Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?

Though Pennsylvania residents are not required to take a motorcycle endorsement safety program, it is recommended prior to receiving your full motorcycle license. Drivers who attend the motorcycle safety program are exempt from the skills test otherwise required at a PennDOT license center.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?

Pennsylvania residents who are under 21 and in possession of a motorcycle driving license must wear a helmet at all times. If you are over 21 and have had your motorcycle drivers license for at least two years, you are exempt from the helmet laws as long as you have completed a motorcycle endorsement safety course approved by the Pennsylvania DOT.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?

No, at no point in time is renewing CDLs online possible in Pennsylvania. Instead, a CDL license renewal is done in person at a DMV office center every four years or two if you are older than 65. By enforcing an in-person commercial drivers license renewal process, the chances for identity fraud and other potential mishaps are eliminated.

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Can I take the DMV written test online?

No, under no circumstances may beginning drivers take the DMV written test online. There is no option to get a drivers permit online either. Because driving privileges are not considered a right, but an earned freedom, the PA DMV requires all learners permit applicants to pass the driversed test and submit the necessary documentation in person. To take the written drivers test in PA, schedule an appointment at a nearby DMV office beforehand online.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?

All CDL drivers ages 21 and older may drive anywhere in the US with a commercial driving license. This is because the CDL is designated as an interstate license, which infers that commercial driving is allowed across all state borders. For younger commercial drivers between 21 and 18, they are restricted to work within Pennsylvania borders and have an intrastate CDL. That said, personal driving throughout the US is allowed with an intrastate license.

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?

Pennsylvania drivers riding motor-driven cycles with horsepower that does not exceed five brake horsepower must have the vehicle registered and titled. You must also possess a Class M motorcycle license to operate it. Drivers with mopeds that have operable pedals and no more than 1.5 brake horsepower and no more than 50cc must possess a Class C license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?

Yes, all learning drivers getting drivers permits in PA need to enroll in a drivers education course. When younger than 18, you are most likely enrolling in driver ed course provided by your high school. Otherwise, there are independent online drivers ed or in person drivers schools to enroll in.

For more information: Driver s Education in Pennsylvania

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?

To get a veteran designation added to your PA ID card, you must fit these two requirements:

Have received a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty/ DD214
Received a similar item for the US Armed Forces, reserve component or the National Guard

With the proper military documentation, visit your nearby DMV location, present the form and pay $27.50. Depending on whether or not you have an ID card, it will be considered a renewal, replacement or first time issuance.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?

To get a CDL license in Pennsylvania, drivers must already have a valid PA driver s license. Visit a DMV license center near you and complete the CDL permit application. You will be issued an instruction permit, during which you may have to enroll in CDL drivers training. The final step is to pass the written CDL tests for CDL classes, basic knowledge and a driving exam.

For more information: PA Commercial Driver s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?

When applying for a drivers permit in Pennsylvania, beginning drivers must be at least 16 years of age. To receive a driving permit, you must pass the written knowledge test, show proof of PA residency and provide a parental consent form if younger than 18.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?

Residents of Pennsylvania planning to obtain motorcycle licenses must visit a PennDOT license center to do so. Bring with you the Motorcycle Learner s Permit Application (Form DL-5) and the $10 motorcycle endorsement fee. To receive your motorcycle driving license permit, you will have to take a vision screening test and pass the motorcycle drivers license test. Once you have received your permit, you can either schedule the Class Motorcycle License skills test or attend the Motorcycle Safety Program. Once the skills test has been passed, residents can go about getting a motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

How do I get a duplicate ID card?

To get an ID card replacement, PA residents have a few options: in person, online or by mail. By visiting any DMV licensing center, you can replace an ID card with the following documents:

One proof of Identity

US passport
US birth certificate
Foreign passport with support legal presence documents

Two proofs of Residence

School schedule
Bank statement
Utilities bills

One proof of Social Security Number

Social Security Card
W-2

Another option is complete Form DL-80 and sent it by mail to the posted address. Replacing ID cards is also possible through PennDOT.

To replace stolen ID cards, first get a police report from local law enforcement and take it in person to have the replacement ID card fee waived.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

How do I renew my driving permit?

