• About Us
  • Help Center
  • Trending
  • Redeem Code
  • Log In
I Drive Safely We build safer drivers
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Log In
  • Tickets & Violations
    • Defensive Driving
    • Driver Improvement
    • Traffic School
  • Drivers Ed
  • Driving Lessons
  • Driver Reference Center
  • Trending
Home > Drivers Ed > Pennsylvania > How to get your Pennsylvania drivers license
Teen girl driving her car in Pennsylvania
 

Pennsylvania Drivers Education

The Fast, Easy Way to Get Your PA Learners Permit!

  • Online, so you can take it just about anywhere
  • Set your own study schedule
  • Approved by the state of Pennsylvania
  • Final exam retakes at no extra cost
  • Watch and listen to fun and interactive content

Take this course with our partner DriversEd.com industry leader in Drivers Ed.

Register Now

Special Offer
mcafeesecure
Trust seal - Better Business Bureau
Trustpilot

What Our Students Say

Over 16,000 Reviews | 94% of reviews are 4 stars or higherOver 16,000 Reviews
94% of reviews are 4 stars or higher
It was great

It was great. The videos made sure I didn’t get bored with the material and kept me focused on learning.

male iconChris

I got high scores!

Very helpful and informative. Easy to follow and understand. Well crafted and user-friendly. i got high scores too!

female iconSonny J

Good easy course

Took the course that included videos. It was easy and printed out my certificate as soon as I was done.

male iconRalf

Course Details
  • Drivers Ed Course Details

  • PA Drivers License Guide

  • Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get Your Pennsylvania Drivers License

Getting your first Pennsylvania drivers license can be incredibly exciting…and incredibly confusing. I Drive Safely is here to make things simpler for you with a step-by-step guide to navigating the licensing process. Just follow these directions to go from drivers ed all the way to your license.

Steps to Getting Your Pennsylvania Drivers Permit

  • STEP 1: Pass an approved Pennsylvania drivers education program
  • STEP 2: Get your Pennsylvania learners permit
  • STEP 3: Be in possession of your learners permit for a minimum of 6 months
  • STEP 4: Apply for a Pennsylvania junior license

STEP 1: Pass an approved Pennsylvania drivers ed program

If you wish to get your regular drivers license before your 18th birthday, you need to take and pass an approved Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) drivers ed course.

STEP 2: Get your Pennsylvania learners permit

To apply for a permit:

  1. To make things easier on yourself, you can schedule a written test through the online appointment setter. Please visit the PennDOT Teen Driver’s Info Center and select “Schedule Your Driver’s Test” or call (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 DL-180 form 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:
    • Proof of identity (which is listed on the DL-180). These forms must be originals or certified copies.
    • Your Social Security card (must not be laminated).
    • A check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee. Cash is not accepted.
  5. Be ready to take both a vision and a knowledge test. It’s a good idea to take some practice tests.
  6. Pay your fees.

* Not Sure You’re Ready to Take the Permit Exam?

Consider this: most new drivers fail their PennDOT 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’s permit practice test, you’re bound to come out a winner with your permit in hand.

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

STEP 3: Be in possession of your learners permit for a minimum of 6 months

During this time, you’ll do your behind-the-wheel training in preparation to get your drivers license.

Remember the rules for driving with a learners permit:

  • Your permit is valid for 1 year. Minors (individuals under the age of 18) who hold permits may only drive with a supervising adult in the front seat. This supervisor must be over the age of 21 and a licensed driver, or a spouse or guardian that is licensed and a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • You may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a driving supervisor is with you.

Step 4: Apply for a Pennsylvania Junior License

There’s a few steps involved with this process as well.

Step 1: Get Behind-the-Wheel Experience

Before applying for your junior license:

  • 16 and 17-year-olds are required to accrue 65 hours of behind-the-wheel training while supervised by a licensed adult. Of those hours, 10 must be at night, and 5 must be during inclement weather. 
  • You must have your permit for at least 6 months.
  • Even if you are over 16 or 17 years of age, it’s wise to get as much behind-the-wheel experience as possible before applying for your license.

When you’ve met 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:

  • Make an appointment for a road test, either online or by calling (800) 423-5542. Make sure you bring:
    • Your learners permit
    • The DL-180C form, which confirms that you’ve had at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
    • The registration and proof of insurance for the car you’ll be using to take your driving exam
    • It’s imperative that the licensed driver who brings you to your appointment brings his/her 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.

Remember the Rules for Driving with a Junior Drivers License:

  • Driving alone is only permitted from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Outside of the above hours, you must drive with a licensed parent, guardian, or spouse.

There are exceptions to these rules. If you are driving because of school, work, charity, or volunteer purposes and are in possession of the corresponding certificate of authorization, the rules may be different. You should contact PennDOT by calling (800) 932-4600 for more information.

Getting Your Regular License

When you turn 18 years of age, your original junior drivers license will automatically become a regular license. However, if you want to apply for a regular drivers license before your 18th birthday, you must have:

  • Passed a state-approved drivers education course
  • Been in possession of your junior drivers license for a minimum of 1 year
  • No points on your driving record
  • Parental consent, or the consent of a guardian

You will also need the following completed forms:

  • DL-59 Form: Application from Junior Drivers License to Regular Driver’s License
  • DL-180TD Form: Parent or Guardian Consent form if you’re a minor (under 18 years of age)

And that’s all there is to it! Once you’ve successfully completed all these steps, you’ll be the proud owner of a drivers license! Congratulations!

I Drive Safely Advantage

Trustpilot

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

It is important to us that you are satisfied with your purchase. If you change your mind about the course, we'll refund the full cost of the course purchased on our website within thirty (30) days of purchase and before you have attempted to complete the final examination (or the quiz of the last chapter, where applicable) or a certificate has been issued whichever comes first. No refunds will be issued for failure to pass the final examination. We will issue your refund within thirty (30) days of your request.

Please check the terms and conditions (you will find this at check out) as state specific policies may apply.

PayPal Logo
Amazon Payments
Credit Cards
McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
I Drive Safely LLC BBB Business Review
I Drive Safely

Products
  • Drivers Ed
  • Defensive Driving
  • Traffic School
  • Driver Improvement
Company Info
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Trending
About This Site
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sitemap

© 2021 · I Drive Safely® Top We Build Safer Drivers