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In this article, we will be discussing how to get your Pennsylvania driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Continue reading to learn how to get your license in Pennsylvania!

Types of Pennsylvania Driver’s Licenses

There are multiple Pennsylvania driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about the types of Pennsylvania driver’s licenses.

  • Non-commercial Class A driver’s license: Required to operate any combination of vehicles that have a gross weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more, when the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds 10,000 lbs., such as a recreational vehicle.
  • Non-commercial Class B driver’s license: Required to operate any single vehicle that exceeds 26,000 lbs., such as a motor home that is 26,001 lbs. or more.
  • Non-commercial Class C driver’s license: issued to individuals at least 16 years old who have demonstrated qualifications to operate a vehicle, except those that require a Class M qualification, and those who do not meet the definitions of Class A or Class B.
  • Class M driver’s license: issued to individuals at least 16 years of age who have demonstrated their ability to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

Pennsylvania Driver’s License Requirements

In the Keystone state, you must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age to obtain a PA driver’s license. You can use the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual to study for the required exams. You will also need an exam from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or chiropractor.

When you complete these steps, you must prove your identity and your residency in Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Driver and Vehicle Services.

You must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of identification:
    • 1 item from List A (such as a birth certificate or passport)
  • Proof of PA residency:
    • Can include lease records, tax forms, or other options from List B
  • Your social security card
  • Your Non-commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-180)

Your primary physician will document all mental or physical impairments that may affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on your Learner’s Permit Application form.

Applying for Your Pennsylvania Driver’s License

An initial Learner’s Permit is issued to individuals who are at least 16- and 6-months years of age who have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or to a new resident of Pennsylvania who has never been licensed, or a new resident of Pennsylvania who has been licensed in a different state but whose driver’s license has been expired more than 6 months.

To obtain your PA driver’s license, you must follow this process:

Obtain the PA Driver’s Manual

Click here to download the manual. This manual is also available in Spanish, and an audio version is also available. Click here for the Spanish version. Click here for the audio version.

Complete a Physical Examination

You must have a physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or chiropractor conduct a physical exam. Your physician must also complete a Non-commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-180).

Visit a Pennsylvania Driver’s License Center

Next, you will visit a PA Driver’s License Center and present the following documentation:

  • The completed Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-180)
  • The completed PA Parent or Guardian Consent Form (Form DL-180TD) – If you are under the age of 18. This form must be completed by a parent or guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years of age.
  • Proof of identity (found on the reverse side of form DL-180) – If you are changing your name, you are required to present original documentation that supports your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Be advised that birth certificates that are issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Health BEFORE July 1, 2010, were invalidated under a law passed by the government of Puerto Rico to prevent fraud.
  • Two acceptable proofs of residency (found on the reverse side of form DL-180), if you are at least 18 years of age. Proof of residency is not required for individuals if they are 16 or 17 years of age.
  • Social security card

Be advised that there will be a $62 or more fee charged by PennDOT for each check that is returned as uncollectible. PennDOT centers accept credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and checks as acceptable forms of payment.

Complete the Vision Screening and PA Knowledge Test

The Pennsylvania vision screening and knowledge test are performed at a PennDOT Driver’s License Center. Once you pass these tests, you will be issued your initial PA Learner’s Permit.

Keep in mind that individuals who are under the age of 18 are encouraged to schedule their knowledge test 6 months from the date their initial permit was issued. Students who do not feel comfortable can reschedule their skills test for a future date.

Complete Adult-Supervised Skill Building

This step is only applicable for permit holders under the age of 18. Permit holders who are under the age of 18 are required to complete 65 hours of adult-supervised skill building, excluding a PA Motorcycle Learner’s Permit. To complete this requirement, you must have at least 10 hours of night driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving, as well as complete the 6-month waiting period.

Individuals who attain a PA Motorcycle Permit are required to complete the Basic Riding Clinic in place of the 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving.

Schedule a Road Test

You must schedule a road test to ensure you can safely maneuver a motor vehicle. You can schedule your road test online by clicking here. You can also schedule your road test by calling (717) 412-5300. There are also third-party businesses that are certified by PennDOT to administer the road test for a market-driven fee. Click here for a list of businesses that are certified to perform Pennsylvania road tests.

Be advised that all individuals who have skills tests scheduled after June 2, 2020, will be eligible to obtain a driver’s skills test at all open PennDOT Driver’s License Centers that perform skills testing.

