Pennsylvania Car Accident Legal Center

Pennsylvania's Graduated Licensing System

Pennsylvania's teen driving law is a "graduated" licensing system aimed at reversing the rising increase in deaths related to teenage drivers. This system gradually introduces inexperienced drivers to more difficult driving situations as they master steps along the way.

Although the regulations charted below may be unpopular among teenage drivers, they are aimed to serve in the best interest of all drivers. More supervised experience behind the wheel will hopefully make the roads safer for everyone.


Pennsylvania's New Young Driver Licensing Requirements

LEARNER'S PERMIT JUNIOR LICENSE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE
Effective August 24, 1999
  • 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. driving restriction
    (previously midnight to 5 am)

  • Number of passengers must not exceed number of seat belts in vehicle
    (no previous requirement)
  • 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. driving restriction
    (previously midnight to 5 am)

  • Number of passengers must not exceed number of seat belts in vehicle
    (no previous requirement)
  • Number of passengers must not exceed number of seat belts in vehicle for all drivers under age 18
    (no previous requirement)
Effective December 22, 1999
  • Mandatory 6 months for skill building before road test
    (previously 30 days)

  • Permit valid for one year
    (previously 120 days)

  • Supervising adult must be 21 or older
    (previously age 18)

  • Certification of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel skill building
    (no previous requirement)

  • Mandatory 90-day suspension for 6-point or more accumulation or a single high-speed conviction (26 miles per hour or more over posted speed limit)
    (previously discretionary sanctioning)
  • Mandatory 90-day suspension for 6-point or more accumulation or a single high-speed conviction (26 miles per hour or more over posted speed limit)
    (previously discretionary sanctioning)
  • Possible before age 18 with:

    • Crash- and conviction-free record for 12 months

    • Completion of an approved driver's education course

  • Otherwise, full license not possible until age 18
    (previously, full license possible at age 17 with clean driving record and completion of approved driver's education course)

  • Mandatory 90-day suspension for 6-point or more accumulation or a single high-speed conviction (26 miles per hour or more over posted speed limit)
    (previously discretionary sanctioning)

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