Pennsylvania charges $5 for the written knowledge test when you take it at a PennDOT Driver License Center
The knowledge test itself costs $5, paid at the time you take the exam. You cannot pay in advance or online — you pay the fee when you arrive at your local Driver License Center on the day of your test. This is the only fee for the written portion of the test; there are no additional charges to take it.
If you fail the test, you must pay the $5 fee again each time you retake it. Pennsylvania allows you to retake the test the same day if you fail, though you will need to pay another $5 and wait for an available testing slot. Most people wait a few days or longer between attempts to study more.
Key Takeaways
- The knowledge test costs $5, paid in cash or card at the Driver License Center when you arrive to test.
- Each retake costs another $5, whether you retake the same day or return weeks later.
- You must bring your learner's permit or valid ID to the testing appointment; without it, you cannot test.
- The test has 18 questions and you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass.
- Testing slots fill up quickly in some areas, so scheduling your appointment online in advance is important.
What to bring to your testing appointment
Bring a valid photo ID or your Pennsylvania learner's permit. A driver's license from another state, a passport, or a military ID all work. If you have your learner's permit, bring that instead — it is the fastest way to verify your identity and your test may be able to access.
Bring your Social Security number or your PennDOT ID number if you have one. You will need to provide this when you check in. If you do not have either, tell the staff member at check-in and they will help you locate your information in the system.
How to schedule your test appointment
Schedule your appointment online through the PennDOT website at www.dmv.pa.gov. You can also call 1-800-932-4600 to schedule by phone, though online scheduling is faster and shows available slots in real time. Walk-ins are not accepted; you must have a scheduled appointment.
Appointments fill up weeks in advance in busy areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. If your preferred location has no open slots, check nearby Driver License Centers — sometimes a location 15 or 20 minutes away has availability sooner. You can reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours before your test time without penalty.
What the test covers and how it is scored
The test has 18 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Questions cover road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete the test.
You must answer at least 15 of the 18 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 83 percent. The test is scored when ready after you finish, and you will know whether you passed before you leave the Driver License Center. If you pass, you can move on to scheduling your road test.
Retaking the test if you do not pass
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day for another $5 fee, or you can leave and return another day. Many people find it helpful to study the Driver's Manual for a few days before retaking the test. PennDOT offers a free online practice test on its website that covers the same topics as the real test.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test in Pennsylvania. Each attempt costs $5. Your learner's permit remains valid while you retake the test, so you can continue practicing with a licensed driver before your next attempt.
Other costs in the licensing process
The knowledge test is only one part of getting your driver's license. After you pass the knowledge test, you will need to schedule a road test, which costs $35. A new driver's license costs $30.50 and is valid for four years.
If you need to renew your learner's permit while you are studying for the knowledge test, that costs $20.50. Some people need to take the test multiple times, so budget for the possibility of paying $5 more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test online from home?
No. Pennsylvania requires you to take the knowledge test in person at a Driver License Center. You cannot take it remotely or by mail. You must schedule an appointment and appear at your local center on the day of your test.
What if I fail the test three times?
There is no limit to retakes in Pennsylvania. You can retake the test as many times as you need, paying $5 each time. Your learner's permit stays valid while you study and retake the test, so you can keep practicing with a licensed driver.
Do I need to bring my learner's permit to the test?
You need to bring a valid photo ID. Your learner's permit counts as valid ID, but so does a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have your permit yet, any of these other forms of ID will work.
Can I pay the $5 test fee online before I go?
No. You pay the $5 fee when you arrive at the Driver License Center on the day of your test. You can pay with cash or card. There is no way to prepay the fee online or by phone.
How long does the knowledge test take?
You have 30 minutes to answer the 18 questions. Most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. After you finish, the test is scored when ready and you will know your result before you leave the center.