Licensing & State Laws

Are you legally allowed to drive without supervision now? Learn more about Pennsylvania's three-stage licensing process.

Learner’s Permit

When you turn 16, you may apply for a learner’s permit. You will need to visit a state Driver’s License Center with your Social Security card, a completed medical clearance form, and a parent or guardian. After passing the vision and written exams, you will be issued a learner’s permit. 

• DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.

With a learner’s permit, you may only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, or a licensed spouse or guardian who is at 18 least years old, sitting in the front seat. You may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a licensed parent, guardian, or spouse. You are required to practice driving for at least 50 hours (65 hours, including 10 hours at night and 5 hours of inclement weather, beginning December 24, 2011), with a parent or a legal guardian, before they’re allowed a junior license. Learner’s permits are valid for one year.

Junior License

At age 16 and 6 months, you may obtain a junior license after having held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months. You must bring a form verifying that you have completed the required practice driving time. You must make a road test appointment (done online at www.dmv.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-423-5542).

With a junior license, you may drive unsupervised between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Outside of these hours, you may drive if accompanied by a parent, guardian or spouse. Exceptions are granted for work, charity and volunteer activities. Beginning December 24, 2011, during the first 6 months of holding a junior driver’s license, a teen may not drive with more than 1 unrelated passenger under age 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. After the first 6 months, teens may not drive with more than 3 unrelated passengers under 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Full License

At age 17 1/2, you are eligible for a full unrestricted license if you have held a junior license for six months and have taken a certified driver education course. Without driver education, you can get an unrestricted license at age 18.

For more information, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Additional resources:

• Parent-Teen Driving Agreement – Signing a formal agreement with your parents helps in many ways..
• DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.
• Driver-ZED – Offered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Driver-ZED is a computer-based program to help you practice driving on your PC.