Pennsylvania Driver’s License Requirements

You need your learner’s permit, a road test, and a physical exam to get your license in Pennsylvania.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get a
Pennsylvania
driver’s license, you’ll need a valid learner’s permit, a physical exam, and a passing score on your road test. You must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age to get a driver’s license.
Nothing is more freeing than being issued your driver’s license and knowing you can
hit the open road
. If only it was such a breeze to get there—the process of getting a license is different in every state, which can make it confusing.
Luckily, the
car insurance
shopping genius
Jerry
is here to cover all the details you need to know to get a driver’s license in the state of Pennsylvania. Plus, we've got some tips to help you save money on
Pennsylvania car insurance costs
.

What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Pennsylvania?

You’ll need to be at least 16 years and six months of age to receive a driver’s license in Pennsylvania. You’ll also need to review the
Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual
and obtain an exam from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor. 
Once you’ve checked those boxes, the next step is to prove your identity and your residency status at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver and Vehicle Services. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:
  • Proof of identification: one item from
    List A
    , such as your birth certificate or passport
  • Proof of residency: tax forms, lease records, or other options from
    List B
  • Your Social Security card
 Your physician will document any mental or physical impairments that may affect your ability to drive on your DL-180 form.

What are the requirements for young drivers? 

Teen drivers under 18 will have to take a couple of extra steps in addition to getting their learner’s permit. Once you obtain your learner’s permit at 16 years of age, you will need to hold it for six months before being eligible to get your license.
 You will need to complete 65 hours of adult-supervised driving practice before you can receive your license. Of these hours, 10 hours need to be completed at night, and five hours need to be logged in bad weather.
 You will also need to bring a
DL-180TD form
with you when you go to the DMV to obtain your learner’s permit.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers? 

You will have 60 days to get your Pennsylvania driver’s license after moving into the state. You do not need to transfer your license if you are a college student or in the military and do not plan to become a permanent resident.
 If you are a new Pennsylvania resident, you will need to appear in person at a
Driver’s License Center
and take the following steps:
You’ll also pay a fee of $30.50 for a four-year license if you are under 65 years old. If you are over 65, the fee is $20.00, but the license is only valid for two years.
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How to get a driver’s license in Pennsylvania

For new drivers: get lessons or take a course

The first step for any driver seeking a license in Pennsylvania, regardless of age, is to receive a learner’s permit. Once you have the permit in hand, you will need to be supervised by a licensed adult while driving.
Driver’s education isn’t mandatory in Pennsylvania, but you can enroll in a driving school if you want to supplement your skills. 

Vision test

If you do not have your vision tested at your eye doctor, it will be tested at PennDOT.
Drivers need to have at least a 20/40 vision to drive without corrections. If a driver needs corrections, that’s fine—they just need to meet or exceed the 20/40 vision threshold while wearing them.

Knowledge exam

You’ll need to pass the knowledge exam to get your learner’s permit. You can go online to
find a center
and get a testing date lined up. The state of Pennsylvania recommends studying the
Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual
to pass the exam.

Get a physician exam

A physical exam needs to be completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor. You will need to have your provider complete the
DL-180 form
.

Road test

The last step in getting your Pennsylvania driver’s license is taking the road test. You can
schedule the test online
or by calling (717) 412-5300. You will need to bring a licensed driver and a road-ready car with you to your test.
Don’t forget to bring the following to your road test so you can obtain your license:
  • Your valid learner’s permit
  • Parent or guardian
    form DL-180C
    if you are under 18
  • Proof of vehicle insurance
  • Accompanying driver’s valid driver’s license 

How to save money on car insurance in Pennsylvania

You thought the day would never come, but here we are—you got your Pennsylvania driver’s license! Before you set off into the sunset, you’ll need to make sure your
car insurance
meets Pennsylvania’s minimum requirements. Thankfully, there’s an app for that.
 Download the
Jerry
app, enter your information, and choose from one of many quotes selected just for you from 50+ top insurance companies. This only takes Jerry's
trustworthy super app
a couple of minutes, and once you’ve made your pick, Jerry finishes all the paperwork so you don’t have to! 
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FAQs

You will need proof of identity and residency, a DL-180 form, and your Social Security card to get your Pennsylvania license.
For your initial permit and four-year license, the fee is $35.50.
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