In this article, we will be discussing how to get your Pennsylvania driver\u2019s license, commercial driver\u2019s license, and motorcycle license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue reading to learn how to get your license in Pennsylvania!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are multiple Pennsylvania driver\u2019s licenses. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the types of Pennsylvania driver\u2019s licenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Keystone state, you must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age to obtain a PA driver\u2019s license. You can use the Pennsylvania Driver\u2019s Manual<\/a> to study for the required exams. You will also need an exam from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you complete these steps, you must prove your identity and your residency in Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver and Vehicle Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must submit the following documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your primary physician will document all mental or physical impairments that may affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on your Learner\u2019s Permit Application form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An initial Learner\u2019s Permit is issued to individuals who are at least 16- and 6-months years of age who have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or to a new resident of Pennsylvania who has never been licensed, or a new resident of Pennsylvania who has been licensed in a different state but whose driver\u2019s license has been expired more than 6 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To obtain your PA driver\u2019s license, you must follow this process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> to download the manual. This manual is also available in Spanish, and an audio version is also available. Click here<\/a> for the Spanish version. Click here<\/a> for the audio version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must have a physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or chiropractor conduct a physical exam. Your physician must also complete a Non-commercial Learner\u2019s Permit Application (Form DL-180<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you will visit a PA Driver\u2019s License Center and present the following documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that there will be a $62 or more fee charged by PennDOT for each check that is returned as uncollectible. PennDOT centers accept credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and checks as acceptable forms of payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pennsylvania vision screening and knowledge test are performed at a PennDOT Driver\u2019s License Center. Once you pass these tests, you will be issued your initial PA Learner\u2019s Permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that individuals who are under the age of 18 are encouraged to schedule their knowledge test 6 months from the date their initial permit was issued. Students who do not feel comfortable can reschedule their skills test for a future date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This step is only applicable for permit holders under the age of 18. Permit holders who are under the age of 18 are required to complete 65 hours of adult-supervised skill building, excluding a PA Motorcycle Learner\u2019s Permit. To complete this requirement, you must have at least 10 hours of night driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving, as well as complete the 6-month waiting period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals who attain a PA Motorcycle Permit are required to complete the Basic Riding Clinic in place of the 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must schedule a road test to ensure you can safely maneuver a motor vehicle. You can schedule your road test online by clicking here<\/a>. You can also schedule your road test by calling (717) 412-5300. There are also third-party businesses that are certified by PennDOT to administer the road test for a market-driven fee. Click here<\/a> for a list of businesses that are certified to perform Pennsylvania road tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that all individuals who have skills tests scheduled after June 2, 2020, will be eligible to obtain a driver\u2019s skills test at all open PennDOT Driver\u2019s License Centers that perform skills testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you visit a PA Driver\u2019s License Center, you need to make sure you have the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that PennDOT uses state-of-the-art facial recognition technology when you have your photo taken for your Pennsylvania driver\u2019s license\/identification card or renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PA written exam consists of 18 questions, 15 of which you much answer correctly to pass the exam. You will complete this exam on a touch-screen computer, and there is no time limit for completing the exam. The Pennsylvania written exam is a closed book test, which means you are not allowed to use the manual, books, notes, or electronic devices while you are taking the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vision requirements for drivers vary by state and license type. The requirements to operate a tractor-trailer in PA are more precise than a passenger vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To operate a motor vehicle without corrective lenses or glasses, you must obtain 20\/70 or better vision during the day and 20\/40 vision or better at night. If you have a visual acuity that is poorer than 20\/40 with both eyes, you may be able to drive with a daylight-only restriction. If you wear corrective lenses to improve your vision, you must wear them while you\u2019re driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision. Standard vision is 20\/20. An individual who has 20\/40 vision means you must be at a distance of 20 feet to see what someone with 20\/20 vision can see at 40 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To obtain a PA driver\u2019s license, you need to meet the field of vision requirements. Your visual field, in clinical terms, is the area of space you can see simultaneously, which means your field of vision is how far out peripherally you are able to see without moving your head or eyes side to side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Pennsylvania, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you\u2019re applying for your PA driver\u2019s license. In PA, there are acceptable identification documents are categorized into two lists, list A and list B. List A includes the acceptable documents for proving your identity and list B includes the acceptable documents for proving your residency in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Acceptable forms of identification for U.S. citizens)<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Acceptable documents for proof of residency for applicants who are at least 18 years of age.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that the documents you present must show the same name and date of birth or a valid association between the information on the documents. Click here<\/a> for more information regarding acceptable documentation for proof of residency for applicants who are at least 18 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can obtain a PA driver\u2019s license, you must get a PA Learner\u2019s Permit. You will need to apply for a PA Learner\u2019s Permit if you have never held a driver\u2019s license or if you have an out-of-state driver\u2019s license that has expired for more than 6 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your PA Learner\u2019s Permit allows you to learn to drive while accompanied by a licensed driver. You are NOT permitted to operate a motor vehicle unaccompanied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To apply for your PA Learner\u2019s Permit, you must appear in person at a PennDOT office. You must provide the following documentation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the PennDOT branch, you must pass the vision screening and written exam. Your PA Learner\u2019s Permit will be valid for 1 year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have a maximum of 60 days to get your PA driver\u2019s license once you establish residency. To apply for a Pennsylvania driver\u2019s license, visit a PennDOT driver\u2019s license center in person and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> for a list of acceptable Pennsylvania documents. If your driver\u2019s license has expired for more than 6 months, you are required to apply for a PA learner\u2019s permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different classes of non-commercial driver\u2019s licenses in Pennsylvania. