Pennsylvania driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

16 years old; you cannot apply before your 16th birthday.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Fee for initial permit and first license

$45.50 covers the initial learner's permit and the four-year license.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Knowledge test questions

18 multiple-choice questions.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Passing score

15 of 18 correct (about 83%).Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Retake after failing the knowledge test

You can try again the next business day; only one attempt per day at any location.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Knowledge test languages

Written and audio, on request at all Driver License Centers: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cambodian, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Mandinka, Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Appointment for the knowledge test

Not needed; walk in to a Driver License Center.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Appointment for the road test

Required; book online or by phone. Same-day road tests cannot be booked.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

What to bring for a first permit

Completed form DL-180 with the medical section filled in by a health care provider; form DL-180TD (parent/guardian consent) if under 18; original proof of birth date and identity; signed Social Security card; the fee; glasses or contacts if you wear them.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Physical exam (DL-180)

A health care provider must complete the back of form DL-180; the form is good for one year from the exam date.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

How long the permit lasts

One year.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Practice required under 18

65 hours behind the wheel, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather, plus a six-month wait from permit issue.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Road test attempts

Three tries per permit; under 18 must wait seven days after a failed road test.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Deadline for new residents

Get a PA license within 60 days of becoming a resident.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Tests for new residents

Vision screening required; no knowledge test if you hold a valid out-of-state license (or one expired six months or less).Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

License validity

Four years; drivers 65 and older may choose a two-year renewal.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Online renewal

Available when nothing changes other than your address.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Renewal fee

$39.50 for a four-year renewal.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$42.50.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

REAL ID basics

Optional in Pennsylvania. Costs a one-time $30 on top of the standard renewal fee. Needs one identity/lawful status document, one Social Security document, and two proofs of PA address.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

REAL ID fee

One-time $30 plus the standard renewal fee.Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

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