Free Pennsylvania PennDOT permit practice tests

The knowledge test has 18 multiple choice questions, and you need 15 right to pass. It covers traffic signs, Pennsylvania driving laws and safe driving practices. You can take it in writing or as an audio test, in English and 17 other languages.

16. You can't apply before your 16th birthday, but your health care provider can fill out the physical on the back of the DL-180 application up to six months before you turn 16.

You can take it again the next business day. The test is allowed only once a day, at any location, so keep your DL-180 and consent form, because you'll need them the next time.

A licensed driver who is at least 21, or a licensed parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 18. That person must sit in the front seat. If you're under 18, you can't carry more passengers than there are seat belts.

Drivers under 18 must hold the permit for six months and complete 65 hours of practice, including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather, with a parent or guardian signing the DL-180C form. Bring the permit, the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance, and your supervising driver's license.

You can't drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian or spouse 18 or older is with you, with exceptions for work and volunteer service. For the first six months you may carry only one passenger under 18 who isn't family, unless a parent or guardian rides along. After that the limit is three. Six points, or a conviction for going 26 mph or more over the limit, brings a 90-day suspension.

Automatically at 18. You can switch earlier, after one year on the junior license, if you passed an approved driver training course, had no at-fault crash or conviction that year, and have a parent's consent.

As of October 2026, the PennDOT fee list shows $45.50 for an Initial Permit and Four-Year License, or $33.50 for an Initial Permit and Two-Year License at age 65 and over. PennDOT lists the permit and the license together in one fee.

PennDOT tells you to bring proof of your date of birth and identification, as originals, your signed Social Security card, and the applicable fee. If you are under 18, you also bring your completed Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD).

A Pennsylvania learner's permit is valid for one year from the issue date printed on your initial learner's permit, according to the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Certain limits on your driving apply during that time if you are under 18.