Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Pennsylvania. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Pennsylvania who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. Undergo a physical examination, and have your medical provider complete the Medical Qualification Certificate on the Non-commercial Learner's Permit Application, Form DL-180.
3. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain a parental consent form, Form DL-180TD, and have it completed and signed by your parent or guardian.
4. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
5. The completed Form DL-180 and Form DL-180TD (if under 18).
6. Proof of identity and Pennsylvania residency, as specified on the back of Form DL-180. Proof of residency is not required for applicants under 18. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
7. Your Social Security card.
8. Check or money order payable to PennDOT for the correct fee. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation does not accept cash.
9. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for one year. A learner's permit may be renewed for an additional one year at a cost of $5.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE RESTRICTED JUNIOR LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your learner's permit, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a junior license. The junior driver's license in Pennsylvania includes the following restrictions:

1. Junior drivers are not permitted to drive between 11 pm and 5 am.
2. A junior driver's license will be suspended for 90 days if the driver accumulates six points on his or her license, or is convicted of a high speed violation.
3. All drivers, including junior drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 17½ years old. A junior driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held a junior driver's license for at least one year.
2. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
4. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

For additional information about changing a junior driver's license to a regular, unrestricted Pennsylvania driver's license, see Application Form DL-59.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section,
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
• Learn more about Pennsylvania's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Pennsylvania, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.