Pennsylvania Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Pennsylvania learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official PennDOT pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: PennDOT — Applying for a Learner's Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Pennsylvania
- Complete form DL-180 and have the health-care provider section completed no earlier than 6 months before your 16th birthday
- Have a parent/guardian complete DL-180TD if you are under 18
- Bring documents and the applicable fee to a Driver License Center and pass the vision and knowledge tests
- Hold the learner's permit at least 6 months while completing 65 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather
- Pass the road test before the permit expires or before three failed road-test attempts require a permit extension/replacement application
Pennsylvania GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: A licensed driver 21+, or a parent/guardian/person in loco parentis/spouse 18+ with a license, must ride in the front seat
- Passenger rule: Drivers under 18 cannot have more passengers than the number of seat belts
Documents you'll need
- Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) with health-care provider section completed
- Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) if under 18
- Proof of date of birth and identification
- Signed Social Security card
- Applicable fee
The details
- Permit eligibility: Non-commercial learner's permit; PennDOT says you cannot apply before your 16th birthday
- Permit validity: 12 months
- Practice hour details: Includes at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather before the road test
- Knowledge test: 18 questions; 83% to pass; Web search: 18-question test, 15 correct (~83%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Pennsylvania?
You can get a learner's permit in Pennsylvania at 16. Non-commercial learner's permit; PennDOT says you cannot apply before your 16th birthday.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Pennsylvania?
You must hold your Pennsylvania permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Pennsylvania require?
Pennsylvania requires 65 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Pennsylvania permit test?
Right here — take a free Pennsylvania practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full PennDOT-format experience with a readiness score.