Bring the Required Documentation/Items

Before you visit a PA Driver’s License Center, you need to make sure you have the following:

  • Your valid PA Learner’s Permit
  • A parent or Guardian Certification Form (DL-180C) – if you are under 18 years of age
  • Proof of a valid PA auto insurance policy
  • Proof of vehicle registration
  • Accompanying driver’s valid driver’s license

Keep in mind that PennDOT uses state-of-the-art facial recognition technology when you have your photo taken for your Pennsylvania driver’s license/identification card or renewal.

Pennsylvania Written Exam

The PA written exam consists of 18 questions, 15 of which you much answer correctly to pass the exam. You will complete this exam on a touch-screen computer, and there is no time limit for completing the exam. The Pennsylvania written exam is a closed book test, which means you are not allowed to use the manual, books, notes, or electronic devices while you are taking the test.

Pennsylvania Vision Screening

The vision requirements for drivers vary by state and license type. The requirements to operate a tractor-trailer in PA are more precise than a passenger vehicle.

To operate a motor vehicle without corrective lenses or glasses, you must obtain 20/70 or better vision during the day and 20/40 vision or better at night. If you have a visual acuity that is poorer than 20/40 with both eyes, you may be able to drive with a daylight-only restriction. If you wear corrective lenses to improve your vision, you must wear them while you’re driving.

Visual acuity is the clarity or sharpness of vision. Standard vision is 20/20. An individual who has 20/40 vision means you must be at a distance of 20 feet to see what someone with 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet.

To obtain a PA driver’s license, you need to meet the field of vision requirements. Your visual field, in clinical terms, is the area of space you can see simultaneously, which means your field of vision is how far out peripherally you are able to see without moving your head or eyes side to side.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your PA driver’s license. In PA, there are acceptable identification documents are categorized into two lists, list A and list B. List A includes the acceptable documents for proving your identity and list B includes the acceptable documents for proving your residency in Pennsylvania.

List A

(Acceptable forms of identification for U.S. citizens)

  • Birth certificate
    • Must include the raised seal and be U.S.- issued by an authorized government agency, including U.S. territories or Puerto Rico. Be advised that non-U.S. birth certificates WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. For birth certificates from Puerto Rico to be accepted, they must have an issue date of 7/1/2010 or later.
  • Valid U.S. passport
  • Certificate of U.S. citizenship (USCIS Form N-560 or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DOS Form FS-240)

List B

(Acceptable documents for proof of residency for applicants who are at least 18 years of age.)

  • Lease agreements
  • Mortgage documents
  • Tax records
  • Current weapons permit
  • Current utility bills (electric, cable, gas, water, etc.)
  • W-2 forms

Be advised that the documents you present must show the same name and date of birth or a valid association between the information on the documents. Click here for more information regarding acceptable documentation for proof of residency for applicants who are at least 18 years old.

Obtaining a Pennsylvania Driver’s License Under the Age of 18 Years Old

Before you can obtain a PA driver’s license, you must get a PA Learner’s Permit. You will need to apply for a PA Learner’s Permit if you have never held a driver’s license or if you have an out-of-state driver’s license that has expired for more than 6 months.

Your PA Learner’s Permit allows you to learn to drive while accompanied by a licensed driver. You are NOT permitted to operate a motor vehicle unaccompanied.

Applying for a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit

To apply for your PA Learner’s Permit, you must appear in person at a PennDOT office. You must provide the following documentation:

  • A completed Non-commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-180) – You must have a medical examination completed and documented on the form.
  • Payment for the $35.50 permit fee plus the PA driver’s license fee, which is valid for 4 years, or the $25 PA permit fee plus the new driver’s license fee, which is valid for 2 years. This is an optional step if you’re at least 65 years old.
  • Social security card
  • 1 document that proves your identity and lawful status in the U.S. (unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, U.S. citizenship certificate). If you are a non-U.S. citizen, click here for a list of acceptable documentation.
  • 2 documents that provide proof of your PA residency (Can include your recent utility bill, mortgage document or lease agreement, tax documentation, such as a W-2 form) Click here for a list of acceptable documentation for U.S. citizens, click here.

At the PennDOT branch, you must pass the vision screening and written exam. Your PA Learner’s Permit will be valid for 1 year.

