PennDOT DL-180C Parent/Guardian Certification Form Guide

What Is PennDOT Form DL-180C?

Form DL-180C is the official Parent or Guardian Certification Form issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). It certifies that a minor applicant holding a learner’s permit has completed at least 65 hours of supervised practical driving experience.

According to the official form (version DL-180C 6-25), the certification includes:

• A minimum of 65 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice
• 10 hours of nighttime driving (except for certain motorcycle applicants)
• 5 hours of driving in inclement weather conditions (except for certain motorcycle applicants)
• Confirmation that the minor has reviewed PennDOT educational materials on the dangers of distracted driving

The supervised driving must be provided by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older. The form must be signed by a parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or spouse who is at least 18 years of age.

This form is distinct from the Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD), which is required earlier when applying for the initial learner’s permit.

Who Needs to Complete the DL-180C Form?

Any applicant under 18 years of age who wants to take the road test for a Pennsylvania junior driver’s license must present a completed DL-180C form. This applies to both standard non-commercial learner’s permits and motorcycle permits (with specific exceptions noted below).

Key points for eligibility:

• The applicant must have held a valid Pennsylvania learner’s permit for at least six months.
• The form is required at the time of the skills test, whether administered at a PennDOT Driver License Center or through an approved third-party tester or end-of-course skill test teacher.
• Motorcycle permit applicants under 18 must successfully complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program basic rider course. This course fulfills the nighttime and inclement weather requirements and counts toward the 65-hour total.

Adults 18 and older do not need this form for their road test.

Required Supervised Driving Hours Explained

Pennsylvania’s Graduated Driver Licensing Law requires young drivers to gain substantial real-world experience before unrestricted privileges. The 65-hour requirement breaks down as follows:

• Total supervised driving: At least 65 hours
• Nighttime driving: Minimum of 10 hours (not required if the motorcycle basic rider course is completed)
• Inclement weather driving: Minimum of 5 hours (same motorcycle exception applies)

Supervising drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old (or be a parent, guardian, or spouse aged 18 or older). The supervising adult must ride in the front passenger seat.

PennDOT strongly recommends keeping a detailed log of practice sessions, including dates, times, weather conditions, and types of roads or situations practiced. This helps ensure accuracy when completing Form DL-180C and supports safer skill development.

For additional guidance, families should review PennDOT’s Parent’s Supervised Driving Program materials available on the official Young Driver page.

How to Complete Form DL-180C?

The form is straightforward. Here are the main sections based on the current official version:

1. Print name of minor and the learner’s permit number.
2. Certification statement: The parent or guardian affirms the 65 hours of supervised practice (including nighttime and weather hours where applicable) and that the experience was provided by a licensed driver 21 or older.
3. Distracted driving education: Confirmation that the minor has printed or viewed the educational materials on PennDOT’s website regarding the dangers of distracted driving.
4. Signature section: The parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or qualifying spouse signs and prints their name.
5. Notarization or official witnessing: Signature must occur in the presence of a notary, Driver License Examiner, end-of-course skill test teacher, certified third-party examiner, or motorcycle safety instructor.

Important notarization rule: A notarized signature is required only if the parent or guardian will not accompany the teen driver to the Driver License Center for the skills test. If the parent is present at the test, the form can be signed in front of the examiner.

Always use the most recent version of the form. Do not use outdated copies, as requirements can change.

When and Where to Submit the Form?

Bring the completed and properly signed DL-180C form to the skills (road) test. Acceptable locations include:

• Any PennDOT Driver License Center
• Approved third-party non-commercial skills testing locations
• End-of-course skill testing through an approved driver education program

Required items for the road test typically include:

• Valid learner’s permit
• Completed Parent or Guardian Certification Form DL-180C (for applicants under 18)
• Valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the test vehicle
• A licensed accompanying driver meeting age requirements

You can schedule a road test online through the official PennDOT exam scheduling system. Locate centers and check hours via the Driver License Center locator.

Download the Official PennDOT Form DL-180C

Always download the form directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure you have the current version:

Download Official PennDOT Form DL-180C (PDF)

Print the form, complete it accurately, and retain a copy for your records. The form is free; there is no fee to obtain or submit it.

Related Forms and Resources

Understanding the full process helps avoid delays:

• DL-180 – Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (includes the medical examination section)
• DL-180TD – Parent or Guardian Consent Form (required at the knowledge test stage for minors)
• DL-31 – Application to add, extend, replace, change, or correct a learner’s permit
• DL-59 – Form used later if applying for an unrestricted license before age 18 under specific clean-record and driver education conditions

Official resources include the full Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual and the Young Driver safety page on the Pennsylvania government website.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

Successful completion of the 65 hours benefits everyone on the road. Consider these practical tips:

• Start practice in low-traffic areas and gradually introduce highways, night driving, and varied weather.
• Use a driving log or app to track hours accurately.
• Discuss distracted driving, speeding, and passenger limits early and often.
• Review PennDOT’s recommended Parent’s Supervised Driving Program guidebook.
• Remember junior license restrictions continue after the road test (nighttime curfew, passenger limits, etc.) until the driver turns 18 or qualifies for early unrestricted privileges.

Falsifying practice hours can delay licensing and undermine safety. Accurate certification protects both the young driver and the public.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-180C Parent or Guardian Certification Form is a straightforward but essential step in the junior driver’s license process. By confirming 65 hours of quality supervised driving—including nighttime and inclement weather practice—families help build safer, more experienced young drivers.

Download the official form, complete it carefully with the required signatures, and present it at the skills test. For the most up-to-date rules and forms, always refer to official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources at pa.gov/dmv and pa.gov/penndot.

Safe driving starts with thorough preparation. Completing Form DL-180C correctly moves your teen one step closer to responsible independence on Pennsylvania roads.