Types of Licenses
Depending on the type of license you want to apply for, the written and road test vary slightly. Standard driver’s licenses are class C and enable drivers to operate normal vehicles. On the other hand, class A licenses enable drivers to operate vehicle combinations that weigh more than 13 tons, like a motorhome with a truck in tow, class B licenses enable drivers to operate a single vehicle above 13 tons, and class M licenses enable drivers to legally operate motorcycles.
Pennsylvania Drivers License Requirements
The most basic requirement for a Pennsylvania driver’s license is that the applicant must be at least 16 years old. In addition to the age requirement, applicants must be prepared to provide two proofs of identity, complete a vision test, pass a written and road test, and pay a fee of $29.50. Anyone younger than the age of 18 must first obtain a learner’s permit, maintain it for six months, and collect more than 65 hours of driving experience before applying for a license. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 will have to complete a parent or guardian consent form in order to apply. The consent form can be found here: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180td.pdf
For the application, acceptable forms of identification include tax records, mortgage documents, W-2 Forms, weapons permits, lease agreements, and current utility bills. These documents must have your legal name as well as an official Pennsylvania street address in order to be eligible forms of identification. For anyone who cannot provide a current utility bill, one acceptable alternative is to use the person you reside with alongside their driver’s license or photo ID.
Pennsylvania Drivers License Cost
Initial Permit and Four-Year License – $34.50
Initial Permit and Two-Year License (age 65+) – $24.00
Initial Motorcycle Permit and Four-Year License – $44.50
Initial Motorcycle Permit and Two-Year License (age 65+) – $34.00
Initial Class M Permit, Initial Permit, 4-Year License – $49.50
Adding or Extending Class A, B or C Permit – $5.00
Adding or Extending Motorcycle Permit – $10.00
Four-Year License Renewal – $29.50
Four-Year License Renewal with Motorcycle – $49.50
Two-Year License Renewal (age 65+) – $19.00
Two-Year License Renewal with Motorcycle (age 65+) – $29.00
Identification Card (initial) – $27.50
Identification Card (renewal/replacement) – $27.50
Duplicate License – $27.50
Duplicate License with Motorcycle – $32.50
Written Test
The best way to prepare for the written test is reading the Pennsylvania Drivers Manual. Every question on the written test is based on the official manual. After you’ve read the manual at least once, try taking a practice test to check your readiness. The real exam contains 18 questions, and a passing score requires 15/18, or 83%. If you fail to pass the test, you must wait one business day before you can retake the examination. Furthermore, the written exam can only be taken on-site at a Pennsylvania DMV. While no appointment is required to visit a DMV, you should be prepared to spend no less than an hour to take the exam due to queue sizes. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that in the state of Pennsylvania, both oral and Spanish test are available by request.
Road Test
The road test is simply an examination of your ability to demonstrate that you can apply what you’ve learned from the written material and can safely operate the vehicle you’re seeking a license for. If you’re under 18, be sure to bring your parent or guardian consent form, your learner’s permit, a vehicle with insurance and registration, and the license of the person who accompanied you to the exam.
If you fail the road test, you have to wait one week to retake the exam. A learner’s permit is only valid for three attempts, so failure three times will require that you file for an extension to your permit. Once you’ve passed the road test, you’ll be issued a camera card, have your picture taken, and awarded a driver’s license sent by mail which is valid for up to four years.
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Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)
Pennsylvania DMV Practice Test – Quiz 8 (Rules)
DMV Pennsylvania prueba (Español)