Pro tip: Maneuvering through Pennsylvania's historical regions and modern highways demands adept driving skills. Explore our resources on manual gear driving and efficient parallel parking. Develop your ability to reverse into parking spots and carry out three-point turns. Correct mirror placement is vital; ensure your mirrors are adjusted properly. Our Online Driving Simulator provides realistic driving practice, and for international motorists, learn about Pennsylvania's international driver's license policies.
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You may find a list of acceptable documents on the other side of DL-180.
$35.50 by check or money order. Cash and credit cards are not accepted. The fee covers both the permit and license.
At this time, you may start your behind-the-wheel practice. If you are younger than 18 years of age, you will be encouraged to schedule your road test at this time for 6 months from the date your permit was issued. If you don’t feel confident enough before the test, you can always reschedule.
Your permit will be valid for one year. If more practice is needed, this time may be extended.
Go to How to Get Your Adult Driver's License if you are 18 years of age or older.
Go to How to Get Your Junior Driver's License if you are younger than 18.
If you have a learner's permit and are younger than 18 years of age, you may apply for junior driver's license. It allows you to drive on your own but with several restrictions that are lifted when you turn 18:
DOT encourages you to schedule as early as possible for 6 months from the date your permit was issued. You may schedule online or by phone : 1-800-423-5542. It is also possible to schedule with a third-party business for an extra fee or an eligible high school.
Use this time to learn how to drive and prepare for the road test.
You parent/guardian will be required to certify that these 65 hours include 10 night time driving hours and 5 hours of driving in poor weather conditions.
For the road test, provide the following:
The vehicle you bring for the test must be in good order. The test will check your ability to drive safely. Read about the road test procedure here. If you fail the test, you will have to wait 7 days to retake it. You may take the road test up to 3 times.
For the road test, provide the following:
Make sure you have the following before you arrive:
You must be accompanied by a driver who is at least 21 years of age (if it's your spouse, he/she must be at least 18 years of age). The person accompanying you will be required to show a valid driver's license.
The car you bring for the test must be in good condition. The following features will be checked before the test:
Be prepared to show your ability to operate vehicle controls. You must be able to show how to operate the following:
This is when you must show that you can drive safely and follow traffic rules. The examiner will sit next to you and give you directions and ask for specific maneuvers . Only you and the examiner are allowed in your car.
You will have to demonstrate the following:
Critical Driving Errors
You will fail the test if you
The examiner will let you know if you pass or fail at the end of the test. If you pass, you will have to visit a photo license center, where you will get a 15-day temporary license. Your permanent license will be mailed to you in 15 days.
If you fail the road test, you will have to wait at least one day to retake it if you are older than 18 years of age. If you are under 18, you will have to wait at least 7 days before your next attempt. You have 3 attempts to take the test. If you fail for the third time, you will be asked to apply for the learner's permit extension.
You become a resident of Pennsylvania for driving license purposes when you move here with the intention of making it your permanent home and you make it your permanent base of operations.
To convert your out-of-state driver’s license, you will have to visit a Driver License Center DMV in person, bring documentation, and pass a vision-screening test. Note that you won’t be able to transfer your out-of-state license if it expired more than 6 months ago.
You may download Form DL-180R here.
Visit one of the Driver License Centers. You can find a location close to you using this map.
You may find a list of acceptable documents on the other side of DL-180R.
$30.50 by check or money order. Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
The vision standard is 20/40 in at least one eye with or without glasses.
If you have a valid foreign driver's license, you may drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year from your date of your entry into the United States, or upon expiration of your foreign license, whichever comes first. International driving permits are recommended, but not required.
After that, you will have to apply for a learner's permit and driver's license.
Check how to apply for the learner's permit here
Check how to apply for the driver's license here.
Check the list of documents required for Non-United States citizens.
