Theory
PPC: 1; Grades 10-12; Full Year
Credit: 0.2

The Driver Education Theory course emphasizes helping young people to save lives. Much material in this course is selected because of its relation to the skills of safe driving techniques as well as its aspects to life and death. All the students receive classroom instruction, as well as take part in discussion, activities and assemblies. A
Satisfactory grade in theory is a prerequisite to behind-the-wheel instruction. Ordinarily, students are required to register for Driver Education Theory in grade 10.

Behind-the-Wheel
PPC: 2; Grades 10-12; One semester
Prerequisite: Driver Education Theory; Credit: 0.2

The student must complete a class schedule card for behind-the-wheel instruction. The student must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid Pennsylvania permit or a valid operator’s license. Students taking behind-the-wheel are scheduled during their study halls, if possible. Seniors are scheduled first, juniors second, and sophomores third. Students must satisfactorily complete 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel Instruction and 30 hours of classroom Theory in order to receive a verification card for reduced insurance rates.

How to obrain a learner's permit

You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a learner’s permit. Applicants need to bring the following to the examination center:

1. Completed medical qualification form (DL-180a)
2. Check or money order for $29
3. Original social security card
4. Original proof of identity (one of these):
   • Birth Certificate/Certificate of Birth
   • Valid Passport
   • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
   • Certificate of Naturalization
   • PA Photographic Driver’s License
   • PA Photographic ID Card
   • Non-Resident Out-of-State Driver’s License
   • Military Photo Identification
   • Alien Registration Receipt Cards
   • Marriage Record
   • PA Learner’s Permit

Upon successful completion of the knowledge test and vision screening, the applicant will be issued a temporary learner’s permit that can be used for practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.

For your planning purposes, you should expect a driving test which includes: the parallel parking maneuver, two right turns, two left turns, one traffic light and stop sign/or two traffic control signs in areas of the state without traffic lights, and a turnabout. The test will be conducted in “on road” situations.