If you are reading this, you are probably interested in a Pennsylvania Probationary License.
Since I just received mine today, I will share the process and how it worked. I didn't have the greatest driving record to start with due to having a few DUI offenses which also included driving under suspension DUI related.
Well, fast forward 7 years later. I lost my license for a total of 8 years and then learned about a probationary license and what it takes to get one. A person in Pennsylvania can get a probationary license if their license is suspended or revoked for 5 or more years. The least amount of suspension you can have is 3 years and that is for more minor related suspensions like never having a license and getting caught, speeding, racing, etc.
To get the license no matter what your circumstance, you need to have "clean time". In other words, you haven't had another violation in the time needed to get a probationary license.
Like in my case, having a DUI , driving under suspension DUI related, suspended for a refusal to submit, as well as a few other scenarios, you need to have a full 7 years of no new offenses.
Anyway, the day came that I was eligible. I sent in the form as well as the amount of money needed. In my case $163.75 which was $88.75 for the license and $75.00 for the restoration fee.
I then received a letter approximately 3 weeks later stating I was eligible and approved. However, before the license could be issued I would be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed as well as attend a Departmental Review session.
I called to have an Ignition Interlock installed the day I got the letter. The appointment was about two weeks later. I was also informed in the letter that I would be informed within 21 working days of the date, time, and location of the Departmental Review.
After having the Interlock installed, I received a letter about the Departmental Review about three weeks later informing me it would be in about three weeks. Then, five days before the hearing I received a letter stating the hearing had been postponed for two weeks. No reason was given. Actually, it was just another letter exactly as the first one just stating another date and time. Same location though.
Finally, the day came and I proceeded down to the licensing center. I got there about 10 minutes before my stated time. The place was packed with people getting licenses, getting photos, taking tests. I actually had to look around until I saw the "Departmental Review Hearings" sign. It was a relief. I just got into the area that said to have a seat until called, when a man came out of a door and called my name. What luck?
He instructed me to come inside a room and he needed to ask some questions and see my identification. He looked over my identification. The letter said bring one form of the following, which then was proceeded by three groups of ID. I took no chances and brought one from each group- my photo ID, my birth certificate, my social security card, and my voter registration card.
He looked them over, asked some basic questions and then explained how the probationary license worked. He also gave me forms showing the points system and how to fill out a form if I wanted to add a new car, request additional or different driving hours, renew the probationary license, etc. The whole process took about 10 minutes.
I was then giving a camera card, as well as a paper that was attached to the top - which I would have to keep and show law enforcement if stopped. It just showed the vehicle I was allowed to drive and the hours allowed to drive. The default hours are 6 am to 7 pm, which work great for me.
He then led me to the desk where people would pick up a paper ticket with a number to get their picture taken. I was number 105 and at the time the three numbers at the camera stations were 70, 71, and 72. I had a little bit of a wait.
After about an hour of waiting I had my new probationary license for the state of Pennsylvania. I was truly excited. I finally got home and couldn't wait to take a drive for the first time in nearly 8 years.
Of course something had to go wrong, the day was going too smoothly. I had a flat tire. So another hour later and I was out the door. I cruised through the countryside and finally stopped at a local mini mart.
I had to play the Powerball. After all, this 20 year old truck I'm allowed to drive might not make it a full year.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions. The reason I wrote this was I couldn't find much information on the process of getting a probationary license in Pennsylvania and how it worked. So, I hope this helped you or maybe someone you know.
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