How to Get a Pennsylvania Driver's License Over 18

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Pennsylvania, getting your Pennsylvania-state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Keystone State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Pennsylvania requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Pennsylvania license. This article will help you navigate the Pennsylvania licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Pennsylvania Driver’s License:

• Apply for a Pennsylvania Instruction Permit
• Pass the Knowledge Test
• Practice driving!
• Pass the Pennsylvania Behind-the-Wheel Test

Do You Need a Pennsylvania Permit as an Adult?

First time drivers over 18 need a Pennsylvania permit. License applicants, regardless of age, who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must first apply for a Pennsylvania Driving Permit. This includes first time drivers who are 18 years of age or older. It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom and practical driver’s education course to both ensure safety on the road.

How to Get a Permit in Pennsylvania

New drivers must apply in-person for a Learner’s Permit at a PennDOT Driver License Center. You must ensure that you complete your permit application form (DL-180) before visiting a Driver License Center to submit your documentation. This includes obtaining a physical examination and signature from a licensed health care provider attesting to your fitness as it relates to your ability to operate a motor vehicle. No appointments are necessary for the Learner’s Permit application process.

Print Your Application & Visit a Health Care Provider

Print Your Application

Before you arrive at the Driver License Center, you will need to print out and complete a “Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application.” This form may be found on the PennDOT Website.

Visit a Health Care Provider 

Pennsylvania requires that all permit applicants, regardless of age, obtain the signature of a licensed health care provider attesting to their physical and mental fitness to drive. You must make this appointment with your health provider and obtain the signature BEFORE visiting a Driver License Center. Pennsylvania allows for the following medical professionals to submit their signature and license number on an application:

• M.D. (Medical Doctor)
• D.O. (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine)
• C.R.N.P. (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner)
• P.A. (Physician Assistant)
• D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractor)

Visit the Driver License Center

In order to complete the learner’s permit application process, you will need to visit a PennDOT Driver’s License Center. After completing your preliminary online application, you may use this website to help you locate the most convenient, local PennDOT office.

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the PennDOT Office. These will include:

• Your completed Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180) 
• Proof of date of birth and identification
• These documents may include a birth certificate or a Passport
• What’s the difference between a RealID and a Federal Non-Compliant ID? Read more here.
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency
• These documents may include a vehicle registration card, W-2 form, or lease agreement
• Signed, physical Social Security card
• Payment for any application fees. Note, PennDOT will accept ATM/debit card, credit card, check, or money order.

You will also be required to have your photo taken and pass a vision exam and written exam (knowledge test).

The Vision Exam

PennDOT uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.

How Many Questions are on the Pennsylvania Permit Test?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit. The written test is based on information found in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 18 questions on the permit test. You need to answer at least 15 correctly in order to pass your test.

Each question on the Knowledge Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 83% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and receive your Learner’s Permit. Note that applicants 18 and older are not required to wait in between attempts at the knowledge test, but must revisit a Driver License Center for each attempt.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

Getting Your Learner’s Permit

After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will be issued your Learner’s Permit. For your permit to be valid, you must sign the document. Be certain you inspect your permit for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the PennDOT office.

Can You Practice With a Permit in Pennsylvania?

Instruction permits are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of an instruction permit to any driver who is 18 and over. Permit holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their instruction permit, as long as that permit remains valid.

Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Learner’s Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 21 years of age or older (18 or over if the accompanying driver is a parent, guardian, or spouse) holding a valid driving license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from the PennDOT Driver License Center.

Pennsylvania does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of driver training or minimum hours behind the wheel. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor before attempting your road test.

Taking the Road Test in Pennsylvania

Before making your road test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. Note, that you also have the option of taking your Road Test with a Certified Third-Party Examiner for a market-driven fee.

Before you set off for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:

• Valid, signed Learner’s Permit
• Vehicle registration and proof of Pennsylvania insurance
• Pennsylvania license of an accompanying driver who is 21 or older
• An accompanying driver must be present in the passenger seat at all times prior to the road test. The Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.

Remember! You will be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. You will also be required to demonstrate the arm signals for left, right, and stop.

Getting Your Full Pennsylvania Driver’s License

Once you pass your road test, you will be issued a temporary license which will serve as your full driving license until your permanent license arrives in the mail. Don't forget to sign your temporary license! Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restriction on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Pennsylvania licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with PennDOT. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road!