In Pennsylvania, beginning drivers can ask for extensions for a learning permit. To do so, visit your local DMV center and complete a Non-Commercial Learner s Permit Application form DL-180. This drivers permit extension application will add an additional 12 months to your current learners permit.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

How do I renew my ID card?

There are three ways to renew ID cards in PA: online, in person or by mail. Online ID card renewal is a popular method in Pennsylvania. To begin, log in to the PennDOT account and provide your ID card number. In person, Pennsylvanians simply bring their valid ID cards to renew and a method of payment. If you prefer to renew by mail, you will receive an ID card renewal notice from the PA DMV that includes a form. Fill out this form, include a check or money order and within one month s time, you will receive a renewed ID card.

The identification card renewal fee in PA is $10.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?

Once a year, CDL drivers have to submit a new medical examination report. The due date is the last day of January of every year, and if missed, the commercial driving designation is stripped from one s driving record. To renew CDL medical reports in PA, have your physician fill out a Medical Examination Report form and submit it to the PA DMV.

For more information: PA Commercial Driver s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?

Residents of Pennsylvania who need to renew motorcycle licenses should do so as soon as possible before the license expiration date. Pennsylvania DOT will mail out expired motorcycle license renewal notices 60 days before the license expires. Residents can renew class M licenses online, by mail or by visiting a PennDOT license center.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?

Pennsylvania residents who are active-duty military members must go through the same process to receive a motorcycle driving license. To learn how to get a motorcycle license, visit a PennDOT license center with the Motorcycle Learner s Permit Application (Form DL-5) and the $10 motorcycle endorsement fee.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?

Beginning Pennsylvania drivers must carry a learners permit for at least six months before getting a driver s license. This is in addition to completing 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which are done at night and five hours are in bad weather. A certification of completion will be required to move on to a restricted junior license.

If you are older than 18, you are only required to hold a learner s permit for one month s time before getting a full-privileged driver s license.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

How long will it take to get my new ID card?

The Department of Transportation has made it a simple and quick effort to get ID cards in Pennsylvania. When applying in person for an identification card, you will receive your new ID card at the same time. If you are replacing or renewing ID cards online, a duplicate identification card will arrive within two weeks. When choosing the by mail option, a renewed or replacement ID card will arrive within four weeks time.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?

In Pennsylvania, commercial driving licenses are valid for four years from the day of your birth date. Three months before the expiration date, the PA DMV sends CDL renewal notice to the address on file. If you are 65 years of age or older, the PA Department of Transportation requires you to renew CDL documentation every two years.

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?

It is not possible to replace ID cards when living out of state. The options for ID card replacement are in person, by mail or online. Because you are unable to visit a PA drivers licensing center, you would have to rely on the by mail or online options. Once a duplicate identification card is request though, it will be mailed to the Pennsylvania address on file. The PA DMV will not mail a duplicate ID card to an out-of-state address, and DMV mail is not forwarded by USPS either.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?

Yes, there are two age stipulations for commercial drivers. In order to be eligible for a CDL license, you must be at least 18 years old. Even so, commercial drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 are restricted to intrastate travel. This means that commercial driving tasks within state borders are allowed. On a commercial driver s 21st birthday, the CDL license becomes an interstate driving license, and travel throughout the US is permitted.

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?

Residents of Pennsylvania who are under 18 must obtain a motorcycle license learner s permit and hold it for six months prior to receiving a full Class M motorcycle license. Additionally, you must log at least 65 hours of supervised riding time, as well as attend the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

What are the available commercial license endorsements?

Pennsylvania commercial drivers can study and test for five different CDL endorsements. The available CDL endorsement types are below:

Passenger endorsement
School bus endorsement
Doubles/triples endorsement
Tank vehicle endorsement
Hazardous materials endorsement

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?

Pennsylvania ID card fees are standard across the board at $27.50. This applies for ID card renewals, replacement ID cards and getting ID cards for the first time. The cost is $28.50 if you are renewing ID card documentation on or after July 1, 2015.

PennDOT driver license centers accept personal checks or money order, not cash, debit or credit cards.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?

There are several restrictions beginning drivers must abide by in Pennsylvania. Learners permit restrictions in PA are as follows:

Learning permit holders must drive with a fully-privileged license driver 21 years of age and older, or a parent, legal guardian or spouse 18 years of age and older
May not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m
The number of passengers must fit the number of available seatbelts

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?

