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How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit
You must obtain a learner’s permit before you operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. You will need to take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests to get your driver’s license. The Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180) is valid for one (1) year from the date of your physical examination; however, the physical examination date may not be more than six (6) months prior to your 16th birthday
Before being eligible for your new Pennsylvania driver's license, you will first need a learner's permit IF:
- You have never held a driver's license.
OR - You have an out-of-state driver's license that has been expired for more than 6 months.
Your learner's permit will allow you to learn to drive while accompanied by a licensed driver. You cannot drive unaccompanied.
Apply for a Learner's Permit
You must apply in person at a PennDOT office You will need:
- A completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit application (Form DL-180).
- You will need to have a medical examination completed and documented on the form.
- A check or money order payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" for:
- $35.50 (permit fee).
- Your Social Security card.
- 1 document proving your identity; for example:
- Your birth certificate (must have a raised seal).
- Your unexpired U.S. passport.
- Your U.S. citizenship certificate.
- 2 documents showing proof of PA residency (only required if you’re 18 years old or above), which may include your:
- Recent utility bill.
- Mortgage document or lease agreement.
- Tax document, such as a W-2 form.
For a complete list of acceptable documents, see PennDOT's : Identification and Residency Requirements For U.S. Citizens
- Parent or Guardian Consent Form (Form DL-180TD), signed by your parent/guardian
- To have your photo taken.
At the PennDOT branch, you will need to pass a:
- Vision screening.
- Written knowledge exam.
Pass The Written Test On Your First Try
To help prepare you for the written exam the DOT has included a basic practice test in the Pennsylvania Driver Manual. If you want to ensure passing on your first attempt, you can purchase and study an online practice test from a certified partner of DMV.org.
Your Pennsylvania learner's permit will be valid for 1 year.
What do I need to get a full PA driver's license?
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You will need:
- A completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit application (Form DL-180).
- A check or money order payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" for $30.50 for 4 years
- Your Social Security card.
- 1 document proving your identity; for example: Birth certificate with raised seal, Valid US Passport, Certificate of US Citizenship
- 2 documents showing proof of PA residency, which may include your current utility bill, lease agreement or mortgage document, W-2 form
- To have your photo taken
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, with support from State Farm, offers this resource for parents to Utilize when teaching their teen to drive (attached).