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

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Pennsylvania. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania intermediate license holders must be at least 16.5 years old. There is a curfew from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 17.

Pennsylvania Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Pennsylvania uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.5

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 65 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.5
Curfew hours: 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: First 6 months: maximum 1 non-family passenger under 18; after 6 months: up to 3 passengers under 18. Family members exempt.
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in license suspension; crash or citation-free record required for 12 months before full license

Pennsylvania-Specific Information

Pennsylvania requires 65 hours of supervised driving, second highest (after Maine's 70). Restrictions last until age 18 or 12 months crash/citation-free. Exceptions to curfew for work, school, and volunteer service. No specific novice driver cell phone ban beyond general texting ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Pennsylvania gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Pennsylvania at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Pennsylvania restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 17.

With an intermediate license in Pennsylvania, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: First 6 months: maximum 1 non-family passenger under 18; after 6 months: up to 3 passengers under 18. Family members exempt..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Pennsylvania at age 17. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.