What You Need to Know about PA's Graduated Licensing Program
Getting an unrestricted driver's license is a very exciting time but it also requires drivers to demonstrate responsibility. Here is an easy-to-follow guide for new drivers and their caregivers.
Get Ready!
AAA has multiple resources available supporting teens that are ready to learn how to drive, and their parents:
- AAA's dedicated website full of safe driving tips.
- Dare to Prepare: The AAA Driving School hosts a free hour-and-a-half interactive class quarterly to prepare new drivers and their family for getting a license.
- StartSmart: Sign-up for a series of email newsletters to assist caregivers along the way
Don't forget to study PennDOT's Online Driver's Manual. This has the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application and the Parent or Guardian Consent Form that you will need for the next step.
Get your Junior Learner's Permit
You must be 16 years old to apply at your local PennDOT branch. You will need:
- Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application
- Completed Parent or Guardian Consent Form
- Physical examination completed no earlier than 6 months prior to 16th birthday
- Proof of Identity
- Social Security Card
- $35.50* fee
At PennDOT, you will take the knowledge test and vision exam.
STUDY AND PRACTICE!
The AAA Driving School has multiple options for New Driver Training. To become applicable for an insurance discount, new drivers must complete a New Driver Training Package. This includes a 30-hours of New Driver Theory, which may be completed online or in-person, and 6-hours of In-car Training with a Licensed Instructor.
For caregivers that prefer to train their new driver in-car, we recommend using PennDOT's Parent's Supervised Driving Program and the RoadReady free teen driving app to log and track drive time.
To get your Junior Driver's License, you will need to complete 65 hours behind the wheel (at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather). You may apply once you complete your hours AND have held your PA learner's permit for at least 6 months.
Get your Junior Driver's License
Schedule your driving test at your local PennDOT branch online or by phone at (800) 423-5542. You will need to bring:
- Your completed Parent/Guardian Certification Form (if your parent/guardian does not accompany you to the test, your form will need to be notarized)
- Proof of your car insurance and vehicle registration
- Driver's license of your supervising driver
Get your Senior Driver's License
You may apply when you're 17½ years old if you successfully completed steps above. You have to:
- Have had no driving violation within the last year
- Have had no at-fault accidents within the last year
- Have held your junior license for a year
- Have the approval of your parent, guardian, or spouse
If all the above apply, you can fill out and submit an Application for Change from a Junior Driver's License to a Regular Non-Commercial License form.
Questions? The AAA Driving School is here to help! 1-800-723-7021 or drivingschool@aaacp.com.
*The prices stated in this post are current as of the time of publication.
