DMV Pennsylvania · Fees, age, and practice test
Pennsylvania Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Pennsylvania DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Pennsylvania permit test cost?
No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license).
- Learner permit / application fee: $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License (one combined fee covers the learner's permit and the initial license)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license).
- Initial driver license fee: Included in the $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License combined fee (age 65+: Initial Permit and Two-Year License $33.50)
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Pennsylvania practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 years of age or older to get a non-commercial learner's permit
Knowledge test fee
No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license).
Permit fee
$45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License (one combined fee covers the learner's permit and the initial license)
Initial license fee
Included in the $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License combined fee (age 65+: Initial Permit and Two-Year License $33.50)
Questions on the knowledge test
18 multiple choice questions
Passing score
15 of 18 correct to pass the test
Supervised driving before road test
65 hours of adult supervised driving, including at least 10 nighttime hours and 5 hours in bad weather
What to bring
Completed Non Commercial Learner's Permit Application, parent or guardian consent form if under 18, proof of date of birth and identification, signed Social Security card, and applicable fee
Find an office / appointment
PennDOT location finder lists Driver License and Photo Centers; road tests can be scheduled online or by calling 717-412-5300.
REAL ID status
REAL ID (gold star) is optional; if PennDOT has already verified your documents you can order a REAL ID online. Required for flights and federal buildings from May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Class M license; riders under 18 need a 6-month permit hold, 65 supervised hours, and a Basic Rider Course.
Official source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Driver and Vehicle Services site.
How much is the Pennsylvania permit test?
Pennsylvania knowledge test fee: No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license). (official source). Permit fee: $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License (one combined fee covers the learner's permit and the initial license) (official source).
How many questions are on the Pennsylvania permit test?
The official Pennsylvania knowledge test: 18 multiple choice questions (official source). Passing score: 15 of 18 correct to pass the test (official source).
Pennsylvania DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license). | source |
| Permit fee | $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License (one combined fee covers the learner's permit and the initial license) | source |
| Initial license fee | Included in the $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License combined fee (age 65+: Initial Permit and Two-Year License $33.50) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Pennsylvania DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Pennsylvania driver license covers
Initial license fee: Included in the $45.50 Initial Permit and Four-Year License combined fee (age 65+: Initial Permit and Two-Year License $33.50) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID (gold star) is optional; if PennDOT has already verified your documents you can order a REAL ID online. Required for flights and federal buildings from May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Pennsylvania DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Pennsylvania
Getting your first permit
In Pennsylvania, the minimum permit age is 16 years of age or older to get a non-commercial learner's permit. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: completed Non Commercial Learner's Permit Application, parent or guardian consent form if under 18, proof of date of birth and identification, signed Social Security card, and applicable fee. PennDOT location finder lists Driver License and Photo Centers; road tests can be scheduled online or by calling 717-412-5300.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate knowledge test fee; the vision screening and knowledge test are given when you apply for the permit, and PennDOT's guide states the total fees are $45.50 for a Class C permit (includes the 4-year license). Before the road test, the state requires 65 hours of adult supervised driving, including at least 10 nighttime hours and 5 hours in bad weather.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID (gold star) is optional; if PennDOT has already verified your documents you can order a REAL ID online. Required for flights and federal buildings from May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: class M license; riders under 18 need a 6-month permit hold, 65 supervised hours, and a Basic Rider Course.
The Pennsylvania bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
Insurance in Pennsylvania
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