A 4-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Drivers under 18 follow extra rules on both the junior learner's permit and the junior driver's license. They limit practice conditions, passengers and night driving, and they can cost you your license quickly. Most of these numbers show up on the test.
65 hours
Behind-the-wheel practice required before the Road Test if you're under 18, including at least 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather
With a permit, you may only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21, or a licensed parent, guardian, person in loco parentis or spouse who is 18 or older. That supervisor must sit in the front seat.
Curfew exception: public or charitable service, volunteer fire company membership, or a job during those hours. Carry a notarized affidavit or certificate from your employer, supervisor or fire chief with your license.
Drivers under 18 may schedule their Road Test up to 6 months in advance, as long as the test date is not before the eligibility date printed on the permit.
You are 16 and got your junior license 3 months ago. Two friends from school (both 16) want a ride home. Without a parent, guardian or spouse 18+ in the car you may take only one of them; the limit rises to three only after 6 months.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
A driver under 18 must complete how many hours of behind-the-wheel skill-building before taking the Road Test?
50 hours
65 hours
40 hours
80 hours
Answer: 65 hours
Drivers under 18 need at least 65 hours of supervised practice before the Road Test.
During the first six months of holding a junior driver's license, how many passengers under 18 who are not immediate family may the driver carry (without a qualifying adult)?
3
1
0
2
Answer: 1
For the first six months, only one passenger under 18 who is not immediate family is allowed unless a qualifying adult is also in the vehicle.
After the first six months on a junior license, how many non-family passengers under 18 may the driver carry without a qualifying adult, assuming no crash or violation history?
Up to 1
Up to 5
Up to 3
Unlimited
Answer: Up to 3
After six months without a responsible crash or conviction, the limit increases to three non-family passengers under 18.