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of Pennsylvania

You have a maximum of 60 days to get your PA driver’s license once you establish residency. To apply for a Pennsylvania driver’s license, visit a PennDOT driver’s license center in person and:

  • Submit a completed Application for Pennsylvania Non-commercial Driver’s License by Out-of-State Non-CDL Driver (Form DL-180R)
  • Pass the PA vision screening test
  • Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license (can be valid or expired within the last 6 months)
  • Pay the PA driver’s license fee for 4 years of $30.50 or for 2 years for $20, which is an option if you are at least 65 years old
  • Present your social security card
  • Present proof of your identification (birth certificate with raised seal, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of U.S. citizenship
  • Submit 2 documents proving your PA residency (current utility bill, lease agreement or mortgage document, W-2 form)

Click here for a list of acceptable Pennsylvania documents. If your driver’s license has expired for more than 6 months, you are required to apply for a PA learner’s permit.

Non-Commercial Class A, Class B, or Class C Driver’s Licenses in Pennsylvania

There are different classes of non-commercial driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know.

Class A

The minimum age to obtain a Class A Pennsylvania license is 18. This license is required to operate any combination of vehicles that have a gross weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more when the vehicle(s) being towed exceeds a weight limit of 10,000 lbs. For example, if you are driving a recreational vehicle (RV) is 11,000 lbs. and the vehicle being towed weighs 15,500 lbs., the combined weight is 26,500 lbs.

Class B

The minimum age to obtain a Class B driver’s license is 18. A Class B driver’s license is required to operate any single vehicle that exceeds 26,000 lbs., such as a motor home that exceeds 26,001 lbs. or more.

Class C

The minimum age to obtain a Class C driver’s license is 16. The C Class driver’s license is issued to individuals who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate any vehicle, except vehicles that require a Class M license, and who do not meet the definitions in Class A or Class B. The PA Class C license also applies to any firefighter or member of an emergency or rescue squad who has a certificate of authorization from a fire chief or head of the rescue or emergency squad. The certificate of authorization allows individuals to operate any fire or emergency vehicle that is registered to the fire department, emergency or rescue squad, or municipality for emergency use only. Any individual who obtains a Class C license is authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and cylinder capacity of 50 CCs or less, a 3-wheeled motorcycle with an endorsed cab, or an autocycle. You will need to apply for your PA non-commercial driver’s license by completing Form DL-80.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

You may be required to provide name change documentation in the state of Pennsylvania if you’re applying for a new PA driver’s license or ID card. Keep in mind that you may be required to submit name change documentation, such as a marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your full name.

If the name that is present on your ID is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document(s) that establishes your true full name. You can use the following documents to establish your true full name:

  • A marriage certificate
  • Adoption documentation that contains the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that proves the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Pennsylvania?

Starting May 3, 2023, residents of Pennsylvania will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or photo ID, or another form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid military ID or passport, to board a domestic commercial flight or to enter a federal building or military building that requires an ID.

REAL IDs are now available to Pennsylvania residents who want them. You will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or the equivalent (military ID or valid passport) to:

  • Enter a federal facility that required ID at the entrance
  • Board domestic commercial flights
  • Enter a military base

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Pennsylvania?

No. Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania. You have the option of a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, or a standard PA driver’s license or identification card.

If you don’t get a REAL ID, you are required to have an alternate form of federally acceptable identification, such as a valid passport, military ID, etc. to board domestic commercial flights and to enter certain federal facilities after May 3, 2023.

You are not required to obtain a REAL ID to:

  • Access hospitals
  • Vote
  • Drive
  • Access federal courts
  • Visit the post office
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (social security or veteran’s benefits)

If you are unsure of whether a REAL ID is ideal for you, you can use the REAL ID Online Wizard for help.

How to Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?

There are a few steps you need to take to prepare to apply for a Pennsylvania REAL ID card.

Gather the Proper Documentation

To prepare to obtain your PA REAL ID or driver’s license, you need to make sure you have the correct documents. Federal regulations require PennDOT to verify original versions or certified copies of the following documents for a customer before issuing a REAL ID:

  • Proof of identity
    • Must be an original or certified copy of a birth certificate that is filed with the state office of vital record with a raised or embossed seal, or issued by an authorizing government agency, or valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
  • Proof of social security number
    • Must be a social security card in your current legal name
  • Two proofs of current, physical PA address
    • This proof can be a valid, unexpired PA driver’s license or ID, PA vehicle registration, auto insurance card, or utility bill with the same name and address.
  • Proof of all legal name changes (if applicable)
    • This proof can be a certified marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree that is issued by your county’s family court.

