Get Your Learner's Permit
You must be at least 16 years old to get your learner's permit. Pennsylvania law requires you first to complete an approved driver education program. The course may be completed in a traditional classroom or online. Once you receive your Certificate of Completion, you can take the DMV written permit exam at the DMV. Once you have a permit, you may start driving under the supervision of an adult.
View the complete process on the DMV's website.
Get Your Driver's License
If you are under 18 and would like to get your driver's license, Pennsylvania law requires you to log 65 hours of supervised driving with a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older. Five hours must be during inclement weather and 10 hours must be at night.
Junior Driver's License:
Once you've completed your behind-the-wheel training hours, you can schedule your road test with PennDOT and move on to your Junior Driver's License. You must be at least 16 years old and have had your learner's permit for at least six months.
- You can drive unsupervised during non-restricted hours and to/from work or volunteer service.
- You can drive supervised between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m with a parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old or a spouse who is at least 18 years old.
- During the first six months of your Junior Driver's License, you are restricted to only one passenger younger than 18 years old. After six months, you can only carry up to three passengers younger than 18 years old. These restrictions are waived if your passengers are your immediate family members or you are accompanied by your parent or guardian.
View the complete process on the DMV's website.
Senior Driver's License (regular license):
- 17 1/2 years old with the completion of an approved driver's ed course, held a Junior Driver's License for one year, and have no accidents or convictions. Your Junior Driver's License will automatically become a Senior Driver's license when you turn 18 years old.
- 18 years old without taking drivers ed and have no accidents or convictions.
