How To Obtain A PA Learner’s Permit

The following information has been adapted from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual and the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is a student eligible to get a learner’s permit?

• Students must be a minimum of 16 years of age to qualify for a permit.

What is the procedure for obtaining a Learner’s Permit?

• Detailed information for obtaining a learner’s permit is available on page 1 of the PA Driver’s Manual or on the PennDOT website at www.dmv.state.pa.us. Look for the Information Center - Teen Drivers-Obtaining a Learners Permit.

Where are the test centers?

• There are 2 local test centers- Carlisle and Harrisburg. A complete listing with directions is available at www.dmv.state.pa.us. Look for the Online Driver and Vehicle Services - Find a PennDOT location near you - Find a Driver’s License Center.

Who can take a student for the Learner’s Permit?

• Parents or Guardians
• Family or Friends - If the parent/guardian cannot accompany the applicant, the DL-180TD must be signed by the parent/guardian in the presence of a notary.
• Cumberland Valley Driver Education Department takes students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students will be transported in the Driver Education Car during a Behind the Wheel lesson. Since a parent/guardian is not with the applicant, the DL-180TD must be signed by the parent/guardian in the presence of a notary. In addition, the students must download the permit test permission form and have it signed by the parents and the teachers.  The permit test permission form can be accessed here.  

What official forms are needed to obtain a Learner’s Permit?

• DL -180 (physical form) Non- Commercial Learner’s Permit Application is located in the front of the PA Driver’s Manual or at www.dmv.state.pa.us . Look for the Information Center - Teen Drivers-Obtaining a Learner’s Permit.
• DL-180TD Parent or Guardian Consent Form is located in the front of the PA Driver’s Manual or at www.dmv.state.pa.us . Look for the Information Center - Teen Drivers- Obtaining a Learner’s Permit. If the parent/guardian cannot accompany the applicant, the DL-180TD must be signed by the parent/guardian in the presence of a notary.
•  Proof of date of birth and identification. These documents must be originals (photocopies will not be accepted).
  • Birth Certificate. Check the back of the DL-180 for other options.
  • Social Security Card. Card cannot be laminated.
• Check or money order made payable to PennDOT for the correct amount. Cash or credit cards are not accepted.

What will the Learner’s Permit test involve?

• Vision Test - Your vision will be tested. If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring them with you.
• Knowledge Test - You will be tested on signs, laws, driving rules and safe practices described in the PA Driver’s Manual. There are practice questions in the PA Driver’s Manual or at www.dmv.state.pa.us . Look for the Information Center -Teen Drivers –PA Driver’s Manual.

What if my student fails the Learner’s Permit Test?

• The DL-180, DL-180TD, all of the personal identification, proof of age documentation and the check will be returned to the applicant. Applicants may not test again until the next day regardless of the testing site.

May the Learner’s Permit be used immediately?

• Yes. When you receive the Learner’s Permit you may begin practice driving provided there is a responsible licensed driver, 21 years or older, in the front passenger seat. The PA Driver’s Manual has the rules for young drivers or visit www.dmv.state.pa.us. Look for the Information Center - Teen Drivers – Pennsylvania’s Young Driver Law Fact Sheet.