If you are a lawfully present non-U.S. citizen, acceptable documentation can include:

  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) that is issued by a DHS, (Forms I-766 or Form I-688B)
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) that is issued by DHS or INS
  • Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa affixed, and an I-94 that indicates temporary evidence of permanent residence

Be advised that some non-U.S. citizens may be required to present additional documentation.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

Before you can obtain a PA commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are certain steps you need to take and procedures you need to follow.

Who Can Obtain a Pennsylvania CDL?

To be eligible for a PA commercial driver’s license, you must already obtain a non-CDL driver’s license. If you have a driver’s license that was NOT issued in Pennsylvania, there are additional steps you must take.

If you are under 21 years old, you will be restricted to driving commercial vehicles within Pennsylvania (intrastate), per FMCSA regulations.

Regardless of your age, you must prove your:

  • U.S. citizenship/lawful permanent status. Acceptable documents can include your:
    • Birth certificate
    • Valid U.S. passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Pennsylvania residency. Acceptable proofs of PA residency include:
    • A lease agreement
    • Tax records
    • Mortgage documents

Click here for more information regarding proof of residency and lawful status documentation for U.S. citizens. Click here for more information regarding proof of residency and lawful status documentation for non-citizens.

Commercial Learner’s Permit in Pennsylvania

Before you can obtain a PA commercial driver’s license, you must first obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

Completing a CDL training course is not required by the PA Department of Transportation to obtain your CLP, but it is recommended. This training course will help you with the required exams you must complete and pass.

Schedule Your Appointment

You will need to schedule your appointment with your local PennDOT office. Make sure you have:

  • The proper documents that prove your U.S. citizenship/lawful presence AND PA residency
  • A completed Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-31CD)
  • A completed Self-Certification Form (Form DL-11CD)
  • A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA 5875)
  • A completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA 5876)
  • Pay all applicable fees

While you’re at the PennDOT office, you must complete and pass the proper PA written exams for the type of CDL you want. You will also have to submit to a driving record check, where the past 10 years of your driving record will be examined in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. Once you pass the exams and pay the necessary fees, you will be issued your PA CLP.

Pennsylvania CLP Regulations

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires all commercial learner’s permit holders to attain their CLP for at least 15 days before they can complete any CDL skills test. During this time, you may want to consider completing a behind-the-wheel course to help you improve your skills before taking the official PA CDL road skills test.

As stated by the FMCSA, you will only be able to practice driving with your commercial learner’s permit on public roads, and only while you are accompanied by an individual who holds a full CDL.

Obtaining a Pennsylvania CDL

After waiting at least 15 days, you will be eligible to complete the skills portion of your PA CDL test. You must schedule another appointment with PennDOT, and be prepared to:

  • Complete the following exams:
    • A pre-trip inspection test
    • A basic vehicle control exam
    • An on-road driving test
  • Pay all necessary fees

You must arrange to complete the tests in the same type of vehicle you plan on driving with your commercial driver’s license. If not, you may have a restriction placed on your CDL.

Once you pass the required tests and pay the necessary fees, you will be issued your PA commercial driver’s license driving document, which is a camera card or photo license. You will need to take the camera card to a local photo license center to have your CDL picture taken, and then receive your final and official full commercial driver’s license.

Be advised that you must take proof of identification with you to the photo license center. Commercial driver’s license photos require an additional fee.

Transferring Out-of-State CDLs to Pennsylvania

If you have a CDL from a different state or a standard out-of-state driver’s license and want to apply for a PA commercial driver’s license, you must first surrender your current license and apply for a new commercial driver’s license in Pennsylvania.

You need to schedule an appointment with your local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office and submit:

  • A completed Application for Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License by Out-of-State CDL Driver (Form DL-180RCD)
  • A completed Self-Certification Form (Form DL-11CD)
  • Your valid, out-of-state driver’s license or CDL
  • Your social security card
  • Proof of identity
    • Birth certificate with a raised seal
    • Certificate of U.S. citizenship
    • Valid U.S. passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  • 2 documents that prove your PA residency
    • Current utility bills
    • Lease agreements
    • Tax records
  • Additional documentation that proves any legal name change caused my marriage, divorce, and other reasons
  • Payment for all appropriate fees

Be advised that non-U.S. citizens are required to provide different types of identification. Click here for a list of acceptable documentation.

