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    Occupational Limited License (OLL) Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is an Occupational Limited License?
    2. What types of violations are NOT eligible for an OLL?
    3. If the listed drug conviction was sent between 01/01/04 to 10/27/14 and the conviction date is more than 10 days before PennDOT process date, How do I find the conviction/process date for the violation?
    4. Can a suspended CDL driver get an OLL?
    5. What are the first things I must do in order to qualify?
    6. How do I apply?
    7. Will I have enough time to apply and receive the OLL prior to my suspension date?
    8. What is the cost?
    9. After I apply, what happens next?
    10. When does my OLL expire?
    11. Can the OLL be extended?
    12. I’ve bought/sold/changed vehicles, do I need to notify anyone?
    13. What happens if I commit a violation while driving on an OLL or if a violation is placed on your record after receiving the OLL?
    14. Can I get another OLL if I am suspended again?
    15. Can I take any action in the event that my OLL is recalled or my request is denied?
    16. Where do I write to get further information about an OLL or get a petition (Form DL-15)?


    1. What is an Occupational Limited License?
    An Occupational Limited License (OLL) is a limited driver’s license issued to a driver whose Pennsylvania driving privilege has been suspended for certain violations. If your driving privilege has been revoked, disqualified, cancelled or recalled, you are not eligible for an OLL. If you have never been licensed by this or any other state, and you are not a resident of PA, you are also ineligible to apply. An OLL authorizes driving a designated non-commercial motor vehicle, under certain conditions, only when it is necessary for the driver’s occupation, medical treatment or academic study.

    2. What types of violations are NOT eligible for an OLL?
    Certain violations may make you ineligible depending on previous violations or a conviction date. In most cases, after the suspension time has been fully served for an ineligible violation or the violation has been released, it is no longer a disqualifying violation. Refer to the chart below to help determine eligibility.

    ​Vehicle Code​Vehicle Code Description​Eligibility​Additional Eligibility Information
    ​1532 (c)
    		Any offenses involving controlled substances​Yes​Only if the conviction report was sent between 01/01/2014 and 10/27/2014 and the conviction date is more than 10 days before PennDOT processed the conviction report.​
    1533​​Failure to respond to a Citation​No​Ineligible until citation is satisfied/released.
    ​1538(a)​Failure to undergo a special exam or hearing on accumulation of points of excessive speeding​No​Ineligible until exam or hearing is held and a determination is made.
    ​1538(b)​Failure to attend a departmental Hearing​No​Ineligible until exam or hearing is held and a determination is made.
    ​1543(a)​Driving while Suspended​Yes​Eligible once 3 months of the suspension is served and only if it is the result of a 1533, 6146, 1538(a), 1538(b), 1772(b), 1774, and/or 1775.
    ​1543(b)​Driving while (DUI related) Suspended​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​1547​Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing​No
    		​The Department will no longer be able to issue an Occupational Limited License (OLL) to a driver whose operating privilege is suspended or revoked for one or more violations under section 1547 (relating to chemical testing to determine amount of alcohol or controlled substance) or under former section 3731 (relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or violation substantially similar to a violation under section 3802 or former section 3731 in another jurisdiction.
    ​1772(b)
    1774
    1775    		​Unsatisfied Judgement as a result of a motor vehicle​No​Ineligible unless judgment is satisfied or an agreement is made.
    ​1786(f)​Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3345​Passing a School Bus​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3367​Racing on Highways​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3732​Homicide by Vehicle – Includes 3732.1​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3733​Fleeing a Police Officer​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3734​Driving Without Lights​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    3735​​Aggravated Assault while DUI – Includes 3735.1​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3736​Reckless Driving​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3742​Accidents Involving Death or Injury – Includes 3742.1​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​3743​Leaving Scene of an Accident​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​A3802​ARD Driving Under the Influence​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    3802​
    3731
    		​Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - First, Second, or Subsequent Offense
    		​No
    		The Department will no longer be able to issue an Occupational Limited License (OLL) to a driver whose operating privilege is suspended or revoked for one or more violations under section 1547 (relating to chemical testing to determine amount of alcohol or controlled substance) or under former section 3731 (relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or violation substantially similar to a violation under section 3802 or former section 3731 in another jurisdiction.
    6146​​Failure to Respond to Citation​No​Ineligible until citation is satisfied/released.
    6308​​Underage Alcohol offense​Yes​Eligible only for the first offense.
    7102(b)​​Removal of falsification of identification number​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    7103(b)​​Dealing in vehicles with removed or falsified numbers​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    ​7111​Dealing in titles and plates for stolen Vehicles​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    7121​​False application for certificates of title registration​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.
    7122​​Altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates​No​Ineligible until suspension term is fully served.

