Get your first driver's license in Pennsylvania

Online or in person

No, in person · At least two visitsPennDOT's permit page describes applying in person at a Driver License Center. You can schedule the road test online or by phone, and take a sample knowledge test online. One at a Driver License Center for the knowledge test and permit, one for the road test. The road test needs an appointment.

Cost

$45.50 permit and four-year licensePennDOT lists "Initial Permit and Four-Year License: $45.50". No test fees are listed. A third-party skills tester charges its own fee. Driver License Centers take cards, checks or money orders, but no cash.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then a driver's licenseAt a Driver License Center you receive your license when you pass the road test.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) · all that apply
     Your health care provider completes the medical section on the back, no earlier than six months before your 16th birthday. Do not mail the form.
   • Proof of date of birth and identity · all that apply
     Originals only; photocopies are not accepted.
   • Social Security card · all that apply
     Bring your signed Social Security card.
   • Proof of Pennsylvania residency · 2 different documents
     Applicants 18 and older must present two proofs of residency.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill
     • W-2 form or tax records
     • Lease or mortgage documents
     • Current weapons permit (U.S. citizens only)
   • For the road test · all that apply
     Originals, not copies, or you will not be given the test.
     Show accepted documents

     • Your valid learner's permit
     • Registration card for the test vehicle
     • Proof the vehicle is currently insured
     • Valid driver's license of the person who comes with you (21 or older, or a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis or spouse 18 or older)
   • Glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them · all that apply
   • Payment · all that apply
     Debit or credit card, check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. No cash.

2. Get a physical on the DL-180

   Have your health care provider complete the medical section of the DL-180. If your vision was not tested there, the Driver License Center will test it.

   Get a learner's permit (PennDOT) ↗

3. Study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual

   The knowledge test covers signs, laws and safe driving from the manual. PennDOT also has a sample test.

   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PennDOT) ↗

4. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test: 18 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Pennsylvania practice test

5. Pass the knowledge test at a Driver License Center

   You can apply from your 16th birthday. The test has 18 multiple-choice questions and you need 15 correct. If you fail, you may retake it the next business day; only one try per day. You then get a learner's permit valid for one year.

   Testing (PA Driver's Manual) ↗

6. Practice with a qualified supervisor

   Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older, or a licensed parent, guardian, person in loco parentis or spouse 18 or older, in the front seat.

7. Schedule and pass the road test

   An appointment is required; schedule online or by phone. PennDOT's Get a Driver's License page gives 717-412-5300; the Driver's Manual gives 1-800-423-5542 for people without internet access. The examiner checks the vehicle first. PennDOT-certified third-party businesses can also give the same test for their own fee. At a Driver License Center, you receive your license when you pass.

   Testing (PA Driver's Manual) ↗