT provides a full guide to acceptable identity and residency documents as well as a specific guide for REAL IDs, if you're getting a REAL ID-compliant permit/license.
• Provide a completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (form DL-180), filled out by a licensed medical practitioner.
  • If you're under 18 years old, you must also submit a Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) along with your application your parent/guardian should wait to sign it at the Driver License Center.
• Pass a knowledge exam and vision screening.
• Pay the applicable fee based on your age:
  • Permit + first 4-year license (under 65 years old): $35.50
  • Permit + first 2-year license (65 and older): $25

No, you will not need to take a vision test at the Driver License Center unless your notice states so.

Yes, you mayrenew by mail if your notice states that you're eligible to do so. Fill out and sign your renewal notice and include payment for your renewal fee. Note that once you receive your camera card in the mail, you'll still need to visit a Driver License and Photo License center to obtain your photo license.

Most drivers can renew online, and PennDOT highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal.

To renew online, you will need your Invitation to Renew (form DL60A/DL60R), as well as information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This may include:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $30.50 4-year renewal fee (or $20 for a 2-year renewal if you're 65 years old or older).

To renew by mail, you will need your renewal notice, plus all items listed on your form.

To renew in person, you will need:

• Your Invitation to Renew (form DL60A/DL60R) or a completed renewal application.
• Your current driver's license, plus:
  • Any additional identity documents stated on your notice.
  • Additional documents if you're upgrading to a REAL ID.
• Any glasses or contact lenses, if applicable.
• Payment for the $30.50 4-year renewal fee (or $20 for a 2-year renewal if you're 65 years old or older).

You can renew your PA driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Pennsylvania expire every 4 years.

Renewal fees vary by your age:

• Under 65 years old: $30.50 (4-year renewal)
• 65 years old and up: $20 (2-year renewal)

Only your licensed supervising driver may be in the vehicle along with you and the examiner.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity and residency, plus payment for your license fee.

The Pennsylvania permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Pennsylvania Driver Handbook, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test.

Check your local branch office's hours to see if a PennDOT Driver License Center near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Yes, all drivers regardless of age must first obtain a Pennsylvania learner's permit.

Schedule an appointment online and a time convenient for you.

Your next steps depend on whether you're a minor (under 18 years old) or an adult (18 or older).

If you're under 18, you'll need to:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a junior license.
• Complete at least 65 hours of adult-supervised driving practice with your parent or guardian.

If you're 18 or older, you only need to practice driving as long as you feel comfortable before scheduling your road test for your driver's license.

You can take your exam at your local PennDOT Driver License Center.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you feel comfortable coming back for a retest. You're allowed a total of 3 attempts to pass.

Your examiner will give you instructions on when you'll be eligible to retake your driving test.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, the examiner will return your application to you, and you'll receive instructions on when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Pennsylvania, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days.

No, you will need to exchange your out-of-state permit for a Pennsylvania learner's permit, including taking the PA knowledge test.

You do not need to take a road test if your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license is still valid, or expired no more than 6 months. You may be required to take a road test if your out-of-state license is expired for over 6 months, or if you have a learner license that you're looking to exchange for a full driver license.

You must obtain a Pennsylvania license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must score an 83% or better to pass your written test.

There are 18 questions on the permit exam. You must answer 15 correctly.

No, you must take your exam in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center.

You can miss 3 questions on the exam.