Applying for a New License

The documents you need―and the tests you take―in order to obtain a driver's license from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) depend on age and circumstance. But regardless of your situation, before applying you should acquaint yourself with the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual.

The manual is your best source for licensing information and the rules and regulations of Pennsylvania's roads. Plus, all the questions contained on the knowledge (written) test are directly plucked from the manual.

To download the manual, you will need the free Adobe Reader software. If you'd instead like a printed copy of the handbook, you can pick one up at any PennDOT Driver License Center.

Residents 18 or Older

Unlike drivers under 18, adults who are seeking their first driver's license are not obligated to practice driving under supervision for 50 hours before taking the driving test. All you must concern yourself with is acing both the written and road exams.

To begin, you must apply in person at any Driver License Center and provide the following documents:

• A completed Noncommercial Learner's Permit Application.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (see below).

• Two forms of proof confirming your Pennsylvania residency (see below).

• Your Social Security card.

• A check or money order to pay a $31 fee for a learner's permit and four-year license.

At this time, you will be given the written (knowledge) test, which you need to pass in order to qualify for the road (skills) test.

If you are under 18, please read our article about teen drivers to learn about the licensing process; it's different for teenagers.

New Residents of Pennsylvania

If you just became a Pennsylvania resident and hold a driver's license from another state, you have 60 days to apply for a Pennsylvania license. If you wait longer, you'll be required to labor through the whole testing process as if you were a new driver.

To swap your out-of-state license for a Pennsylvania one, you must apply in person at a Driver License Center and bring with you:

• Your old license, which you must surrender.

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (see below).

• Two forms of proof confirming your residency in the state (see below).

• Your Social Security card.

• A check or money order to pay the $26 fee for a four-year license.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

If you are a U.S. citizen, you'll need to prove that by producing one of the below documents. All must be original; photocopies will not be considered valid.

• United States birth certificate with raised seal

• Certificate of U.S. citizenship

• Certificate of naturalization

• U.S. passport

Acceptable Proof of Residency

The Driver License Center will want to see two of the following:

• Tax records

• Mortgage documents

• Lease agreements

• W-2 form

• Current weapons permit

• Current utility bills

Tests

All applicants for a new driver's license will need to pass two tests―one written and one behind the wheel. If you are transferring a driver's license from another state, no testing is required.

Written (Knowledge) Test

This exam consists of 18 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer 15 correctly to pass. All of the questions on this exam are based on information contained in the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual.

You do not need to schedule a time to take this test. Just appear at any Driver License Center when you feel you are ready.

Road (Skills) Test

The road test lasts about 10 minutes. During the test your examiner will scrutinize your ability to flow with real traffic while obeying signs and not posing a danger to other drivers. There's a good chance you'll be asked to parallel park―the biggest cause of test failure―so make sure you practice prior to the exam.

You must schedule a road test in advance. You can do this online or call (800) 932-4600.

When you arrive for your road test, be sure to bring:

• Your learner's permit. This provides proof that you passed the written exam.

• The registration for the car you're testing in.

• Proof of car insurance.

• The license of the person who accompanies you to the test.

If you pass, you will be issued a camera card and directed to the Photo License Center. After getting your picture snapped, you will be handed a driver's license that is valid for four years.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Pennsylvania and hold a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive for up to one year within the state. Be sure to always have your license with you when driving.

It's a smart idea to also obtain an International Driver's Permit. The permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

PennDOT provides an in-depth list of possible scenarios for non-citizens interested in applying for a Pennsylvania license, detailing the types of documents needed to apply in each situation, as well as the length of license available.

Most non-citizens first need to apply for a learner's permit, and later pass the standard written, driving, and vision tests. However, current license holders from Germany and France only need to pass the vision test.