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Pennsylvania driver's license

Get your first license in Pennsylvania after moving to the US.

The short answer

Pennsylvania issues a driver's license after you pass the knowledge test and then the road test.1 A license from another US state can be transferred if it is valid or has been expired for six months or less.2 If you fail the knowledge test, you can take it again the following business day.3 A licensed driver who is at least 21 must come with you to the Driver License Center, and the examiner is your only passenger during the road test.4, 5 You bring the test vehicle yourself, and it must be registered, display a current inspection certificate and have insurance you can show at the site.6

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Pennsylvania and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. 5
    Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

Eligible non-citizens verified through SAVE receive a standard Pennsylvania driver's license or photo identification card.7

Foreign documents with no expiry date

Pennsylvania waives the knowledge test only for a valid driver's license from this or another state. A license issued by a foreign country does not qualify for the waiver, whatever its expiry date shows.8

  • With a foreign license you also take the road sign examination, which covers all standard road signs. Identifying two or more signs incorrectly fails the examination.9

If your license from another state has expired

It can be transferred if it is still valid or has been expired for six months or less.2

  • Expired for six months or less, it can be transferred without a knowledge test. Expired for more than six months, it cannot be transferred; you apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit on Form DL-180 and pass both the knowledge and skills tests.10

If you have no license to transfer

Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be transferred to Pennsylvania.11

  • Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be transferred. A license expired for more than six months cannot be transferred directly either; you apply for a Pennsylvania learner's permit and pass both the knowledge and skills tests.12

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

PennDOT is required by law to collect your Social Security number, height, and eye color under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code to minimize driver's license fraud. The Social Security number is not part of your public driver's record and will not be printed on your permit or license.13

Tests you take

Eye test

Every driver's license applicant must take a vision screening examination. The same screening applies to anyone changing license class, adding an endorsement, or removing a restriction, and to any driver whose vision the Department believes does not meet the visual standards.14

  • If your vision does not meet the standards at the counter, the examiner gives you a Report of Eye Examination Form (DL-102), and an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or family physician tests your vision and completes it.15

  • To qualify without a restriction, your combined vision must be 20/40 or better.16

  • You can have your vision screened in advance by your health care provider or optometrist, or at the Driver License Center during your visit. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them.17

Drive test

Every applicant for a non-commercial driver's license must take a driving examination, unless exempt from licensing under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1502. The examination is given in a vehicle representative of the class of vehicle you want to be licensed to operate.18

  • You need to take and pass the vision, knowledge and road tests to get your driver's license.1

Tries you get on the written test

If you fail, you can retake the test the following business day.3

Practice questions for the written test

The questions are taken from the latest edition of the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. An older edition is the wrong one to study.19

  • Publication 95 is the manual with the information you need to get a non-commercial Class C driver's license.20

  • PennDOT publishes the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual as Publication 95 (PUB 95).21

  • The Pennsylvania Driver's Manual is at pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual. A free sample knowledge test is at pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/test-your-knowledge — it is practice only and does not count toward the real test.22

  • You can download the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual online or listen to its audio version.23

  • PennDOT publishes an official PA Driver's License Practice Test App, available for Android on Google Play and for iOS on the Apple App Store.24

Using an interpreter

If you have trouble reading, or cannot read, you can ask to have the knowledge test read to you aloud. These voice tests are offered on request at all Driver License Centers across the commonwealth.25

  • The driver's manual has an audio version at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/pa-drivers-manual-audio, and every Driver License Center will read the knowledge test aloud if you ask.26

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

The licensed driver who supervises you must be at least 21 years old, or at least 18 if they are your spouse, parent, guardian, or a person acting in place of a parent. They must hold a license for the class of vehicle you are driving, occupy the seat beside you, and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.27

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

A driver with a valid driver's license must accompany you to the Driver License Center. That driver must be at least 21 years old, or at least 18 if they are your parent, guardian, person acting in place of a parent, or spouse.4

  • During the road test itself, the examiner is your only passenger.5

  • Before the test, while you drive on a learner's permit, a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old — or at least 18 and your parent, guardian, person acting in place of a parent, or spouse — must ride in the front seat with you at all times.28

The car and its insurance

You supply the vehicle for the driving examination. It must be representative of the class you applied for, properly registered, and displaying a current certificate of inspection, and you must also present proof of insurance for it at the site.6

Where to go

Who gives the tests

A PennDOT driver license center gives the skills test, and so do PennDOT-certified third-party businesses, which charge their own fee. The test is the same either way.29

Office locations

Pennsylvania lists its Driver License Center locations at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/find-a-location.30

Other states

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Sources

Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

  1. 1

    “You will need to take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road tests to get your driver's license.”

    pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-learners-permit

    Checked August 1, 2026

  2. 2

    “To get a PA Driver's License, surrender your out-of-state license. It must be valid or expired for six months or less.”

    pa.gov/…/transfer-a-drivers-license-from-another-state

    Checked July 26, 2026

  3. 3

    “If you fail the Knowledge Test, you will be permitted to retake the test the following business day.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  4. 4

    “The valid driver's license of the person, who is at least 21 years of age or a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse who is 18 years of age or older, accompanying you to the Driver License Center.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  5. 5

    “The examiner will be your only passenger during the Road Test.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  6. 6

    “As a requirement to take the on-road driving examination, the applicant shall appear at the examination site with a vehicle representative of the type of motor vehicle that the applicant desires to operate. The vehicle shall be properly registered and shall display a current certificate of inspection. The applicant shall also present proof of insurance for the vehicle in which the examination is to be conducted.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  7. 7

