Pennsylvania

Driver licensing agency
contact information		 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Driver and Vehicle Services
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
www.dot.state.pa.us 		800 932-4600 (within state)
717 391-6190 (out of state)
Licensing Requirements
Visual acuity










Visual fields


Color vision requirement
Type of road test

Restricted licenses
 Each eye with/without correction
Both eyes with/without correction
If one eye blind—other with/without correction
Absolute visual acuity minimum


Are bioptic telescopes allowed?




Minimum field requirement
Visual field testing device

None
A standardized road test, similar to those used for the 1st time permit application drivers.
Restrictions are related to vision and include daytime driving only, area restrictions, dual mirrors, and class restrictions.
 20/40
20/40
20/40
20/40 in better eye for unrestricted license; up to 20/100 binocular vision for a restricted license.
Not permitted for meeting acuity standards; however, they are permitted for driving. Must have acuity of 20/100 or better with carrier lens only.
120˚ both eyes
PENNDOT does not regulate the kind of testing device used.
Licensing Renewal Procedures
Standard




Age-based renewal procedures		 Length of license validation
Renewal options and conditions
Vision testing required at time of renewal?
Written test required?
Road test required?
Drivers aged 65+ renew every 2 years. Drivers aged 45+ are requested to submit a physical and vision exam report prior to renewing (through a random mailing of 1,650 per month).		 4 years
Internet, mail, in-person
No
No
No
Reporting Procedures
Physician/medical reporting






Immunity

Legal protection
DMV follow-up

Other reporting


Anonymity		 “All physicians and other persons authorized to diagnose or treat disorders and disabilities defined by the Medical Advisory Board shall report to PENNDOT in writing the full name, DOB, and address of every person 15 years of age and older, diagnosed as having any specified disorder or disability within 10 days.” Physicians must report neuromuscular conditions (eg, Parkinsons), neuropsychiatric conditions (eg, Alzheimer’s dementia), cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, convulsive, and other conditions that may impair driving ability.
“No civil or criminal action may be brought against any person or agency for providing the information required under this system.”
Available
PENNDOT sends the appropriate correspondence to the driver asking him/her to submit the necessary forms and examination reports.
Will accept information from courts, other DMVs, police, emergency personnel, family members, neighbors, and caregivers. Reports must be signed in order to confirm reporter facts.
Reporting is not anonymous, but the identity of the reporter will be protected.
Medical Advisory Board
Role of the MAB The MAB advises PENNDOT and reviews regulations proposed by PENNDOT concerning physical and mental criteria (including vision standards) relating to the licensing of drivers. The MAB meets once every 2 years or as needed.


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