Pennsylvania Online Driver Education and Pennsylvania Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Pennsylvania (PA)? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Pennsylvania has implemented a graduated driver license program for Pennsylvania drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You can apply for your instruction permit after your 16th birthday. When you are ready, go down to your local DVS office with the following paperwork:

• A completed medical form signed by your doctor showing that you have taken and passed a physical exam (the blank form can be printed off the PA DVS website)
• Form DL-180TD with your parent's/guardian's signature (also available on the PA DVS website)
• Proof of identity (a list of acceptable ID forms can be found on the PA DVS website)
• Proof of residency (a list of acceptable documents can be found on the PA DVS website)
• Social Security card
• A blank check or money order to pay for the license fee

At the DVS office, you will be given a vision screening test, and then the written (knowledge) test based on material covered in the PA Driver's Manual. If you pass the written test, you will be issued an instruction permit.

An instruction permit carries the following restrictions:

• You may only drive if a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old is in the car with you, actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
• Everyone in the car must be wearing a seat belt

Pennsylvania Junior License

You can apply for your junior license if you meet the following requirements:

• Have had your PA instruction permit in good standing for at least 6 months
• Completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice

When you're ready to upgrade to a junior license, make an appointment with the local DVS office to schedule your road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a PA Junior Driver's License.

Even with a junior driver's license, some restrictions still apply:

• No unsupervised driving between the hours of 11pm and 5am (except for driving to or from your job, volunteer activity, or charitable activity)

Violation of the restriction(s) pertaining to your instruction permit and/or junior license may result in your permit or license being suspended for 90 days.

After you've had your junior license for 1 year and incurred no traffic violations or at-fault accidents during this time period, you may apply for a regular, unrestricted driver's license.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Pennsylvania is as follows:

• $15,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $30,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $5,000 for property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Pennsylvania, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Pennsylvania DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• Possible Jail Time
• 6 months probabation
• $300 fine

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Pennsylvania Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

There are currently no statewide laws prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. However the cites of Conshohocken, Hilltown Township, and Lebanon do not allow teen-aged drivers to use cell phones (except "hands-free" ones) while they are driving.

Pennsylvania Drivers Education

Teen-aged drivers in PA need to complete a state-approved drivers education course. You can find a list of approved drivers ed courses by visiting the PA DVS website.