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    Probationary Licenses

    A Probationary License (PL) is a Class C (Non-commercial) Limited Driver's License issued only once to an individual whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended or revoked for five or more years.

    Overview

    A Probationary License (PL) is a Class C (Non-commercial) Limited Driver's License issued only once to an individual whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended or revoked for five or more years. This license authorizes driving a non-commercial vehicle between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. PennDOT will consider additional hours upon request. A PL cannot be used to drive a commercial vehicle, motorcycle or moped.

    To qualify for a Probationary License, you must have served a portion of your suspension/revocation period and your driving record must be free of driving offenses to demonstrate you have not driven during the minimum period of suspension/revocation. This minimum period (from 3 to 6 years) is determined by the number of violations that caused the current suspension/revocation of your driving privilege. In addition, any outstanding citations, judgments, examinations, hearings or restoration requirement fees must first be satisfied. You may request your restoration requirements letter to ensure the necessary requirements have been met prior to applying. 

    Depending on your violations you may have to obtain an Ignition Interlock (II) Probationary License (PL). For more information on Ignition Interlock requirements you can reference our Ignition Interlock Section.

    If your application has been approved you will be sent a Probationary License Hearing Letter for a review session with a PennDOT employee where examination or program requirements may be added  before a  Probationary License is issued. After a sucessful PL review session and any additional requirement have been met you may then obtain a Probationary License.

    Any requested changes to your information or  traveling should be notated on the DL-80OP (PDF) form these changes include:

    • Change of Address
    • A Name Change
    • Hours Change
    • Vehicle Information Change (Make/Model/License Plate) with attached insurance information
    • Work/Medical/School Address change or update

    To Apply for a Probationary License:

    1. You must complete Form DL-20 (PDF) Probationary License Petition. Follow the instructions on the petition.
    2. Send it, along with the appropriate fee, to the address listed on the form.
    3. PennDOT will evaluate the petition and determine your eligibility.
    4. If you do not qualify for a Probationary License, you will be sent a letter denying your application.
    5. If you meet all requirements for a Probationary License, you will be issued a Probationary License Hearing Letter.

    To Renew a Probationary License:

    1. You must complete form DL-143PL (PDF) Probationary License Renewal Application. Follow the instructions on the Application
    2. Send it, along with the appropriate fee, to the address listed on the form.
    3. PennDOT will evaluate the petition and determine your eligibility for Renewal.
    4. If you do not qualify for a PL renewal, you will be sent a letter denying your application.
    5. If you meet all requirements for a PL renewal, you will be issued a PL camera card, which you will need to take to the nearest Photo License Center to have your photo taken and receive your PL.