Getting a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit
No matter what state you live in, earning your driver's license is important for staying legally mobile. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will issue a motor vehicle learner's permit to anyone who is at least 16 years old and has never been licensed, or to a driver whose license is more than six months expired. To acquire a learner's permit, you must first learn the rules of Pennsylvania's roads and pass a knowledge test.
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Things You'll Need
- Pennsylvania driver's manual
- Social Security card and one other form of identification: U.S.- issued birth certificate, current passport, U.S. Citizenship certificate, U.S. Naturalization certificate, out-of state-driver's license (if applicable)
- Proof of Residency (for people over 18 years old)
- Check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee
- Vehicle and proof of registration and insurance
Instructions
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Preparation
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Get a Pennsylvania driver's manual. You can download it from PennDOT (see reference) or pick one up at any Driver License Center. Study the manual and learn the rules of the road.
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Visit a doctor or medical center for a physical examination. You must have a Medical Qualification Certificate; PennDOT says a doctor, physician's assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or chiropractor can fill out the form (DL-180), which is good for one year from the date of the physical exam. Use form DL-180TD if you are under 18 years old (to be completed by a parent, guardian, or spouse, if spouse is at least 18 years old.)
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Bring the required documents to your local Driver's License Center and take the vision and knowledge tests. The knowledge test will include basic questions about Pennsylvania traffic laws such as pavement markings, signals and signs. Upon passing both tests, the Driver's License Center will issue a learner's permit that is valid for one year. If you are under 18 years old, you must have 50 hours of practice (with a licensed driver) during a six-month period before you can take the road skills test.
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Tips & Warnings
PennDOT does not require it but you may want to attend driver's education classes; contact your school or local driving businesses for more information. Proof of residency documents can include utility bills (water, cable, gas electric), w-2 forms, tax records, lease agreements, and mortgage documents.
Social Security card must NOT be laminated. Check the identification requirements if you are a non-U.S. citizen applying for a Pennsylvania Driver's License. Cellular phone bills cannot be used as a proof of residency. Fees must be paid by check or money order; cash is NOT accepted.
References
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Obtaining Your Driver's License
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Driver's Manual
- PennDOT: Driver and Vehicle Services Location Information
- PennDOT form DL-180; Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application
- PennDOT: Form DL-180TD; Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application-Parental or Guardian Consent Form
- PennDOT form DL-180C: Parent/Guardian Consent
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