PA New Drivers Under 18

There are different requirements per age for PA new drivers, especially for those new drivers under 18.

  • Drivers 16 to 18: First obtain learner’s permit, attend driver’s training (but not required), and apply for standard license.
  • Drivers 18 and older: First obtain learner’s permit, then apply for standard license.
There are requirements for those with a junior license in PA under the age of 18 who are seeking a standard license, which includes:

  • Holding junior license no less than one year.
  • Getting the consent of a parent/guardian.
  • Passing state approved driver’s ed course.
  • Reaching 17 ½ years of age.
  • Maintain clean driving record – no violations.
If you meet these requirements, you can turn that junior license into the standard license that lifts all the restrictions, otherwise you must wait until you reach 18 years old to get your standard license.

For those over the age of 18 already with a learning permit, you are able to apply for your standard license when you see fit.

PA Graduated License Program

Pennsylvania imposes the graduated driver’s license program, which ensures that younger drivers under the age of 18 are more prepared and ready to become successful, safe, and aware licensed drivers in the state.

In other words, there are regulations imposed on drivers under 18, which include:

  • 50 hours or more of driving practice behind-the-wheel with licensed driver supervision.
  • Valid permit held for 6 months or more.
  • Junior license applied for before standard licensing.
If you are deemed eligible for a standard license before reaching 18, you will be required to complete driver’s ed.

PA Driver’s Education

If you are a resident of the state of PA, you will not have to take driver’s ed to get your driver’s license. However, for those seeking a standard license without the junior license, or those seeking a standard license before the age of 18, you will be required to complete PennDOT approved driver’s ed.

If you are new to Pennsylvania, and are unlicensed and under 18, you will follow the same driver’s ed guidelines as listed above.

Get Your PA Learning Permit

A learner’s permit in PA is only offered to new driver’s 16 and older. It is required before a standard license is issued if the following applies to you:

  • You have never held a Pennsylvania driver’s license or out-of-state license
  • You have recently moved to Pennsylvania and your out-of-state license has been expired 6 months or more
To apply for your learner’s permit, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Study your drivers’ manual and delve into practice tests for a good bit of practice.
  2. Visit the Driver’s License Center in your county.
  3. Submit Form DL-180, which you can download at  Parent / Guardian Consent Form. It must be completed on the back by a medical professional, verifying that you are medically clear to obtain your license.
  4. Submit Form DL-180 TD, online at Parent / Guardian Consent Form for all applicants under 18. For those who cannot get a parent/guardian to accompany them to get their license, this form must be notarized.
  5. Show two documents proving residency in PA if you are over 18.
  6. Show your Social Security card and one form of legal identification.
  7. Pass both the written exam and vision screening.
If all these documents are submitted and shown and the tests are passed, you will be issued a learner’s permit upon paying the necessary fees, which cannot be paid by cash. Visit to view the fees associated.

There are restrictions placed on the permit, which include:

  • No driving without driver 21 or older with valid license if under 18.
  • No passengers in front besides driver supervisor.
  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without parent/guardian or spouse.
Driving Practice

For those under the age of 18 in PA with a learning permit, 50 hours or more must be completed of practice driving behind the wheel. This is a requirement and not an option. You must also hold your permit for at least 6 months after which a junior permit is possible. Even if you are over 18, you want to get in good practice before taking your driver’s exam on-road.

Applying for PA Standard License

Once you have met the requirements for obtaining your standard PA driver’s license, you can then go on to take the road test – or skills test.

  1. Make your Appointment for the Road Test Online or by calling PennDOT at 1-800-423-5542.
  2. Bring in your learner’s permit.
  3. Submit Form DL-180C that certifies 50 hours of mandatory driving practice  – you can obtain the form online by visiting Parent / Guardian Certification Form. It is only required for those under 18.
  4. Show the registration for the vehicle the road test will be completed in.
  5. Provide proof of auto insurance on the vehicle.
  6. Ensure that the driver accompanying you to the test has their driver’s license.
  7. Visit the Driver’s License Center with your documents.
  8. Complete the road exam.
If the test is passed, you are given a camera card, which you must submit to the photo license center at which time the junior license is issued. It will remain valid for 4 total years, but you are able to obtain your standard license in the meantime.

If you fail your skills test, you have to wait at least 7 business days before the test can be retaken. You will receive three chances to pass the test, before an extension on your permit is required. You can receive the extension through Form DL-31, which is offered online at Non-Commerical Learner's Permit.

Junior License Restrictions

There are restrictions placed on the junior license, which are the same as your learner’s permit. So strive to keep a good record and get the courses needed completed so you can have the freedom of your standard driver’s license in PA.