What to bring to the Pennsylvania PennDOT permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• Completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) with the health care provider's physical exam on the back (do not mail)
• Under 18: Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD), signed in person or notarized
• Original proof of date of birth and identity (no photocopies); U.S. passport or passport card accepted
• Signed Social Security card
• 18 and older: two proofs of residency (utility bills, W-2, tax records, weapons permit, lease, mortgage)
• Fee; glasses or contacts for the vision screening if worn

Fees

• Initial Permit and Four-Year License: $45.50
• Initial Permit and Two-Year License (age 65+): $33.50
• Adding, extending or replacing a Class A, B or C permit: $6.00

The vision test

20/40 or better combined vision to drive without corrective lenses; under 20/40 must wear lenses correcting to 20/40. If 20/40 can't be reached: daylight-only driving with 20/60 combined (or 20/70 on a professional's recommendation); 20/70-20/100 combined allows only a restricted license (annual vision exam, driver's exam, no freeways); worse than 20/100 cannot drive. Combined horizontal field of at least 120 degrees. One-eyed drivers are restricted to vehicles with mirrors showing 200 feet to the rear. Telescopic lenses not accepted for acuity.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Valid learner's permit
• Under 18: signed parent/guardian certification (DL-180C) of 65 hours of behind-the-wheel training
• Valid registration card for the test vehicle
• Proof the vehicle is currently insured
• Valid driver's license of the accompanying driver (21+, or parent/guardian/spouse 18+)
• Originals only; vehicle must have valid inspection (and emissions, if required) sticker and working lights, horn, brakes, wipers, turn signals, mirrors, doors, seats and tires

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least Under 18: 6 months from permit issue date before the road test. Permit valid 1 year; three road test attempts per permit. before the road test.
• Log 65 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21, or a licensed parent, guardian, person in loco parentis or spouse 18 or older, sitting in the front seat
• Under 18: no more passengers than seat belts in the vehicle
• Under 18: 65 hours of behind-the-wheel skill-building (at least 10 at night and 5 in bad weather), certified on form DL-180C, before the road test
• Physical exam by a health care provider on form DL-180 required for the permit

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the PennDOT says copies are accepted.