The permit test in Pennsylvania costs $35.50 as of 2024

When you take the written permit test at a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office, you pay $35.50 at the time you sit for the exam. This fee covers the knowledge test itself — the written exam that tests your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You pay once per test attempt, so if you fail and retake it, you pay the fee again.

The $35.50 is separate from other costs you'll encounter on the path to a license. You also pay a fee to get your permit card printed and issued, and later, a separate fee to take the road test. Understanding what each step costs helps you budget for the full process.

Key Takeaways

  • The written permit test costs $35.50 and you pay this fee each time you take the test, including retakes.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test, which has its own separate fee.
  • The permit itself (the card) costs an additional fee when it is issued after you pass the written test.
  • You can take the test at any PennDOT Driver License Center during their business hours without scheduling in advance at most locations.

What the $35.50 covers

The $35.50 fee pays for the written knowledge test only. This test has 18 questions, and you need to answer at least 15 correctly to pass. The test covers Pennsylvania traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. You take it on a computer at a PennDOT office.

This fee does not cover the permit card itself or any other services. Once you pass the written test, PennDOT issues you a learner's permit card, and that issuance has a separate cost. The written test fee and the permit card fee are two different charges.

Other costs you'll pay along the way

After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit card. The cost to issue that card varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A learner's permit in Pennsylvania is valid for one year, and the fee for that card is separate from the $35.50 test fee.

Later, when you are ready to take the road test (also called the driving test), that has its own fee as well. The road test fee is different from the written test fee. You cannot take the road test until you have passed the written test and held your learner's permit for a certain amount of time — Pennsylvania requires you to hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test.

How to pay for the test

You pay the $35.50 fee in person at the PennDOT Driver License Center when you arrive to take the test. PennDOT accepts cash and card payments at most locations. You do not pay online or in advance — payment happens on the day you test.

Bring enough cash or a valid debit or credit card with you. If you are unsure which payment methods your specific PennDOT office accepts, call ahead. The office location can tell you what they take.

What happens if you fail and retake the test

If you do not pass the written test on your first attempt, you pay the $35.50 fee again when you retake it. There is no discount for retakes, and you pay the full amount each time. Pennsylvania does not limit how many times you can take the written test, so you can retake it as many times as you need to pass.

You do not have to wait a set amount of time between attempts. You can retake the test the same day or come back another day — it is up to you. Each attempt costs $35.50.

Where to take the test and what to bring

You take the written permit test at any PennDOT Driver License Center. Pennsylvania has many locations across the state, and you can go to the one closest to you. Most centers do not require you to schedule an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours.

Bring a valid form of identification with you. PennDOT accepts a passport, birth certificate, or other documents that prove your identity and date of birth. Bring the payment method you plan to use (cash or card). You do not need to bring study materials or notes — you cannot use them during the test anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania requires you to take the written permit test in person at a PennDOT Driver License Center. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must go to a physical office location.

Do I have to pay the $35.50 fee if I fail?

Yes. You pay the $35.50 fee each time you take the test, whether you pass or fail. If you retake it three times, you pay $35.50 three times. There are no refunds if you do not pass.

Is the permit test fee the same everywhere in Pennsylvania?

Yes. The $35.50 fee is the same at every PennDOT Driver License Center in the state. The fee does not vary by location or region.

What if I cannot afford the $35.50 right now?

PennDOT does not offer fee waivers or payment plans for the permit test. You must pay the full $35.50 at the time you take the test. If cost is a barrier, you may need to wait until you can save the money.

How long does the written test take?

The written test itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. However, you should plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the PennDOT office total, including check-in and waiting time. Arrival time varies depending on how busy the office is that day.