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How to Get Your Pennsylvania Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with PennDOT directly.

Under 18 (Junior License)

  1. Get a physical exam

    A licensed health care provider (doctor, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, or chiropractor) must sign off on your fitness to drive before you apply.

  2. Apply for your learner's permit

    At a PennDOT Driver License Center: pass a vision test and the 18-question written knowledge test (at least 83% to pass).

    • Completed application
    • Physical exam certification

  3. Log 65 hours of supervised driving

    Including at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in poor weather. A parent or guardian certifies the hours on PennDOT form DL-180C.

    • DL-180C supervised driving certification

  4. Hold the permit at least 6 months

    You must hold the learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before taking the road test.

  5. Pass the road test

    Once the holding period and supervised hours are complete, pass the road test to receive your Junior license.

  6. Follow Junior license restrictions

    No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or spouse 17 or older is in the car. For the first 6 months, only one passenger under 18 is allowed; after 6 months, up to three.

  7. Upgrade to unrestricted before 18 (optional), or automatically at 18

    You can remove the restrictions early by maintaining a crash- and conviction-free record for 12 months and completing an approved driver's education course (30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel), then submitting form DL-59 with a parent/guardian consent affidavit. Otherwise, the Junior license automatically converts to a full, unrestricted license at 18.

18 and Older

  1. Get a physical exam

    A licensed health care provider must sign off on your fitness to drive before you apply.

  2. Apply for your learner's permit

    Complete the DL-180 application and apply in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center — no driver's education course is required at this age.

    • Completed DL-180 application
    • Physical exam certification

  3. Pass the vision and knowledge test

    The 18-question written knowledge test requires at least 83% correct to pass.

  4. Practice with a supervising licensed driver

    No minimum logged hours or driver training is required at this age, but you must always have a licensed driver 21 or older (18+ if they're your parent, guardian, or spouse) in the front passenger seat while driving on the permit.

  5. Take the road test whenever you're ready

    There's no mandatory waiting period for applicants 18 and older — you can test as soon as you feel prepared.

  6. Receive your full license

    You receive a full, unrestricted Pennsylvania license immediately upon passing.

Notes

  • Exact application fees change over time — confirm the current amount on the PennDOT website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-08