If you do not have any bills in your name and you currently reside with someone else in PA, you are allowed to bring that individual with you to the PennDOT office as 1 document that shows proof of residency. This individual must bring their license or photo ID. The other proof of residency can be a piece of official mail sent to you if the address matches the one listed by the individual you bring with you.

If the license you surrendered was a valid out-of-state CDL, you must also:

  • Complete a vision screening
  • Take additional tests to transfer your HAZMAT or school bus endorsements, if applicable

If the license you surrendered was a valid, standard out-of-state driver’s license, you will be given a non-commercial driver’s license for Pennsylvania. Next, you will have to apply for your PA commercial learner’s permit.

CDL Fees in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation currently charges the following for CDLs or services related to commercial driver’s licenses:

  • CDL (valid 4 years): $122.50
    • With HAZMAT endorsement: $140.50
  • HAZMAT endorsement: $31.50
  • Upgrading commercial class or adding endorsement: $14.50
  • Removing restrictions: $14.50
  • Revised (for change of address, etc.) or replacement CDL: $31.50
  • Duplicate camera card: $5

The PennDOT also offers specific CDLS for older drivers. These fees include:

  • CDL for drivers at least 65 years old (valid 2 years): $56
    • With HAZMAT endorsement $74

An additional federal fee of $60 will also be charged for individuals who are applying for a HAZMAT endorsement in addition to the standard license and endorsement fees.

If you are upgrading your non-commercial driver’s license to a CDL, additional fees will apply, based on how many years remain on your current license. You must also pay the photo fee.

Pennsylvania CDL Medical Requirements

All Pennsylvania CDL applicants are required to complete a Self-Certification form (Form DL-11CD) and take it to the PA Department of Transportation. The FMCSA also requires you to be deemed medically fit BEFORE you can obtain your license. To be certified, you must schedule an appointment with a qualified CDL physician, and they will help you complete:

Once you’re certified, you will be issued a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which you must keep on you while you’re operating a commercial vehicle.

Commercial Driver’s License Types in Pennsylvania

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has designated several different classes of commercial driver’s licenses. Each of these licenses allows you to drive different types of vehicles. These classifications include:

  • Class A CDLs – you are permitted to drive a combination of vehicles over a certain weight, such as a tractor-trailer
  • Class B CDLs – allow you to drive a single vehicle over a specific weight, such as a straight truck
  • Class C CDLs – allow you to operate any other vehicle that is over a certain weight that is not covered by a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license

Depending on the class of CDL you’re applying for, you may be required to complete different written or skills tests or pay different fees.

CDL Endorsement and Restrictions

An endorsement is an additional certification that is added to your CDL, allowing you to operate additional types of commercial motor vehicles. To earn an endorsement, you must complete additional written and/or skills tests and often pay additional fees.

The FMCSA allows commercial drivers to receive endorsements for:

  • HAZMAT vehicles
  • Double or triple trailers
  • Tank vehicles
  • School buses or other passenger vehicles

Restrictions are placed to limit the types of vehicles you will permit to operate with your commercial driver’s license. You may receive a restriction if:

  • You complete your skills test in a different vehicle than your CDL allows
  • You can’t operate an air brakes system
  • You can’t operate a manual transmission

It is possible to have restrictions removed from your CDL by completing additional tests, filling out additional paperwork, and paying additional fees.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

You may be required to self-certify information pertaining to the type of vehicle you’re operating with PennDOT. You must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

  • Non-excepted interstate
  • Excepted Interstate
  • Non-excepted intrastate
  • Excepted Intrastate

Applying for a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License

If you recently moved to the state of Pennsylvania and you currently have an out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you must transfer it within 60 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania.

To transfer your motorcycle license to Pennsylvania, you can visit any PA Department of Transportation driver licensing office and:

  • Surrender your out-of-state credentials
  • Submit a completed Application for Pennsylvania Non-Commercial Driver’s License by Out-of-State Non-CDL Driver (Form DL-180R)
    • If you are under 18 years old, your parent, guardian, or spouse, if they are at least 18 years old, is required to sign this form in front of an examiner at the driver’s license center or have it notarized.
  • Pass the vision screening
  • Submit proof of your:
    • Social security number (SSN)
    • Identity
    • Pennsylvania residency
  • Payment for all applicable PA motorcycle licensing fees

You are only allowed to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license/endorsement if it is currently valid or expired for no more than 6 months. If your credentials have expired more than 6 months, you must complete the entire application process.

