After receiving your learner’s permit and logging at least 65 hours of driving practice, passing your road test is the final step to getting licensed in Pennsylvania. As PA’s first PennDOT-certified third-party driver’s license testing center, Driven2Drive is committed to helping students get licensed with zero stress or hassle at any of our six convenient locations throughout Greater Philly.
On your journey to becoming a skilled, independent driver, you might wonder when you will have to retake your driving test. Today, we’ll answer this and provide other helpful tips on getting licensed in PA.
When Do You Have to Retake Your Driving Test?
To answer the question, it’s necessary to provide a bit of background information on how the PA road test works.
The exam is graded on a points-based system to ensure fairness and objectivity. Certain mistakes may result in an automatic failure on a driving test, whereas other more minor errors will only cause you to lose a few points. If you score the required number of points to demonstrate mastery of operating a vehicle and adhering to PA traffic laws, you will earn your license.
License Expiration
Do you need to retake the test if your driver’s license expires? Your license is valid for four years, and you must simply remember to renew it before this period is up. If your license expired more than two years ago, you would have to retake the written and driving exams. Here’s what you need to know if you’re retaking your road test.
Suspension
There are numerous types of license suspension, so whether you have to retake your test will differ from case to case. You’ll need to contact PennDOT to find out exactly what to do and fill in a Restoration Requirements Letter.
Medical Conditions
Under a PA program, a random sample of drivers ages 45 and older is selected each month and required to submit vision and physical exam results to verify continued fitness for driving. In some cases, drivers may also be asked to retake their written test or road test at PennDOT’s discretion. It’s also worth looking at the Pennsylvania driving laws for more detail on this topic.
PA Road Test Scoring System
Before you even get onto the road, you will have to complete several tasks in the yard (such as parallel parking, for instance). Watch out for the stop sign at the exit!
On the road test, you will need to show confidence in handling turns, intersections, urban and rural straight driving, changing lanes, how you handle curves, “upgrades” (driving up a hill), and “downgrades” (driving down a hill), railroad crossings, and bridge or overpass crossings. Your examiner will be watching how you handle the clutch, change gears, use the brake, stay within your lane, or change lanes.
We recommend familiarizing yourself with the full list of items and their point numbers.
Automatic Fails on a Driving Test
The following offenses will result in an automatic fail:
- Inability to operate any vehicle controls
- Making errors in safe-driving practices
- Causing a crash
- Violating any traffic laws (e.g., failing to obey a stop sign)
- Failing to follow instructions given by the examiner
- Not using turn signals
- Driving dangerously or recklessly
Take a look at our full explanation of how the scoring system works for further information.
FAQs
Do You Have to Retake the Test if You Lose Your Permit?
You won’t need to retake the test. Complete the DL-31 form, “Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct.” For the PA DMV replacement license, you will need to pay a small fee, which can be done online or at the DMV office.
Do You Have to Pay to Retake the Driving Test?
If you DO need to retake the test (for example, if you failed), then yes, every time you take a driving test, you have to pay.
How Many Times Can You Fail Your Driver’s Test in Pennsylvania?
You may take the test a total of three times. If you fail the third time, you will need to apply for a learner’s permit extension.
How Soon Can You Retake Your Road Test?
If you do not pass the road test on your first try, you will have to wait at least one day to retake the test if you are older than 18 and at least seven days between attempts if you’re under 18.
Do You Have to Retake the Driving Test When Moving to Another State?
Generally, you won’t need to retake the driving test when moving to another state. However, it does depend on the state.
- New York You may need to do a vision test in New York.
- Ohio If you have any restrictions on your license in Ohio, you’ll need to retake the test.
- Oregon At the time of writing, Oregon requires you to retake the driving test if you’re moving there.
- Arkansas In Arkansas, you will have to take the written and vision tests if your license expired more than 31 days ago. If it’s longer than a year, you have to retest on the roads.
What Do You Need to Do When Moving to Pennsylvania?
When relocating to Pennsylvania, you need to follow the following steps within 60 days to obtain a PA driver’s license:
- Visit a Pennsylvania DMV and provide the following: proof of residency and identity, social security card, your out-of-state driver’s license, and transfer fees.
- Pass a vision test.
- Have a new picture taken.
- Obtain a temporary license.
- Receive your permanent license card a few weeks later.
Immigrants, including those who are undocumented, must apply for a driver’s license when moving to Pennsylvania. The Department of Transport will issue the license after the individual has lawfully resided in the United States for at least a year.
Do You Need to Retake the Driving Test After Suspension?
Since each person’s suspension is different, you will need to obtain a Restoration Requirements Letter from PennDOT with the steps you must take to reinstate your suspended license in PA. You must print this, fill it in, and send it to or drop it off at PennDOT.
Time for Driving Lessons?
Come to Driven2Drive for student-focused, hassle-free driving lessons and testing. At Driven2Drive, we make safety, convenience, and personalized service our priorities. We take pride in ensuring that our students feel at ease behind the wheel, as we believe this is an essential factor in creating confident, well-prepared drivers. Whether you come to us for driving lessons, license testing, or both, our friendly team will tailor our services to suit your unique needs and schedule.
Testing slots are typically available in as little as two days. To learn more about how we can help you thrive in the driver’s seat and get scheduled for the services you need, contact us here or call us today at 610-664-7400.
In the meantime, start preparing for your driving test, so acing it will be a breeze!
Driven2Drive is a premier driving school and the leader in Driver’s Education. From our dedicated team of instructors to our innovative state-of-the-art Driving & License Testing Centers, we are committed to instilling safe driving habits for life in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
