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  • 16Youngest age to applyp. 1
  • 15 of 18To pass the knowledge testp. 5
  • 6 monthsBefore the road testp. 2
  • 65 hoursOf practice (under 18)p. 2

Step by step

  1. Fill in the application and get a physical

    Complete the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180). Your health care provider fills in the back, no earlier than six months before your 16th birthday. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 1)

  2. Under 18: parent or guardian consent

    A parent, guardian or spouse aged 18 or older completes the consent form (DL-180TD). If they can't come with you, they sign it in front of a notary. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 1)

  3. Bring your documents to a Driver License Center

    Bring originals, not photocopies:

    • Your completed application (and consent form, if under 18)
    • Proof of your date of birth and identity
    • Your Social Security card
    • 18 or older: two proofs of where you live, such as utility bills or a lease

    (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 1)

  4. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

    If your provider didn't test your vision, the center will. The knowledge test has 18 questions on signs, laws and safe driving, and you need 15 right. Then you get your permit, good for one year. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 1–2, 5)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner's permit

  • A licensed driver aged 21 or older, or a licensed parent, guardian or spouse aged 18 or older, rides in the front seat at all times. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 2–3)
  • Under 18: no more passengers than there are seat belts. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 2–3)

If you don't pass

You can take the knowledge test once a day. If you fail, you can try again the next business day; keep your forms, as you need them each time. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 2, 5)

What comes next

After six months with the permit and 65 hours of practice (including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather), certified on form DL-180C, you can take the road test for a junior license. (Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, p. 2, 5)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Pennsylvania practice exam: 18 questions, 15 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95 (4-21)), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 4 higher.