     

    3. If the listed drug violation was sent court certified from 01/01/04 to 10/27/14 with a conviction date greater than 10 days from the processing date, how do I find the conviction/processing date for the violation?
    If you’ve pulled a copy of your Driving History the Processing Date can be calculated by looking at the “Official Notice Mailed” date and subtracting 7 days. If you have letters from your suspensions your processing date will be shown in the top right corner of the letter. These violations must have a court certification date from 1/1/04 to 10/27/14. Additional information can be found under the Controlled Substance Act in the PA vehicle code under section 1532(c).

    4. Can a suspended CDL driver get an OLL?
    Yes, provided all requirements are met, you would be eligible for a non-commercial OLL only.

    5. What are the first things I must do in order to qualify?
    If your suspension is in effect, you must surrender your driver’s license if you have not done so already. If your driver’s license has expired, you must submit an application for renewal, along with the appropriate fee. All fines, costs and restoration fees must be paid at the time of petition. Follow the instructions in the petition for further instructions.

    6. How do I apply?
    In order to apply, you must complete an Occupational Limited License Petition (form DL-15). Then send the form, along with a check or money order, proof of insurance (copies only) and the required Restoration Fee (if not previously paid) by mail to the Department (address listed below.)

    7. Will I have enough time to apply and receive the OLL prior to my suspension date?
    If the DL-15 form is received and approved prior to the effective date of your suspension, one of two things will happen:
    1) If the effective date of suspension is less than 15 days from the process date, the Department will delay the start of your suspension for up to 15 days and issue an interim license;
    2) If the effective date is greater than 15 days from the process date, the Department will not delay the suspension. Your actual OLL will be sent to you. You can continue to use your regular license until the OLL arrives. 

    Note: Your suspension will begin upon the new effective date if an interim is issued. 

    8. What is the cost?
    A fee for applying for an OLL is $83.00 and is non-refundable.

    9. After I apply, what happens next?
    Within 20 days of receiving your petition, the Department will inform you in writing whether or not you qualify for an OLL. If you qualify, you will receive an OLL camera card to obtain a photo OLL. You are to carry your photo OLL and DL-15A together at all times.

    10. When does my OLL expire?
    The OLL is valid for the length of your suspension term. After your driving privilege has been restored, the Department will return your valid regular driver’s license.

    11. Can the OLL be extended?
    Only if you are given a suspension due to the result of a Departmental Hearing or if you were convicted of a point related violation which resulted in an “add on” suspension. The Department will notify you and send you the application to extend your OLL. (DL-80OP)

    12. I’ve bought/sold/changed vehicles, do I need to notify anyone?
    The Department does not need to be notified of any vehicle changes for the purposes of maintaining a valid OLL but your DL-15A should be updated and kept with your OLL.

    13. What happens if I commit a violation while driving on an OLL or if a violation is placed on your record after receiving the OLL?
    If you are convicted of an offense for which the penalty is a cancellation, disqualification, recall, suspension, or revocation of your driving privilege, the Department will recall your OLL and you must surrender the OLL to the Department.

    14. Can I get another OLL if I am suspended again?
    You may be issued only one (1) OLL every five (5) years.

    15. Can I take any action in the event that my OLL is recalled or my request is denied?
    Yes. You may file with the Department a petition for an Administrative Hearing accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $100.00. Additional information regarding this filing process will be provided upon request. “Hardship or extraordinary medical circumstances DO NOT qualify you to receive an OLL.”

    16. Where do I write to get further information about an OLL or get a petition (Form DL-15)?
    You may write to:

    PA Department of Transportation
    Bureau of Driver Licensing
    OLL/PL Unit
    P.O. Box 68689
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-8689

    OR

    visit the Driver Vehicle Services website

    Note: You may submit one check or money order for all required fees made payable to: PennDOT

    These Frequently Asked Questions are for information purposes only and not a complete resource, all users of these Frequently Asked Questions are advised to consult the Vehicle Code at Section 1553, 75 Pa. C.S. 1553, relating to Occupational Limited License.