PennDOT to offer noncommercial driving skills tests at certified third-party sites

As part of ongoing efforts to f urther enhance customer service, PennDOT has launched a new pilot program that authorizes a limited number of third-party businesses to administer noncommercial driving skills tests to Pennsylvania resident permit holders who have successfully met the criteria to obtain a license.

Several of these contracted businesses have already begun testing, with all others expected to be actively testing by the end of this summer. Commercial Driver’s License skills tests have been conducted at thirdparty business testing sites for many years with much success.

The addition of these business partner sites is a true customer service innovation. Sites were selected based on demand for testing, and are located in Allegheny, Butler, Bucks, Carbon, Delaware, Erie, Lancaster and Montgomery Counties. Visit dmv.pa.gov for more information about third- party testing locations.

“We are always looking for new ways to enhance the customer experience,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Adding these business partner sites will give our customers more options when scheduling driving skills tests.”

The third- party noncommercial testing program is an 18-month pilot that involves 10 testing sites throughout the state. PennDOT will provide close oversight of the participating entities and will perform performance audits and site visits to ensure compliance with laws and established policies designed to ensure new drivers are prepared for the challenges of the road.

While there is no charge for taking a driving skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center, thirdpar t y business par tners will charge a market driven fee for administering the test. All examiners have been PennDOTcertified, and the test itself will be identical to what a customer would receive at a Driver License Center.