Teen Drivers

From a teenage point of view, the license process is beset with restrictions that mock their coolness. But when it comes to driving, being cool has to take a back seat to safety.

The intention of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's licensing process is to make every teenager understand that driving is a responsibilty. And one of the best teachers of this is experience, which PennDOT's graduated licensing system provides.

By graduated licensing, we mean that there are a series of graduated steps new drivers must take to become fully licensed―beginning with the learner's permit. Then you practice driving with supervision, take the road test, get a junior license, take a driver's training course, and finally get your full license.

Before taking the first step to apply for a permit, you should study the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Packed with all the rules of the road, this handbook will tell you everything you need to know to pass the written licensing test.

Step 1: Applying for a Permit

• You must be at least 16 years old.

• Complete a Noncommercial Learner's Permit Application. You must have your physician complete the back of this form to certify that you are medically cleared to drive.

• If you are under 18, have your parents or legal guardians complete a Parent or Guardian Consent Form. If they cannot accompany you when you apply, this form must be notarized.

• You must apply in person at any Driver License Center location.

• Provide a Social Security card (if it's laminated, it will not be accepted) and one form of identification listed on the back of the application form.

• If you are over 18, you must also provide proof of residency in the state.

• Pay a $5 fee for the permit plus $26 for a four-year photo license. Cash is not accepted, so bring along a check or money order made out to PennDOT.

• Take a written test. If you pass, you will be issued a permit, valid for one year.

Step 2: Practice Driving

Your permit will allow you to operate a car provided you are accompanied by another licensed parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old, or a licensed spouse who is 18 or older.

Regardless of how comfortable you feel behind the wheel, you will not be allowed to make an immediate appointment for a road test. Before this can happen, you must complete 50 hours of on-road practicing and have held a permit for at least six months.

Step 3: Applying for a Junior License

When you're ready, make an appointment for a road test. You can do this online or call (800) 423-5542.

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

• Your learner's permit.

• A completed Parent or Guardian Certification Form. This certifies that you completed 50 hours of on-road driving. It must be signed by your parents or guardians.

• 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 handed a camera card and directed to a Photo License Center. After getting your picture snapped, you will be handed a junior driver's license, valid for four years.

Now that You have Junior Driver's License

With a junior license you will be allowed to drive alone and choose your own music―provided it's between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. If you drive after 11 p.m., you must be accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old, or a licensed spouse who is 18 or older.

The lone loophole is if you need to drive during this time for work. In this case, you must carry a notarized affidavit from your boss confirming your employment.

Step 4: Driver Training and Regular License

You can apply for a regular license at 17 1/2 years old provided you've had your junior license for one year, have a spotless driving record, have the consent of your parents or guardians, and have successfully passed a PennDOT-approved driver education program.

If not, you must hold off on your official license until you reach 18. Your junior license will then automatically upgrade to regular driver's license status, sparing you the hassle of renewing. If you want a new card, however, you can apply for a regular driver's license by submitting an Application for Change from a Junior Driver's License to a Regular Noncommercial License and paying a $10 replacement fee.

Testing Requirements

Written (Knowledge) Test

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

Road (Skills) Test

Your on-road driving test will last about 10 minutes. 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 before the exam.