How to Get Your Driver's License in Pennsylvania

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.

GDL Stages in Pennsylvania

1

Learner's Permit

Age 16+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Junior License

Age 16.5+ 18 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
  • Complete 65 hours supervised driving including 10 at night and 5 in bad weather
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • No more than 1 passenger under 18 for first 6 months; increases after
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 17+

Requirements

  • Hold junior license with clean record
  • Turn 17 or complete required period at 18

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, volunteer, or an emergency.
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 for the first 6 months. The number of allowed passengers increases over time.

How restrictions lift: Passenger limits ease over time. Most restrictions lift at 17 or 18 with a clean record.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older receive a full license upon passing the road test and are not subject to junior license restrictions.

Pennsylvania-Specific Information

Pennsylvania requires 65 hours of supervised driving including a unique 5-hour bad-weather component, making it one of the only states to mandate practice in poor weather conditions. The state calls its intermediate stage a Junior License.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Junior License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, volunteer, or an emergency.
  • No more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 for the first 6 months. The number of allowed passengers increases over time.

Adults age 18 and older in Pennsylvania can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older receive a full license upon passing the road test and are not subject to junior license restrictions.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Pennsylvania learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website for the most current information.