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minimum age to obtain a Class A Pennsylvania license is 18. This license is required to operate any combination of vehicles that have a gross weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more when the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds a weight limit of 10,000 lbs. For example, if you are driving a recreational vehicle (RV) is 11,000 lbs. and the vehicle being towed weighs 15,500 lbs., the combined weight is 26,500 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minimum age to obtain a Class B driver\u2019s license is 18. A Class B driver\u2019s license is required to operate any single vehicle that exceeds 26,000 lbs., such as a motor home that exceeds 26,001 lbs. or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minimum age to obtain a Class C driver\u2019s license is 16. The C Class driver\u2019s license is issued to individuals who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate any vehicle, except vehicles that require a Class M license, and who do not meet the definitions in Class A or Class B. The PA Class C license also applies to any firefighter or member of an emergency or rescue squad who has a certificate of authorization from a fire chief or head of the rescue or emergency squad. The certificate of authorization allows individuals to operate any fire or emergency vehicle that is registered to the fire department, emergency or rescue squad, or municipality for emergency use only. Any individual who obtains a Class C license is authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and cylinder capacity of 50 CCs or less, a 3-wheeled motorcycle with an endorsed cab, or an autocycle. You will need to apply for your PA non-commercial driver\u2019s license by completing Form DL-80<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be required to provide name change documentation in the state of Pennsylvania if you\u2019re applying for a new PA driver\u2019s license or ID card. Keep in mind that you may be required to submit name change documentation, such as a marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license or ID card in your full name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the name that is present on your ID is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document(s) that establishes your true full name. You can use the following documents to establish your true full name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting May 3, 2023, residents of Pennsylvania will need a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license or photo ID, or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid military ID or passport, to board a domestic commercial flight or to enter a federal building or military building that requires an ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvania residents who want them. You will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver\u2019s license or ID card, or the equivalent (military ID or valid passport) to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania. You have the option of a REAL ID driver\u2019s license or ID card, or a standard PA driver\u2019s license or identification card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t get a REAL ID, you are required to have an alternate form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport, military ID, etc. to board domestic commercial flights and to enter certain federal facilities after May 3, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are not required to obtain a REAL ID to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are unsure of whether a REAL ID is ideal for you, you can use the REAL ID Online Wizard<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few steps you need to take to prepare to apply for a Pennsylvania REAL ID card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gather the Proper Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To prepare to obtain your PA REAL ID or driver\u2019s license, you need to make sure you have the correct documents. Federal regulations require PennDOT to verify original versions or certified copies of the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, acceptable documentation can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that some non-U.S. citizens may be required to present additional documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can obtain a PA commercial driver\u2019s license (CDL), there are certain steps you need to take and procedures you need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be eligible for a PA commercial driver\u2019s license, you must already obtain a non-CDL driver\u2019s license. If you have a driver\u2019s license that was NOT issued in Pennsylvania, there are additional steps you must take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are under 21 years old, you will be restricted to driving commercial vehicles within Pennsylvania (intrastate), per FMCSA regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of your age, you must prove your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here<\/a> for more information regarding proof of residency and lawful status documentation for U.S. citizens. Click here<\/a> for more information regarding proof of residency and lawful status documentation for non-citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can obtain a PA commercial driver\u2019s license, you must first obtain your commercial learner\u2019s permit (CLP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Completing a CDL training course is not required by the PA Department of Transportation to obtain your CLP, but it is recommended. This training course will help you with the required exams you must complete and pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schedule Your Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need to schedule your appointment with your local PennDOT office. Make sure you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re at the PennDOT office, you must complete and pass the proper PA written exams for the type of CDL you want. You will also have to submit to a driving record check, where the past 10 years of your driving record will be examined in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. Once you pass the exams and pay the necessary fees, you will be issued your PA CLP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires all commercial learner\u2019s permit holders to attain their CLP for at least 15 days before they can complete any CDL skills test. During this time, you may want to consider completing a behind-the-wheel course to help you improve your skills before taking the official PA CDL road skills test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As stated by the FMCSA, you will only be able to practice driving with your commercial learner\u2019s permit on public roads, and only while you are accompanied by an individual who holds a full CDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After waiting at least 15 days, you will be eligible to complete the skills portion of your PA CDL test. You must schedule another appointment with PennDOT, and be prepared to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must arrange to complete the tests in the same type of vehicle you plan on driving with your commercial driver\u2019s license. If not, you may have a restriction placed on your CDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you pass the required tests and pay the necessary fees, you will be issued your PA commercial driver\u2019s license driving document, which is a camera card or photo license. You will need to take the camera card to a local photo license center to have your CDL picture taken, and then receive your final and official full commercial driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that you must take proof of identification