Pennsylvania Driving Permit

The Graduated Driver’s License Program

The State of Pennsylvania takes extra precautions when it comes to young drivers (meaning those under 18 years old). Their Graduated Driver’s License Program is designed to help young driver safely become fully licensed drivers. Basically, in order to go from permit to junior license, young drivers need to:

• 1. Pass an approved Drivers Education Program.
• 2. Complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training with the appropriate supervision.
• 3. Hold a permit for at least six months.
• 4. Apply for a junior license.

STEP 1 – Take Drivers Ed

If you just want your junior driver’s license, you are not required to take Drivers Ed. However, if you want to get your regular license before you turn 18, you must successfully complete an approved Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Drivers Ed course.

STEP 2 – Get Your Learner’s Permit

To apply for a permit:

1. To make things easier for yourself, you can schedule a written test through the online appointment setter. Please visit PennDot's Teen Driver's Info Center and select "Schedule Your Driver's Test” or call 1-800-423-5542 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Or if you prefer you can simply go to your nearest Driver License Center.

2. You will need to have your doctor sign a Form DL-180 stating that you are healthy enough to drive.

3. Your parents/guardian must complete a consent Form DL-180TD

4. When you go to take your written test, be sure to bring:

• a. Proof of identity (which is listed on of the DL-180) These forms must be originals or certified copies.
• b. Your LAMINATED Social Security card (if it's unlaminated, it's unacceptable)
• c. A check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee. Cash is not accepted.

5. Be ready to take a vision and a Knowledge Test. It's a good idea to take some Practice Tests.

6. Pay your fees with a check or money order made payable to PennDOT (cash is not accepted).

After successful completion of the vision screening and Pennsylvania’s knowledge test, the examiner will give you a learner’s permit that is valid for 1 year. Upon receipt of your learner’s permit, you may begin to practice driving.

And Remember The Learner's Permit Driving Restrictions

• Permits are valid for one year. Permit holders who are younger than 18 may only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, or a licensed spouse or guardian who is at 18 least years old. Driving supervisors must ride in the front seat.
• Additionally, you can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless your licensed parent, guardian, or spouse is with you.

STEP 1 – Practice Behind the Wheel

Before applying for your Junior License:

• If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must accumulate 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training from an approved supervisor (parent, guardian, or driving school.)
• You must also hold your permit for six months.
• And even if you are older than that, it is recommended that you get a significant amount of driving experience before attempting to apply for your license.

When you’ve meet the criteria mentioned above and are finally ready….

STEP 2 – Take the Driving Test

After you have waited the mandatory 6 months from your permit issue date:

• 1. Schedule a road test by making an appointment online or by calling 1-800-423-5542.
• 2. Make sure you bring:

  a. Your learner's permit.

  b. Your Form DL-180C that verifies you've completed at least 50 hours of driving experience.

  c. The registration and proof of insurance for the car you’ll be using to take the road test.

• 3. Make sure the licensed driver who brought you to the Driver License Center brings his license.

Once you pass the road test, you’ll be given a camera card that you’ll need to take to a Photo License Center. They will take your picture and issue you your junior driver's license.

Please Note:  If you fail the road test, you must wait seven days before you may try again. You will get three chances to pass the test before you’ll have to apply for a permit extension with Form DL-31.

Getting Your Regular License

When you turn 18 years of age, your original junior driver’s license will automatically become a regular license. However, if you want to apply for a regular driver’s license BEFORE YOU TURN 18, you must have:

• Passed a state-approved driver's education class.
• Held your junior license for at least one year.
• A clean driving record.
• The consent of your parents or guardians.

You will also need to complete:

• Form DL-59 - Application From Junior Driver’s License to Regular Driver’s License.
• Form DL-180TD - a Parent or Guardian Consent form (if you're younger than 18).

• You may only drive alone between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Outside of these hours, you may only drive with a licensed spouse, parent, or guardian. Or, if it's for work, charity, or volunteer purposes, and you have the appropriate certificate of authorization with you. Call PennDOT at (800) 932-4600 for more information.

We don’t mean to scare you but consider this – MOST new drivers fail their DMV Written Exam the first time they try it.  So, BEAT THE STATISTICS!  Here’s how.

We offer state-specific Practice Test Packages that can help you beat the odds and pass your written exam the very first time. Written by professional instructors, these packages are designed to TEACH you what you need to know to succeed. Use it to review all the questions one at a time or to generate realistic exams - or do both. Any way you look at it - practice makes perfect. And with I DRIVE SAFELY Permit Practice test, you're bound to come out a winner with your permit in hand