Booking Your Pennsylvania Driving Test: A 2025 Guide to Scheduling Your Appointment
You've passed your knowledge test, spent months practicing behind the wheel, and completed your 65 hours of supervised driving. The final step to earning your Pennsylvania driver's license is scheduling and passing the non-commercial road test. In Pennsylvania, you must schedule this test in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to book your driving test appointment, covering the online system, scheduling by phone, and what you need to be eligible.
Before You Schedule: Key Eligibility Requirements
Before you can book your road test, you must meet several key requirements, especially if you are under 18.
- Learner's Permit: You must have a valid, unexpired Pennsylvania learner's permit.
- Six-Month Waiting Period (for teens): If you are under 18, you must have held your learner's permit for at least six months. [7]
- 65-Hour Driving Requirement (for teens): If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must certify that you have completed at least 65 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night and 5 hours in bad weather. [7, 15]
Option 1: Scheduling Your Road Test Online
The most convenient and efficient way to schedule your driving test is through the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. The online system is available 24/7 and allows you to see all available appointments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Online Scheduling:
Visit the PennDOT Website: Navigate to the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. Look for a section labeled "Driver Services" or a direct link for "Schedule a Driver's Test."
Select "Schedule a Non-Commercial Road Test": On the online services page, you will find several options. Click the one designated for scheduling your skills test.
Enter Your Information: The system will need to verify your identity and eligibility. You will be prompted to enter:
- Your Driver's License Number (found on your learner's permit)
- Your Date of Birth
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number (in some cases)
Choose a Driver License Center: The portal will allow you to search for available test centers. You can search by county or ZIP code to find the locations nearest to you. It's often recommended to choose a center in an area where you have practiced driving.
Select an Available Date and Time: The system will display a calendar showing all available dates and times for the location you selected. Appointments, especially at popular locations, can be booked weeks or even months in advance. It is highly recommended to schedule your test as early as possible.
Confirm Your Appointment: Before you finalize, the system will show you a summary of your appointment details: location, date, and time. Double-check that everything is correct.
Save Your Confirmation: Once you confirm, you should receive a confirmation email or be able to print a confirmation page. Keep this information for your records and bring it with you on your test day.
Option 2: Scheduling Your Road Test by Phone
If you do not have internet access or prefer to schedule over the phone, you can do so by calling PennDOT directly.
- The Number to Call: You can schedule a non-commercial road test by calling PennDOT at 1-717-412-5300. [4]
- Have Your Information Ready: When you call, be sure to have your learner's permit in hand, as the representative will ask for your driver's license number and other identifying information.
- Be Patient: Wait times can vary, so be prepared to be on hold. The representative will walk you through the available locations and time slots.
What if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule?
Life happens. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, it is crucial that you cancel or reschedule it. You can do this using the same online system or by calling the scheduling phone number.
Canceling your appointment at least 48 hours in advance is courteous and opens up the time slot for another driver. If you fail to show up for your appointment without canceling, you may face restrictions on how soon you can schedule your next test.
By planning, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, and using the online scheduling tool, you can easily secure your road test appointment and take that final, exciting step toward earning your Pennsylvania driver's license.