How to get a Pennsylvania Driver's License
- Pennsylvania Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
PA Driver's License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your PA Driver's Permit
You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Pennsylvania Junior Drivers License.
If this is your first driver's license or your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to apply for a Pennsylvania learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test to receive a PA drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 65 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Pennsylvania practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Pennsylvania Residents
New residents of Pennsylvania who hold a valid driver's license from another state in the United States must get a Pennsylvania Driver's License within 60 days after moving to PA and surrender their out-of-state driver's license and/or ID card.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a PA driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
Out of state learner's permits cannot be transferred to PA.
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired more than six months ago, you will be required to apply for a Pennsylvania learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
International Drivers
Pennsylvania honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of one year. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for a PA learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Pennsylvania DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted License (16 to 17 years of age) valid for 4 years.
- Full driver's license (18 and older) valid for 4 years.
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
