Dual Control Learner's Permit

In these cases, the individual will need to enroll in a driving school program. Before the Dual Control Permit is obtained, the driving school will need to send a letter to the Department of Transportation informing them of the individual's enrollment. Please note, the driving school may require an appointment with them before sending the enrollment letter. The learner's permit is then mailed directly to the school. All training must be done by a licensed instructor associated with that school. If training ceases, the school must return the permit to the Department of Transportation.

Dual Control Learner's Permits are beneficial for individuals who may not have complete control of all their limbs. Being evaluated by a Certified Driving Rehab Specialist/Driving Rehab Specialist will allow them to train on equipment that may help them gain independence with driving and pass a driver's test. This also allows for individuals who otherwise would not be able to have an in-car evaluation completed due to a medical recall to be evaluated by a DRS/CDRS.

Steps for New Drivers:

• The individual will have their healthcare provider complete a non-commercial learner's permit application (DL-180).  On the DL-180, the provider should list any condition(s) that would affect the patient's ability to drive.
• The individual will then submit the DL-180 at a driver license center. Based on the information on the completed DL-180, the individual will then be given additional forms to have completed by their medical provider.
• Once complete, the forms are to be submitted by mail, fax, email, or provided back to the Driver License Center. 
• Once PennDOT receives the medical forms that confirm the individual meets all standards, the individual will be permitted to take the knowledge test.  
• Once the knowledge test is passed, the test results will be submitted to the PennDOT Medical Unit, which will then send a letter with a Dual Control Permit Application and additional requirements to the individual. Please note: the individual is NOT given a permit at the site.
• The individual will need to enroll in a driving school that offers a dual control permit program.

The individual will then need to complete an Application for Dual Control Permit (DL-110) and submit with a check made out to 'PennDOT' for the current amount of the permit fee. 

The Driving School Letter, DL-110, and Application Fee will need to be mailed to:

PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Driver Licensing
PO Box 68682 Attn: Dual Control
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682

• Once the DRS/CDRS has completed the training with the individual, PennDOT will convert the dual control learner's permit back to a regular learner's permit with special equipment coding. 
  

Steps for a Driver Who Has Had a Learner's Permit or License Previously:

• If a customer's license is recalled (RC), suspended (SU), or expired they will only be permitted to drive with a DRS/CDRS who possesses a vehicle containing passenger side controls (brake). Additionally, if a customer is a CDL holder, they will need to drop their CDL Class. An application for Revision/Return of CDL Classification Form (DL-100CD) will need to be completed. 
• All sanctions and restorations will need to be met before a Dual Control Permit can be issued.
• If a customer holds a current learner's permit or driver's license, it will need to be surrendered to the Medical Unit before a Dual Control Permit can be issued.
• All medical forms will need to be filled out completely by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant and submitted to the PennDOT Medical Unit. 
• Once the medical forms pass PennDOT regulations, the Medical Unit will mail the customer a letter explaining the requirements needed for a Dual Control Permit.
• The customer will need to enroll in a driving school that offers a dual control permit program.

The customer will need to complete a DL-110 and submit it with their current product (if applicable), and a Check made out to PennDOT for the current amount of permit fee. 

The Driving School Letter, DL-110, and Application Fee will need to be mailed to:

PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Driver Licensing
PO Box 68682 Attn: Dual Control
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682

• The Dual Control Permit is mailed to the Driving School/Driving Rehabilitation Program upon issuance.  The customer will receive a letter in the mail stating this has been done. The customer would then only be permitted to drive with the Driving School/Driving Rehab Program that holds their permit. 
• Once the customer has completed their evaluation and training, they will need to pass the driver skills test at a PennDOT driver license center. If the customer is using adaptive equipment to drive, they will need to test with the adaptive equipment.
  

How Can I Find A Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist?

A list of Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists can be found by visiting the "Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists" (ADED) website. 
 
Please note: PennDOT does not endorse or recommend any individual, business, or organization identified on the added page. These providers are not employees of PennDOT and any service they provide is NOT a business transaction involving PennDOT. Costs for assessments and scheduling are determined by each provider.

If you have further questions on the Dual Control Permit process, please contact PennDOT at RA-PDADP@pa.gov.