The work of a commercial driver necessitates excellent medical conditions to prevent accidents and collisions. For that reason, the PA DMV requires specific medical standards for CDL applicants. To receive a commercial drivers license, a licensed physician must complete a medical evaluation form and this must be provided to the PA DMV.

For more information: PA Commercial Driver s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?

Drivers with a learners permit are more likely to get their privileges suspended when they commit a violation. If these individuals accumulate six points on their driving record or are charged with driving 26 miles per hour over the posted limit, they will receive a mandatory suspension of 90 days.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Pennsylvania

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?

Requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle in Pennsylvania are the same as operating a two-wheel motorcycle. Not all PennDOT licensing centers offer skills tests for three-wheel motorcycles. Contact the licensing center near you to find out if they offer your particular skills test.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?

To get a learners permit in Pennsylvania, new drivers must show proof of identity, proof of residency and proof of a Social Security Number. The following documents to bring for each are specified below:

Proof of Identity

US Passport
Birth Certificate

Proof of Residency

School class schedule
Bank statement

Social Security Number

Social Security card

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?

Residents of Pennsylvania wondering how to get motorcycle licenses must visit a PennDOT license center. Documents you should have in possession when applying for a motorcycle license endorsement include the Motorcycle Learner s Permit Application (Form DL-5) and the Motorcycle Operator Manual. The manual should be used to study for the motorcycle license skills test. You will also have to pay the $10 motorcycle drivers license fee.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?

Residents of Pennsylvania wondering how to get a motorcycle licenses must visit a PennDOT license center with the Motorcycle Learner s Permit Application (Form DL-5) and the $10 motorcycle endorsement fee. To receive your class M motorcycle license, you must pass the vision and motorcycle skills test. If you are under 18, you must also hold a motorcycle license permit for at least six months and acquire 65 hours of supervised riding time. You must also attend the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Pennsylvania

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?

As you may already be aware, the maximum BAC level for CDL drivers is .04 percent. The CDL penalties for DUIs in Pennsylvania are as follows:

First DUI conviction: One year of CDL license suspension
First DUI conviction with a HAZMAT vehicle: Three-year CDL license suspension

Second and subsequent DUI convictions: A lifetime CDL license revocation

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?

An ID card is a form of identification recognized throughout the continental USA. It does not grant permission for international travel or driving on public roadways; instead, it acts as proof of residency, name and age. You can fly within the US providing an ID card, and also use one when opening financial accounts, using a credit card or buying alcohol.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?

In Pennsylvania, the drivers license test consists of 20 questions ranging from pavement markings, traffic signs and road rules. To pass, you must get 17 correct that means the passing score must be at least 87 percent. If you happen to fail the driving test, you may reschedule a drivers exam appointment for the next possible day.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?

To get a permit for driving in PA, all beginner drivers must pass the DMV written exam and a vision exam. In addition, a physical exam from your primary care physician will be needed. If you pass the written drivers test, you will receive the same day a PA learner s permit that is valid for one year.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?

To get a CDL license in Pennsylvania, there are a series of written tests and driving exams to pass. The first test is a medical and vision test. Getting a CDL permit is dependent on proving that you are in good health with a Medical Examiners Report and that your vision meets PA safety standards. The second test is the CDL DMV written test. To prepare, you want to review the office PA CDL driver s manual. Once you have a CDL instruction permit, you are eligible to enroll in commercial drivers training school, and study for additional endorsement tests. The endorsements may or may not require both a written and driving exam. Once your extensive knowledge and driving skill set is proven, a PA CDL license is issued.

For more information: Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?

A PA ID card is valid for four years. Renewing ID cards is possible in several ways: online, by mail and in person. To also make the process as simple as possible, Pennsylvania residents can renew ID cards up to three months in advance.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?

ID card applications are available in any drivers licensing center. If this is your first time getting an ID card, then you must go in person. Under no circumstances may Pennsylvania residents apply for new DMV ID cards for the first time online or by mail. When it comes to renewing ID cards or getting an ID card replacement, you can take advantage of other methods like by mail or online.

For more information: How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Identification Card.

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?

If you wish to get a drivers permit and are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the DMV to pass your written exam. The PA DMV representative will provide a Parent or Guardian Consent Form, and must also show a valid form of identity.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Pennsylvania