State rules
Driver training rules in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania requires of driving schools, CDL training and school bus drivers, with every fact linked to its official source.
✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18
Driver training rules in Pennsylvania for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.
| Driver education (teens) | Not required for a junior license. An approved course (30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel) is needed only for an unrestricted license before 18.source 1 · source 2 |
|---|---|
| Supervised practice (teens) | Under 18: 65 hours adult-supervised (10 night, 5 poor weather) during 6 months of skill building.source 1 |
| New adult drivers | No course required for 18+. Get a learner's permit and pass vision, knowledge and road tests; the 65-hour certification applies only under 18.source 3 · source 4 |
| Who licenses driving schools | PA Department of Education oversees Private Driver Training Schools, their owners, directors, instructors and vehicles.source 5 |
| CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT | No state hour minimum found. Private CDL schools must be licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools as ELDT providers.source 6 |
| CDL schools: state license | Yes. Private CDL/ELDT schools are licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools (PA Dept. of Education) under 22 Pa. Code Ch. 73.source 6 · source 7 |
| CDL schools: state hours or curriculum | No state hour minimum. The Board approves each program's curriculum, which must list the clock hours per subject (22 Pa. Code 73.81).source 7 |
| CDL schools: instructor rules | Yes, general rule (22 Pa. Code 73.104): instructors need one of several qualifications, such as a degree in the field or 2 years' work experience acceptable to the Director. No separate CDL instructor license.source 7 |
| Carriers training their own drivers: license | Exempt. In-house programs provided free by employers to their own employees need no Private Licensed Schools license (22 Pa. Code 73.42(8)).source 7 |
| Carriers: hours or curriculum | No state hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 7 |
| Carriers: instructor rules | No. 73.104 instructor standards apply to licensed schools; free in-house employer programs are exempt. Federal 380.605 applies.source 7 |
| New school bus drivers | At least 20 hours school-bus-specific instruction: 14+ hours classroom and 6+ hours in-bus training.source 8 |
| School bus refresher | Every four years: at least 10 hours refresher (7+ classroom, 3+ in-bus).source 8 |
Driving manuals and handbooks
Official publications from Pennsylvania, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.
Driver's manual
Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), English Version
Teen and parent guides
A Guide to Obtaining a Pennsylvania Junior Learner's Permit and Junior Driver's License (PUB 178)
Teen and parent guides
Pennsylvania Teen Safe Driving Resource Guide
Teen and parent guidesThe Parent's Supervised Driving Program (PUB 385a)
Open on the state siteCopyright J.F. Griffin Publishing and Safe Roads Alliance, so it opens on the state's site.
Mature and senior drivers
Helping Older Drivers Stay Safe: A Guide for Family & Friends (PUB 345)
Mature and senior drivers
Older, Wiser, Safer: A Senior Driver's Guide (PUB 381)
Commercial (CDL)Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's Manual (PUB 223)
Open on the state siteCopyright AAMVA, so it opens on the state's site.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania School Bus Driver Instructor's Manual (PUB 52) - Instructor's GuideSchool bus
Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Instructor's Manual (PUB 52) - Instructor's Guide
Open on the state siteOpens on the state's site.
School bus
Pennsylvania School Bus Driver's Manual (PUB 117)
Motorcycle and mopedMotorcycle Operator Manual (PUB 147)
Open on the state siteOpens on the state's site.
Driving schools and instructors
Pennsylvania Enhanced Driver Education Program Guide
Driving schools and instructors
Private Driver Training School Instructor Preparation Training Guide
Driving schools and instructors
Suggested Guidance for Private Driver Training School Owners in the Preparation of Individuals Pursuing Licensure as a Private Driver Training School Instructor
Driving jobs in Pennsylvania
87,550heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed (May 2025)
$58,580median yearly pay (May 2025)
10,270projected openings each year, 2024 to 2034
4.5%projected job growth, 2024 to 2034
U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsOccupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Pennsylvania, May 2025Projections CentralLong-Term Occupational Projections (2024-2034)
Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.
Federal rules in every state
CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.
Sources
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/young-driver
- https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-59.pdf
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/applying-for-a-learners-permit
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/testing
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/curriculum/driver-and-safety-education/private-driver-training-schools
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/postsecondary-and-adult-education/private-licensed-schools/licensed-cdl-training-providers
- https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter73/chap73toc.html
- https://www.pa.gov/services/dmv/become-a-school-bus-driver