Getting a Pennsylvania learner’s permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services page it came from. Last checked Nov 14, 2026.
Study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (free online, many languages).
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Fill out form DL-180 and have a health care provider complete the medical section on the back.
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian complete consent form DL-180TD.
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Go to a Driver License Center (no appointment) with original ID documents, your signed Social Security card and the fee.
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Pass the vision screening and the 18-question knowledge test (15 correct to pass).
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026Receive your learner's permit, valid for one year.
Source: pa.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- 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
More in the Pennsylvania guide
Official Pennsylvania links
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Studying for the Pennsylvania knowledge test?
Two free Pennsylvania practice tests and a 10-question readiness check. No sign-up.
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