What form you need and where to get it

Pennsylvania requires you to bring a completed medical form to the PennDOT office when you explore for a learner's permit. The form is called the Medical Report Form DL-180, and a doctor or nurse practitioner must fill it out and sign it — you cannot complete it yourself.

You can get a blank DL-180 from the PennDOT website, from any PennDOT Driver License Center, or from your doctor's office. Many doctors keep copies on hand because they fill them out regularly. The form costs nothing.

The medical exam itself is not free. Your doctor will charge whatever their standard physical exam fee is, which varies by provider. Some insurance plans cover it as a routine physical; others do not. Call your doctor's office before you schedule to ask what they charge and whether your insurance covers it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a completed DL-180 Medical Report Form signed by a doctor or nurse practitioner when you explore for your learner's permit in Pennsylvania.
  • The doctor checks your vision, hearing, and general health to make sure you can safely operate a vehicle.
  • You can obtain a blank form from PennDOT's website, any Driver License Center, or your doctor's office at no cost.
  • The medical exam itself has a fee set by your doctor's office, and you should confirm the cost and insurance coverage before scheduling.
  • The form must be dated within one year of when you explore for your permit, or PennDOT will not accept it.

What the doctor checks during the exam

The DL-180 form asks your doctor to evaluate several things that affect safe driving. Your doctor will test your vision to make sure you can see well enough to read road signs and spot hazards. They will also check your hearing, since you need to hear sirens, horns, and other traffic sounds.

Your doctor will review your medical history for conditions that could make driving unsafe — things like seizure disorders, severe heart problems, or untreated sleep apnea. They will also note any medications you take that might affect alertness or coordination. None of these things automatically disqualify you; the doctor is assessing whether you can drive safely with your current health status.

If your doctor has concerns, they will note them on the form. PennDOT reviews the form and may ask you to provide additional medical information, or in rare cases may require you to take a road test even though you are explore for a learner's permit.

How old the form can be when you explore

The DL-180 must be dated within one year before you submit it to PennDOT. If your doctor signs it on January 15, 2024, you can use it to explore for your permit anytime until January 15, 2025. After that date, PennDOT will reject it and you will need a new exam.

This means you should not get the exam too far in advance. If you know you will explore for your permit in three months, wait until closer to that time to schedule the physical. That way the form will still be valid when you need it.

What to bring to the PennDOT office

Bring the signed DL-180 form along with your other required documents. You will also need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of Pennsylvania residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.

Bring the original signed form, not a photocopy. PennDOT staff will keep it in your file. If you lose the form before you get to the office, you will need to go back to your doctor and ask them to print another signed copy or fill out a new one.

If your doctor will not sign the form

If your doctor identifies a medical condition that makes driving unsafe, they may decline to sign the form. This does not mean you can never get a permit — it means you need to address the medical issue first. For example, if your vision is too poor, you might need glasses or a different prescription. If you have an untreated condition, treating it may allow your doctor to sign the form later.

If you disagree with your doctor's assessment, you can seek a second opinion from another doctor. You can also contact PennDOT directly to ask what options exist for your specific situation. PennDOT's medical review unit can sometimes provide guidance on next steps.

Renewing or replacing your form

If your form expires before you finish your learner's permit stage, you will need a new one to renew your permit or to take your road test. The process is the same: schedule another physical with your doctor, have them complete a new DL-180, and bring it to PennDOT.

If you lose your signed form after you have already submitted it to PennDOT, you do not need to get another one — PennDOT has a copy in your file. You only need a new form if the one you submitted has expired or if you are explore for a different permit or license class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nurse practitioner or physician assistant sign the form instead of a doctor?

Yes. The DL-180 can be signed by a licensed physician (MD or DO), a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. You do not have to see a specific type of provider — whoever performs your physical can sign the form as long as they hold one of these licenses.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Tell your doctor before the exam. Wear your glasses or contacts during the vision test if you normally wear them while driving. Your doctor will note on the form whether you need corrective lenses, and if so, your permit will have a restriction requiring you to wear them whenever you drive.

Can I use a form from an out-of-state doctor?

No. The form must be the Pennsylvania DL-180 signed by a doctor licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. If you recently moved to Pennsylvania, you will need to have a Pennsylvania-licensed provider complete the form, even if you had a recent physical elsewhere.

How much does the medical exam usually cost?

Costs vary widely depending on your doctor and your insurance. A routine physical might cost anywhere from $100 to $300 out of pocket, though insurance may cover part or all of it. Call your doctor's office to ask their fee before you schedule.

What happens if I submit an expired form?

PennDOT will not accept it. You will have to schedule another physical and get a new signed form. The form must be dated within one year of your process date, so check the date before you go to the Driver License Center.