PA Class C Non-Commercial License Testing

As a PennDOT Certified 3rd Party Testing Center we are required to follow all of the same guidelines as all state-operated Pennsylvania Driver’s License Centers.

Examiners:

• All of our examiners are PennDOT Certified.

Test Routes:

• All of our test routes are PennDOT approved.
• Every driver’s skills test route has the same minimum required components. Parallel parking will be tested before going on the public roadway.  The applicant’s skills are assessed while performing at least two right turns and at least two left turns while on the road.  The applicant must also drive through and abide by at least one traffic control device, such as a stop sign or traffic signal, and one speed zone change.

Skills Test Scoring: 

• The skills test is scored according to PennDOT’s regulation point system.
• This system serves as the measure in determining whether an applicant is qualified to receive a PA Driver’s License and whether the applicant can continue building skills on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Required Practice (Ages 16–17)

What is the PA Class C Non-Commercial License?

This is the standard driver’s license issued in Pennsylvania. It allows you to operate most regular passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans, as long as they do not fall under the heavy vehicle categories (Class A or Class B).

What is the minimum age to get a Class C license?

The minimum age to apply for the learner’s permit is 16 years old .

How much supervised driving practice is required for a teen driver?

If you are under 18, you must complete a minimum of 65 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel practice before you can take the road test.

What kind of driving must be included in the 65 hours?

The practice must include 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of driving in bad weather (inclement weather).

How do I get my learner’s permit?

You must first apply and pass the written Knowledge Test. This test consists of 18 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer 15 correctly (83%) to pass and get your permit.

Test Day Requirements and Logistics

Do I need an appointment for the driving test?

Yes, appointments must be made to take the Non-Commercial Road Test, either online through the state’s scheduling service or at a PennDOT Certified 3rd Party Testing Center.

What documents must I bring to the test?

You must bring four valid and current documents: 1) Your valid Learner’s Permit; 2) The vehicle’s Valid Registration Card; 3) Proof of Vehicle Insurance; and 4) The accompanying driver’s valid driver’s license.

What extra document is needed if I am under 18?

If you are under 18, you must also bring the signed Parent or Guardian Certification Form (DL-180C), which legally proves you completed the 65 hours of training .

Who must accompany me to the test?

You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, OR a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old. The supervising driver must sit in the front seat .

What are the vehicle requirements for the test?

The vehicle used must be fully functional and roadworthy. The examiner will check to ensure the lights, wipers, horn, and defrosters are working properly. If you cannot properly operate any of the vehicle controls, you will fail the test immediately.

The Skills Test (Driving Exam) Components

How long does the road test take?

The typical driving test lasts approximately 15 minutes.

What are the main parts of the skills test?

The test begins by checking Vehicle Controls and then moves to the driving assessment, which starts with Parallel Parking and is followed by the On-the-Road assessment.

What specific maneuvers are required on the road?

The test route is designed to assess your skills while performing at least two right turns, at least two left turns, driving through and obeying at least one traffic control device (stop sign or signal), and adjusting to at least one speed zone change.

Is the three-point turn required?

Parallel parking is the mandatory maneuver tested first. PennDOT-approved test routes are explicitly mandated to include parallel parking, turns, traffic controls, and speed zone changes.

How is the skills test scored?

The test is scored according to PennDOT’s regulation point system. You pass by keeping your accumulated error points below a specified limit. Errors are weighted by severity; however, any dangerous action results in an automatic failure.

You must successfully park your vehicle in a space that is 8 feet wide by 24 feet long, typically marked by cones.

How many attempts and adjustments am I allowed?

You get one attempt to complete the maneuver, and you are allowed a maximum of three adjustments (forward or reverse movements) to position the vehicle correctly.

How close must I be to the curb?

Your vehicle must be parked as close as safely possible, but no more than 12 inches (1 foot) away from the curb.

Can I open my door to check the curb distance?

No, opening your door to check the distance to the curb during the maneuver is not allowed and may lead to a disqualification.

Retakes and Post-Test Procedures

How many chances do I have to pass the driving test?

You have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the skills test using a single learner’s permit.

If I fail, how long must I wait to retake the test?

If you are under 18, you must wait at least 7 days before scheduling another exam. If you are 18 or older, you must wait at least one day (24 hours) at a state center, or typically 48 hours at a third-party center, to retest.

What happens if I fail three times?

After the third unsuccessful attempt, your learner’s permit automatically becomes invalid. You must then apply for and purchase a new learner’s permit to continue practicing and retake the test.