DMV Pennsylvania · Fees, age, and practice test
Pennsylvania Permit Test Cost: Fees & What to Bring
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How much does the Pennsylvania permit test cost?
$45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license.
- Learner permit / application fee: $45.50 combined initial Class C permit and four-year license fee; do not add a second license payment.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license.
- Initial driver license fee: Included in the combined initial permit and license fee; applicants age 65 or older may choose the $33.50 initial permit and two-year license option.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 217-question Pennsylvania practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
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Prepare your permit application
The initial Class C fee covers both the permit and license. Use the PennDOT learner permit instructions to confirm the documents for your situation before visiting a Driver License Center.
- Complete form DL-180, including the medical section completed by a health care provider, before your visit.
- Gather original identity and date-of-birth documents, your signed Social Security card or applicable SSA-ineligibility letter, and two residency proofs if you are 18 or older.
- If you are under 18, arrange DL-180TD parent or guardian consent. Have the signature notarized if the signer will not accompany you.
- Bring payment and any glasses or contacts you need for the vision screening. If you fail the knowledge test, PennDOT allows another attempt the next business day.
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Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 years of age or older to get a non-commercial learner's permit
Knowledge test fee
$45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license.
Permit fee
$45.50 combined initial Class C permit and four-year license fee; do not add a second license payment.
Initial license fee
Included in the combined initial permit and license fee; applicants age 65 or older may choose the $33.50 initial permit and two-year license option.
Questions on the knowledge test
18 multiple choice questions
Passing score
15 of 18 correct to pass the test
Retake wait after failing
You may retake the knowledge test on the next business day.
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 DL-180, including the medical section completed by a health care provider; original proof of identity and date of birth; signed Social Security card or applicable SSA-ineligibility letter; two residency proofs if 18 or older; DL-180TD consent if under 18 (notarized if the signer is absent); payment and glasses or contacts if needed.
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: $45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license. (official source). Permit fee: $45.50 combined initial Class C permit and four-year license fee; do not add a second license payment. (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 | $45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license. | source |
| Permit fee | $45.50 combined initial Class C permit and four-year license fee; do not add a second license payment. | source |
| Initial license fee | Included in the combined initial permit and license fee; applicants age 65 or older may choose the $33.50 initial permit and two-year license option. | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Pennsylvania DMV practice test (217 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Pennsylvania driver license covers
Initial license fee: Included in the combined initial permit and license fee; applicants age 65 or older may choose the $33.50 initial permit and two-year license option. (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 DL-180, including the medical section completed by a health care provider; original proof of identity and date of birth; signed Social Security card or applicable SSA-ineligibility letter; two residency proofs if 18 or older; DL-180TD consent if under 18 (notarized if the signer is absent); payment and glasses or contacts if needed. 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
$45.50 covers the initial Class C permit and four-year license. If you fail the knowledge test: you may retake the knowledge test on the next business day. 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 217 questions across 9 topics
Pennsylvania motorcycle permit practice test: free questions from the official Pennsylvania motorcycle handbook, each with an explanation and the handbook page.
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Pennsylvania checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 16 free lessons that boil the Pennsylvania driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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