with you to the photo license center. Commercial driver\u2019s license photos require an additional fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a CDL from a different state or a standard out-of-state driver\u2019s license and want to apply for a PA commercial driver\u2019s license, you must first surrender your current license and apply for a new commercial driver\u2019s license in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to schedule an appointment with your local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office and submit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be advised that non-U.S. citizens are required to provide different types of identification. Click here<\/a> for a list of acceptable documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do not have any bills in your name and you currently reside with someone else in PA, you are allowed to bring that individual with you to the PennDOT office as 1 document that shows proof of residency. This individual must bring their license or photo ID. The other proof of residency can be a piece of official mail sent to you if the address matches the one listed by the individual you bring with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the license you surrendered was a valid out-of-state CDL, you must also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the license you surrendered was a valid, standard out-of-state driver\u2019s license, you will be given a non-commercial driver\u2019s license for Pennsylvania. Next, you will have to apply for your PA commercial learner\u2019s permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation currently charges the following for CDLs or services related to commercial driver\u2019s licenses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PennDOT also offers specific CDLS for older drivers. These fees include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An additional federal fee of $60 will also be charged for individuals who are applying for a HAZMAT endorsement in addition to the standard license and endorsement fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are upgrading your non-commercial driver\u2019s license to a CDL, additional fees will apply, based on how many years remain on your current license. You must also pay the photo fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All Pennsylvania CDL applicants are required to complete a Self-Certification form (Form DL-11CD<\/a>) and take it to the PA Department of Transportation. The FMCSA also requires you to be deemed medically fit BEFORE you can obtain your license. To be certified, you must schedule an appointment with a qualified CDL physician, and they will help you complete:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019re certified, you will be issued a Medical Examiner\u2019s Certificate, which you must keep on you while you\u2019re operating a commercial vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has designated several different classes of commercial driver\u2019s licenses. Each of these licenses allows you to drive different types of vehicles. These classifications include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the class of CDL you\u2019re applying for, you may be required to complete different written or skills tests or pay different fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An endorsement is an additional certification that is added to your CDL, allowing you to operate additional types of commercial motor vehicles. To earn an endorsement, you must complete additional written and\/or skills tests and often pay additional fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FMCSA allows commercial drivers to receive endorsements for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restrictions are placed to limit the types of vehicles you will permit to operate with your commercial driver\u2019s license. You may receive a restriction if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to have restrictions removed from your CDL by completing additional tests, filling out additional paperwork, and paying additional fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Federal Self-Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be required to self-certify information pertaining to the type of vehicle you\u2019re operating with PennDOT. You must self-certify one of the following driving categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you recently moved to the state of Pennsylvania and you currently have an out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you must transfer it within 60 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To transfer your motorcycle license to Pennsylvania, you can visit any PA Department of Transportation driver licensing office and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are only allowed to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license\/endorsement if it is currently valid or expired for no more than 6 months. If your credentials have expired more than 6 months, you must complete the entire application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be eligible to receive a PA Class M motorcycle license, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve fulfilled the eligibility requirements above, you will be on track to receive your official PA motorcycle license!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step you need to take to obtain your PA motorcycle license is to earn your motorcycle permit. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to visit your local PA Department of Transportation office that conducts motorcycle knowledge testing and:<\/p>\n\n\n\nApplying for Your Pennsylvania Driver\u2019s License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Obtain the PA Driver\u2019s Manual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complete a Physical Examination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visit a Pennsylvania Driver\u2019s License Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complete the Vision Screening and PA Knowledge Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complete Adult-Supervised Skill Building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Schedule a Road Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring the Required Documentation\/Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania Written Exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania Vision Screening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Acceptable Identification Documents in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
List A<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
List B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver\u2019s License Under the Age of 18 Years Old<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Applying for a Pennsylvania Learner\u2019s Permit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting Your Driver\u2019s License as a New Resident of Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Non-Commercial Class A, Class B, or Class C Driver\u2019s Licenses in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Class A<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Married, Divorced, or Name Change?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Pennsylvania?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Pennsylvania?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Applying for a Commercial Driver\u2019s License in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who Can Obtain a Pennsylvania CDL?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Commercial Learner\u2019s Permit in Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania CLP Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Obtaining a Pennsylvania CDL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transferring Out-of-State CDLs to Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CDL Fees in Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pennsylvania CDL Medical Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Commercial Driver\u2019s License Types in Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CDL Endorsement and Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Applying for a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Get a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Motorcycle Permits in Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n