Pennsylvania Online Driver Education and Licensing Procedures

We’re happy that you have decided to begin the challenging process of applying for your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit or first Pennsylvania driver’s license. Pennsylvania has a “Graduated Driver License Program()”:http://dmv.dc.gov/info/adult/LPage1621.shtm for Pennsylvania teen drivers that allows new drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges. We know that learning to drive can be as daunting as it is exciting, and so we have put together this short information sheet to help you avoid any snags along the way.There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Pennsylvania driver’s license is as uncomplicated—and even rewarding—an experience as possible. So, here we go!

The Pennsylvania Instructional Permit or Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit

When you turn 16, you can finally apply for a Pennsylvania Instruction Permit, otherwise known as a Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit. This license allows you to practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21, has a valid driver license, and is sitting next to you. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and you are required to carry your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit with you at all times. In order to apply, you need to:

• Acquire a “Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual()”:http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/drivers_manual/pa_driversman.shtml so you can study for the test
• Be able to provide proof of identity and proof of residency (accepted documents are listed on the other side of your physical form
• Bring your Social Security card
• Have your doctor conduct a physical and fill out “the required form()”:http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180.pdf
• Have your parent/guardian sign “DL-180TD()”:http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180td.pdf as part of your application
• Don’t forget a check or money order for the applicable Pennsylvania driver’s license fee

Once you’ve met these requirements, head on down to the nearest Pennsylvania Driver’s License Center with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a knowledge test (study your Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual thoroughly!). If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit, which is valid for 1 year.

Once you’ve held your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit for 6 months and have met a few more requirements, you’ll have earned the right to graduate to the next step: the Pennsylvania Junior Driver License.

The Pennsylvania Junior Driver License and Pennsylvania Full Driver License

You can apply for your Pennsylvania Junior Drive License once you’ve held your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit for 6 months without incident and have completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving. As soon as you’ve done this, make your appointment and head on down to the nearest local Pennsylvania Driver’s License Center. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Pennsylvania road test! If you pass, then congratulations: you’ve just earned your Pennsylvania Junior Driver License.

Pennsylvania Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

There are a few more restrictions for your Pennsylvania Junior Driver License that you should be aware of. Namely:

• No driving between 11PM and 5AM unless accompanied by a parent/guardian, or licensed driver over 21
  The exceptions to this driving curfew are:
• driving to employment
• driving to volunteer activities and charitable causes

If you violate any of the above restrictions, your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit or Pennsylvania Junior Driver License may be suspended for 90 days. You’ve worked too diligently to have to wait another 90 days, right? After you’ve had your Pennsylvania Junior Driver’s License for 1 year, you can apply for a regular driver license, provided you have had no traffic violations or accidents for a 1 year period. At long last, all remaining restrictions are removed. Freedom!

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

Once you receive your Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit or Pennsylvania Intermediate Driver license, you’re ready to drive—or are you? Not quite yet, because Pennsylvania drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $15,000 bodily injury for one person
• $30,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $5,000 for property damage per accident

If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Pennsylvania mandatory liability insurance, your Pennsylvania license could be suspended.

Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Laws

As a Pennsylvania teen driver, it’s your responsibility to learn the Pennsylvania drunk driving laws and follow them to the letter. Like most states, Pennsylvania has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Pennsylvania DUI or Pennsylvania DWI, you face additional penalties to those listed below.

Upon your first conviction of a Pennsylvania DUI, you’ll face the following penalties:

• Jail and 6 months probation
• Fine of $300

Cell Phone and Text Messaging Laws

We acknowledge how important it is for young people to stay in touch with friends, but studies show that cell phone use, especially text messaging, contributes to accidents. Currently, Pennsylvania teen drivers are only prohibited from using cell phones while driving (unless using a hands-free device) in Conshohocken, Hilltown Township, and Lebanon, Pennsylvania. However, you should still beware when using cell phones while driving. Even if not illegal, it still carries risk!

Pennsylvania Online Driver Education

Pennsylvania teen drivers are required to take a Pennsylvania approved driver education course at an early stage in the process. For more information on approved Pennsylvania online traffic safety schools, go to “Drive Safe PA website()”:http://www.drivesafepa.org/.