Licensing & State Laws

To get your driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you’ll move through three licensing stages. As you progress, you’ll also need your parents’ permission at each step. 

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 on the licensing process, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.