A probationary License is a PA license that you get for longer term suspensions. Issued after 5 or more years of suspension, you must serve a minimum term of suspension prior to being issued a probationary license in PA. A Probationary License is NOT an OLL or PA Work License.
Q: What is a Probationary License?
A: A Probationary License (PL) is a Class C (Non-Commercial) driver’s license issued once in a lifetime 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 6:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m. The Department may consider additional hours upon request. You will need to attach a letter to your application justifying your request for modified hours. A PL cannot be used to drive a commercial vehicle, motorcycle or moped.
Q: Can anyone who is suspended qualify for a probationary license?
A: No. To qualify for a PL, you must have served and consecutively earned credit toward a portion of your driver’s license suspension/revocation period and your driving record must be free of driving offenses to demonstrate that 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 or revocation on your driving record. In addition, any outstanding citations, judgments, examinations or hearings must first be satisfied.
Q: How much of my suspension/revocation term must I serve before I am eligible to apply?
A: Generally, a person with 1 to 7 violations must have earned credit for at least a 3 year term of suspension or revocation; 8 to 14 violations require that credit be earned for at least a 4 year period; 15 to 21 violations require that drivers license suspension credit be earned for at least a 5 year period; and 22 or more violations require that credit be earned for at least a 6 year period.
Q: I never held a Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit. Can I qualify?
A: Yes. If you are not licensed to drive in this or any other state, you must apply for a class C learner’s permit. Thirty days after the issuance of the learner’s permit you will be eligible to test for a driver’s license. Upon successfully passing all exams, the Department will issue a Probationary License.
Q: Does a DUI, DUI-related offense, or death or personal injury offense disqualify me?
A: Maybe. If you have been convicted of DUI, granted ARD for DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle with DUI, driving under suspension with DUI, suspended for refusal to submit to chemical testing, or offense for death or personal injury without a license within the preceding 7 years, you are not eligible for a PL until the 7 years have passed. If you have ever been convicted of homicide by vehicle or homicide by vehicle while DUI, you are permanently prohibited from obtaining a PL.
Q: If I have served my minimum 3, 4, 5, or 6 years of my suspension/revocation, does that clear the way for me to apply for the Probationary License?
A: Yes, but the application is only the first step in the overall eligibility process.
Q: How do I apply?
A: To apply for a PL, you must complete a Probationary License Petition (form DL-20). To prevent a delay or rejection, all requested information must be completed, and all appropriate fees and documents must be attached. All restoration requirements must be completed.
Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost of applying for a PL is $25. This fee is non-refundable. In addition, the PL itself costs $62.25 yearly. The initial fee is a total of $87.25. If your request for a PL is not approved, the $62.25 fee will be refunded to you. Any unpaid restoration fee must also be paid at the time you submit your probationary license form.