Teen Safe Driving: What Pennsylvania Families Should Know
Key steps, practice‑hour requirements and nighttime restrictions for Pennsylvania teens obtaining a learner’s permit.
Learning to drive is a major milestone — consider whether your teen is responsible, can afford a car and insurance, and whether you will teach them or use a driving school. To apply for a Pennsylvania learner’s permit they must apply no earlier than six months before their 16th birthday with parental consent, complete a physical and vision screening with the doctor’s form, and pass the written knowledge test. After receiving the permit there is a six‑month, 65‑hour behind‑the‑wheel practice requirement (including 10 hours nighttime and 5 hours inclement weather), a parent must certify the hours, and teens may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they work or volunteer and have the proper paperwork.