Who needs a license, vision and keeping it current
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.
Beyond the tests, the handbook sets rules on who must hold a Pennsylvania license, what happens if your vision falls short, and how to keep your record up to date. New residents and foreign license holders have fixed deadlines.
Who needs a Pennsylvania driver's license
Pennsylvania residents at least 16 years old who want to drive a motor vehicle
New residents: within 60 days of moving, and you must surrender your out-of-state license
Armed Forces members with a PA legal address, incl. reserve members stationed in PA (non-military vehicles)
A valid foreign license lets you drive in Pennsylvania for up to one year from your date of entry into the U.S., or until the foreign license expires, whichever comes first. An international driving permit is strongly recommended but not required.
Licenses from France, Germany, Korea and Taiwan transfer without Road or Knowledge testing, but a Vision Test is given. Transfers from Puerto Rico, France or Germany cannot be completed the same day.
You may have poor vision in either eye and still be licensed, but you may be required to wear glasses or contacts, drive only in daylight, or drive only vehicles with side mirrors.
If you fail the vision standards, you get a Report of Eye Examination Form (DL-102) to be completed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist or family physician; then you return to continue testing.
PennDOT must collect your Social Security number, height and eye color to fight license fraud. Your SSN is not part of your public record and is not printed on your permit or license.
You're asked about the ORGAN DONOR designation each time you renew. Applicants under 18 need written consent from a parent, guardian or spouse 18+ (a checkbox on the DL-180TD).
A veterans designation is available if you served in the U.S. Armed Forces (including reserves or National Guard) and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
You move to Pittsburgh from Ohio with a valid Ohio license. You have 60 days to get a Pennsylvania license, and you must hand in your Ohio license when you do.
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.
How many days do you have to notify PennDOT of a change in name or address?
30 days
60 days
15 days
90 days
Answer: 15 days
You must notify PennDOT within 15 days of a name or address change.
If you fail the vision standards at the Driver License Center, what happens next?
You get form DL-102 for an eye doctor or physician to complete
Your permit is denied for one year
You must retake the Knowledge Test the next business day
You receive a dual control learner's permit
Answer: You get form DL-102 for an eye doctor or physician to complete
The examiner gives you a Report of Eye Examination Form (DL-102) for an optometrist, ophthalmologist or family physician to complete, then you may continue testing.