Pennsylvania Driving Test Results Explained

Your journey to becoming a licensed driver in Pennsylvania starts with passing the state’s two-part driving exam. While it is natural to feel nervous about the tests, understanding how it works and what your results mean can help you feel more prepared and confident.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the licensing process and provide tips to help you perform your best, whether you are preparing for your first test or trying again after a previous attempt.

What the Pennsylvania Driving Test Includes

Pennsylvania’s Driving Exam includes two parts:

1. Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is a “theory” test consisting of 18 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It will assess your knowledge about various signs, laws, driving rules, safe driving practices, and traffic violation penalties.

You must answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass. Once you pass, you will receive your learner’s permit, which is your first official step toward becoming a licensed driver.

Before heading to the Driver’s License Center, make sure to bring:

• Your completed Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180)
• Proof of your date of birth and identification
• Your signed Social Security card
• The appropriate test fee
  

The exam is straightforward if you have taken the time to review the PA Driver’s Manual. Regardless, it is helpful to take practice quizzes beforehand so you are familiar with how questions are structured.

2. Road Test

The road test is a “practical” exam to assess your real-life driving skills. During the test, the examiner will evaluate how you control your vehicle by asking you to:

• Use your vehicle’s basic controls (e.g., horn, signals, windshield wipers)
• Perform parallel parking
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Communicate clearly and safely with other drivers
  

The examiner will observe how you respond to real-world driving conditions. You may not pass if you commit too many errors, drive unsafely, or violate traffic laws.

To schedule your road test, you can:

• Use PennDOT’s online scheduling form
• Or call 1-800-423-5542

To take the Road Test for your PA Driver’s License at a Driven2Drive License Testing Center, schedule it:

• Calling Driven2Drive at (610) 664 7400 or purchasing your road test package at Drive2Drive, you will be contacted to schedule your test at a convenient time for you (usually within 2 days). Driven2Drive provides the testing vehicle (Tesla or Mini Cooper).

When you arrive for your road test, you must bring:

• Your valid learner’s permit
• Proof of vehicle registration and insurance 
• A valid state inspection sticker for the car you are using

At Driven2Drive, tests are done in our cars (Teslas and Mini Coopers). We provide this paperwork.

How Are Pennsylvania Driving Test Results Shared?

Knowledge Test Results

There is no need to check your results online. The testing computer will let you know immediately whether you passed. If you do, you will receive your learner’s permit on the spot, valid for one year.

Road Test Results

After your road test, your examiner will complete a performance evaluation score sheet and submit the results to PennDOT. Here is what they will look for:

• Usage and knowledge of your vehicle controls
• Perform parallel parking within guidelines
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Communicate clearly and safely with other drivers
  

If you meet those standards, the examiner will let you know that you passed. Your PA Learner’s Permit will be stamped, and that will become your temporary license. PennDOT will mail your permanent license/camera card within two weeks.

To check the status of your permanent license, you can call PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services at 1-717-412-5300 or submit their online form.

What Happens After You Receive Your Results?

If You Pass the Knowledge/Permit Test:

Congratulations! You will receive your learner’s permit and can schedule your road test any time within the next year (upon eligibility). Drivers under 18 need to wait 6 months and get 65 hours of driving completed before taking the test

If You Fail the Knowledge Test:

You can retake it as soon as the next business day. Just make sure you review the areas where you struggled.

Pro Tip: Use the PA Driver’s License Practice Test App and take mock tests to build confidence before your knowledge test.

If You Fail the Road Test:

• If you fail your road test, you can retake it up to three times within a year with your valid learner’s permit.
• If you are under the age of 18 years, you must wait seven days to retake the test. If you do not pass the test after three tries, you must obtain an application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit (DL-31).
  

Why Do Drivers Fail the Road Test? And How Can You Avoid It?

Many first-time drivers make small mistakes that can lead to an automatic fail on this test. Here are a few of the most common issues:

• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Not being able to complete the parallel parking maneuver successfully (using more than 6 moves, hitting the curb/cones etc.) 
• Failing to use turn signals multiple times
• Ignoring stop signs or traffic lights
• Mounting a curb while parking
• Speeding or failing to follow the examiner’s instructions
• Causing an accident

The best way to avoid these mistakes is to practice regularly. Get familiar with your vehicle’s controls, review Pennsylvania’s driving laws, and take lessons with a qualified and licensed instructor who can help you identify and correct weak spots.

Road Test Pro Tip: Schedule the Day of Test Service at any Driven2Drive License Testing Center. This is one of our most popular services that gets you familiar with the vehicle, the testing environment, and includes a refresher practice right before the Road Test. 

Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania’s non-commercial vehicle driver’s examination consists of two parts: a theoretical knowledge test and a practical road test.
• On passing the knowledge test, you will get a valid PA Learner’s Permit, which you can use to practice driving with an adult/parent and to register for the road test.
• The PA Learner’s Permit is valid for 1 year.
• On passing the road test, you will receive a temporary driver’s license.
• PennDOT will send you a permanent license/camera card within 15 days.

Prepare with Confidence at Driven2Drive

Driven2Drive is a Premier Driving School & PennDOT Certified License Testing Center. We provide fun and interactive driver’s ed courses (classroom & behind the wheel) to expand your driving knowledge and driving skills. Our goal is to help you adopt safe driving habits and confidently get your driver’s license. Each lesson can be customized per your needs, so you will be well-prepared for your road test, and for driving in the real world.

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