How to Get a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License

To be eligible to receive a PA Class M motorcycle license, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Earn a PA motorcycle permit
  • Enroll in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) education course
    • Completing the PAMSP course is not required IF you’re at least 18 years of age
    • Completing a PAMSP course will waive PennDOT’s motorcycle road skills test requirement for any applicant.
  • Pass the PA Department of Transportation’s motorcycle road exam
    • This exam will be waived if you’ve passed the education course mentioned above

Once you’ve fulfilled the eligibility requirements above, you will be on track to receive your official PA motorcycle license!

Motorcycle Permits in Pennsylvania

The first step you need to take to obtain your PA motorcycle license is to earn your motorcycle permit. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

You need to visit your local PA Department of Transportation office that conducts motorcycle knowledge testing and:

  • Submit a completed Motorcycle Learner’s Permit Application (Form DL-5)
    • If you are younger than 18 years old, the signature of your parent, legal guardian, or spouse (who is at least 18 years old) is required to be notarized.
  • Present proof of your:
    • Identity and PA residency
    • Social security number
    • Pass the written knowledge exam
  • Pay all applicable motorcycle permit fees

Once you complete these steps and submit the necessary documentation, you will receive your PA motorcycle permit, which is valid for 1 year.

Permit Requirements and Restrictions

Before you are allowed to get on the road and enjoy the scenery, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements and restrictions that accompany operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle permit.

If you are younger than 18 years old, you must:

  • Attain your motorcycle permit for at least 6 months
  • Complete 65 hours of supervised riding practice
  • Enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course
    • Completing a motorcycle education class counts as 15 hours towards your required practice and will allow you to waive PennDOT’s motorcycle road test.

As a Pennsylvania motorcycle permit holder of any age, you are prohibited from riding:

  • Between sunset and sunrise
  • Without a supervising adult who also holds a Class M motorcycle license
  • With passengers

Getting Your Pennsylvania Motorcycle License

To obtain your PA motorcycle license, you need to be at least 16 years old and meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above.

Before you apply for your motorcycle license, you must have either a certificate of Motorcycle Safety Program course completion or written proof that you’ve passed the PA Department of Transportation’s motorcycle road skills test. If you choose to take the road exam, you must schedule a testing appointment at a PennDOT office offering motorcycle skills testing.

Take the above-listed documentation with you when you visit your local PennDOT driver’s licensing office and present them along with the following:

  • If you’re younger than 18 years old, you must present a Parent or Guardian Certification Form (Form DL-180C) that verifies you’ve completed the required 65 hours of supervised riding practice. This form must be notarized if your parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old is not accompanying you to your skills test.
  • Proof of your identity and PA residency
  • Social security number
  • Your PA motorcycle permit

PAMSP Motorcycle Education Course

Enrolling in a motorcycle education course is only required if you’re younger than 18 years old. However, completing this education course will make obtaining your PA motorcycle license easier.

Completing the PAMSP course allows you to waive the PennDOT’s road skills test and teaches valuable skills, including:

  • Making smooth turns and stops
  • Wearing the most protective gear
  • Choosing the safest route for riding
  • Sharing the road with other drivers

Motorcycle License Fees in Pennsylvania

The fees associated with obtaining your PA motorcycle license are as follows:

  • Transfer out-of-state motorcycle credentials to:
    • PA Class M license (valid for 2 years): $35
    • Pennsylvania Class M license (valid for 4 years): $50.50
  • Motorcycle permit with a motorcycle license (valid for 4 years): $50.50
  • Motorcycle permit with a motorcycle license (valid for 2 years) for applicants at least 65 years old: $45.50

Be advised that these fees encompass the cost of both your permit and license and are charged only when you apply for your permit.

Pennsylvania PennDOT Locations

There are different DOT locations across the state of Pennsylvania where you can obtain a PA driver’s license. Here are different DOT locations in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Hollidaysburg Branch
1620 N Juniata St
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(800) 932-4600
Call for business hours

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Harrisburg Branch
1101 S Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 412-5300
Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 4:40 PM)
Saturday (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Philadelphia Branch
1901 Ruffner St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 225-1415
Call for business hours

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