The Road Test checks that your car is safe and that you can control it and obey the law. You need an appointment, the right original documents and a road-legal vehicle. Knowing what causes an automatic failure helps you avoid one.
Know the rule
Appointments are required. Schedule online at www.dmv.pa.gov or call 1-800-423-5542 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, except holidays). PennDOT-certified third-party businesses give the identical test for a market-driven fee.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Bring these originals (copies mean no test)
- Your valid learner's permit
- Under 18: the signed parent or guardian certification form (DL-180C) for 65 hours of practice
- The valid registration card for the test vehicle
- Proof the vehicle is currently insured
- The valid license of the person 21+ (or parent, guardian or spouse 18+) who came with you
The examiner checks your vehicle first
- Registration, insurance, a valid inspection sticker and, if required, an emissions sticker
- Lights, horn, brakes, windshield wipers, turn signals and mirrors
- Doors, seats and tires; clean, usable seat belts that you and the examiner must wear
Know the rule
If any part of your vehicle is unsafe or fails state inspection requirements, you will not be allowed to take the Road Test.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
You may be asked to operate the horn, parking lights, high and low beams, turn signals, wipers, parking brake, 4-way flashers and defroster. Failing to operate any control correctly fails the test.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Parallel parking space; park midway between two uprights, one attempt, no more than 3 adjustments
Handbook p. 10 ↗Know the rule
Your whole vehicle must end up inside the space without touching an upright, crossing the painted line or going onto or over the curb. A self-parking feature must be turned off.
Handbook p. 10 ↗You will fail the Road Test for:
- Inability to operate any vehicle control
- Violating any traffic law (e.g., failing to obey a stop sign)
- Driving dangerously or recklessly, or causing a crash
- Making errors in safe driving practices
- Failing to follow the examiner's instructions
- Not using turn signals
If you don't pass
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Under 18 and failed | Wait 7 days before retesting |
| Each learner's permit | 3 chances to pass before it expires |
| 3 failures or permit expired | Extend with form DL-31 |
| No pass within 3 years of your physical | Start over: new DL-180 and Knowledge Test |
Know the rule
The examiner is your only passenger. If you pass at a PennDOT Driver License Center, you receive your license at that time.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Put it into practice
You arrive for your Road Test with a photocopy of the insurance card, and the brake light on the passenger side is out. You won't be tested: documents must be originals, and an unsafe vehicle is turned away before the drive begins.