    “THE FOLLOWING CHART LISTS ELIGIBLE STATUSES AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. STATUSES ELIGIBLE FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARD”

    pa.gov/…/pub%20195nc.pdf

    Checked August 1, 2026

  8. 8

    “Questions will be taken from the most recent edition of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual or related publications for specific classes of vehicles, or both. An applicant who correctly answers 80% or more of the questions shall pass the examination. Cheating, failure to follow the instructions of the examiner, offering bribes or gratuities to the examiner, fraud or misrepresentation constitutes an automatic failure of the general knowledge examination. This test may be waived for drivers with a valid driver’s license from this or another state.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  9. 9

    “shall submit to a road sign examination. The examination shall include identification of all standard road signs. An applicant who identifies two or more signs incorrectly fails the examination. Cheating, failure to follow the instructions of the examiner, offering bribes or gratuities to the examiner, fraud or misrepresentation constitutes an automatic failure of the road sign examination. This test may be waived for drivers with a valid driver’s license from this or another state.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  10. 10

    “In addition, if your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than six months, it cannot be transferred for a Pennsylvania Driver's License. You must apply for a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit (PDF) and complete all applicable knowledge and skills tests in order to obtain a Pennsylvania Driver's License.”

    pa.gov/…/moving-to-pennsylvania

    Checked August 14, 2026

  11. 11

    “Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be transferred to Pennsylvania.”

    pa.gov/…/moving-to-pennsylvania

    Checked July 26, 2026

  12. 12

    “Out-of-state learner's permits can't be transferred. Expired out-of-state licenses over six months old require a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit. This needs knowledge and skills tests.”

    pa.gov/…/transfer-a-drivers-license-from-another-state

    Checked August 1, 2026

  13. 13

    “The Department is required by law to obtain your Social Security number, height and eye color under the provisions of Section 1510(a) and/or 1609(a)(4) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. The information will be used as identifying information in an attempt to minimize driver's license fraud. Your Social Security number is not part of your public driver's record. Federal law permits the use of the Social Security number by state licensing officials for purposes of identification. Your Social Security number will not be printed on your learner's permit or driver's license.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked August 1, 2026

  14. 14

    “An applicant for a driver’s license, a person seeking to qualify to operate a vehicle of a different classification, add an endorsement or remove a restriction from a driver’s license, and every driver whose vision the Department has reason to believe does not meet the visual standards in Chapter 83 (relating to physical and mental criteria, including vision standards relating to the licensing of drivers) shall submit to a vision screening examination.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  15. 15

    “If your vision fails to meet the vision standards, the examiner will give you a Report of Eye Examination Form (DL-102). You should have an optometrist, ophthalmologist or family physician test your vision and complete this form.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked August 1, 2026

  16. 16

    “Combined vision is 20/40 or better”

    pa.gov/…/dl-180.pdf

    Checked July 26, 2026

  17. 17

    “If you do not have your vision tested by your HCP or optometrist, your vision will be tested at the driver license center. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring them with you.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  18. 18

    “In addition to the requirements in Subchapter A (relating to general provisions), an applicant for a noncommercial driver’s license, except those exempted under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1502 (relating to persons exempt from licensing), and every driver the Department has reason to believe cannot exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle, shall submit to a driving examination. The examination shall be conducted in a vehicle representative of the type or class of motor vehicle that the applicant desires to be licensed to operate.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  19. 19

    “Questions will be taken from the most recent edition of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual or related publications for specific classes of vehicles, or both.”

    pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode

    Checked July 27, 2026

  20. 20

    “This manual is designed to provide the information you need to get a non-commercial Class C driver's license, which is the class that covers these types of vehicles.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  21. 21

    “PUB 95 (4-21) English Version”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  22. 22

    “Pennsylvania Driver's Manual -> https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual ... Take a Sample Knowledge Test -> https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/test-your-knowledge”

    pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-learners-permit

    Checked July 26, 2026

  23. 23

    “You can download a copy of the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual on our website. You can also listen to the audio version of the manual.”

    pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-driver-license

    Checked July 26, 2026

  24. 24

    “Download for your Android™ directly from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nicus a.pdt PA Driver's License Practice Test App Download for your iOS Device™ directly from the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pa-drivers-licensepractice/id925842053?mt=8”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  25. 25

    “Some people who take the Knowledge Test may have trouble reading or in some cases, may not be able to read and would feel more comfortable if the test were read to them. Upon request, voice tests are offered at all Driver License Centers across the commonwealth.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  26. 26

    “audio version -> https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/pa-drivers-manual-audio”

    pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-driver-license

    Checked July 26, 2026

  27. 27

    “A learner's permit entitles the person to whom it was issued to drive vehicles and combinations of vehicles of the class or classes specified, but only while the holder of the learner's permit is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of a person who: (1) is at least 21 years of age or, if the spouse of the learner's permit holder, is at least 18 years of age; or, if a parent, guardian or person in loco parentis of the learner's permit holder, is at least 18 years of age; (2) is licensed to drive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holder of the learner's permit; (3) is actually occupying a seat beside the holder of the learner's permit unless the vehicle is a motorcycle; and (4) is not manifestly under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the degree that the person may endanger themselves or others.”

    web.archive.org/…/00.015..HTM

    Checked August 1, 2026

  28. 28

    “REMEMBER: A licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse who is 18 years of age or older and holds a driver's license must ride with you in the front seat of your vehicle at all times.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked July 31, 2026

  29. 29

    “Additionally, PennDOT has certified third-party businesses to administer the skills test for a market-driven fee. All third-party examiners are PennDOT-certified and the test is identical to the test that you would take at a PennDOT driver license center.”

    pa.gov/…/pub%2095.pdf

    Checked August 1, 2026

  30. 30

    “Find a Driver License Center -> https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/find-a-location”

    pa.gov/services/dmv/get-a-learners-permit

    Checked July 26, 2026

Applying for a driver's license in Pennsylvania?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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