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Pennsylvania Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Pennsylvania: six steps, from the first class to the insurance call.

Requirements checked: October 2026, against official state licensing sources: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services.

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  1. 1

    Driver’s ed in Pennsylvania

    Requirement
    Not required for the junior license. An approved driver education course is required only for an unrestricted license before 18 (at 17, with 12 months free of crashes and convictions).

    Online driver’s ed for Pennsylvania

    DriversEd.com offers a state-approved online course your teen can finish at home, on their own schedule.

    DRVN may earn a referral fee if you enroll through this link.

    See the Pennsylvania course
  2. 2

    Get a Pennsylvania learner’s permit

    Minimum age
    16
    The test
    Vision screening and an 18-question knowledge test on signs, laws and safe driving (15 correct to pass) at a Driver License Center.
    What to bring
    Form DL-180 with the physical exam completed by a health care provider, original proof of identity and date of birth, a signed Social Security card, parent/guardian consent on Form DL-180TD (notarized if they cannot attend), and the applicable fee.
  3. 3

    Practice driving with a parent

    Supervised hours
    65 hours, including at least 10 at night and 5 in poor weather, certified on Form DL-180C
    Time on the permit
    6 months

    Track every practice hour with DRVN

    Log hours and routes as you drive, follow lesson plans for each stage, and check off skills. Free.

    Get the app
  4. 4

    Pass the road test

    Minimum age
    16 (junior license); earliest in practice is about 16 years 6 months because of the 6-month permit period
    The road test
    Road test at a PennDOT Driver License Center or a PennDOT-certified third-party tester; bring the learner's permit, signed DL-180C, the vehicle's registration card and proof of insurance, and an accompanying licensed adult (originals only).
  5. 5

    Know the rules for new drivers

    Restrictions
    Junior license holders may not drive 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. except for work or volunteer service; for the first 6 months no more than one passenger under 18 who is not immediate family unless a parent/guardian is present, rising to three after 6 months (if crash- and conviction-free).
  6. 6

    Add your teen to your car insurance

    When
    Call your insurer as soon as your teen gets a permit. Some policies cover permit drivers automatically and others need them listed; rates usually rise once your teen is licensed.
    Save money
    Ask about good-student and driver-training discounts, and compare quotes before your teen gets the first license.

Checked October 2026 against official Pennsylvania sources

Rules change. Confirm the details with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services before you go.

Pennsylvania teen driving: quick answers.

How many supervised driving hours does Pennsylvania require?

Pennsylvania requires 65 hours, including at least 10 at night and 5 in poor weather, certified on Form DL-180C.

Log every hour with the free DRVN app

How old do you have to be to get a learner’s permit in Pennsylvania?

The minimum age is 16. Teens hold the permit for 6 months before the road test.

Is driver’s ed required in Pennsylvania?

Not required for the junior license. An approved driver education course is required only for an unrestricted license before 18 (at 17, with 12 months free of crashes and convictions).

See the online course for Pennsylvania

How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license in Pennsylvania?

The minimum age is 16 (junior license); earliest in practice is about 16 years 6 months because of the 6-month permit period.

What are the rules for new drivers in Pennsylvania?

Junior license holders may not drive 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. except for work or volunteer service; for the first 6 months no more than one passenger under 18 who is not immediate family unless a parent/guardian is present, rising to three after 6 months (if crash- and conviction-free).

Meeting the requirements is only the beginning.

Your state determines when your teen is legally eligible to drive. Readiness depends on the experience, judgment, and independence they demonstrate before they drive alone.

See how to evaluate readiness

Turn the required hours into useful practice.

DRVN helps parents plan practice, track driving experience, and see what their teen still needs to work on before driving alone.

See how DRVN works

Pennsylvania city guides

Guides for the most popular Pennsylvania cities.

Guides for other states