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​Pennsylvania Private Driver Training School Instructor Test Policy

Pennsylvania state law requires individuals to pass both a written theoretical and practical driving examination to obtain a Private Driver Training School (PDTS) Instructor's license. (24 P.S. § 2834(2)(d))

Test Registration

  1. The application of a teacher and a director shall also serve as the application for the written theoretical and practical examination.
  2. Testing accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities or health related needs. Individuals may request a testing accommodation by submitting a written request to:
    Office of Driver and Safety Education
    Pennsylvania Department of Education
    Forum Building
    607 South Drive
    Harrisburg, PA  17120​​
  3. Once the PDTS instructor candidate's professional staff application is processed and approved for testing, the candidate will be contacted by the Office of Driver and Safety Education to arrange a test date and location.

Test Administration

  1. The written portion of the PDTS Instructor's license exam will be offered once a month at the following Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) campus locations: 
  2. ​Exams will not be held on state or federal holidays or the week between Christmas and New Year.
  3. Testing will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M. Individuals are encouraged to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the test.
  4. No one will be permitted to enter the testing room once the test begins.
  5. Individuals must present their valid Pennsylvania Driver's license for identification purposes.​
  6. Individuals are not permitted to bring anything into the test room, except for items identified in bullets 8-10 below. Non-permitted items include, but are not limited to: books, study materials, electronic devices including cell phones and smart watches, purses, handbags, food, backpacks, etc. Items should be left in the individual's vehicle, as there is no storage for personal items at PaTTAN.
  7. ​Individuals may bring personal hygiene products or medication into the testing room provided those items are in a clear one-quart plastic bag.
  8. Individuals may bring into the testing area one unopened bottle of water. The bottle must be a clear plastic container.
  9. Individuals should bring two pencils for test taking purposes; however, if unable, two pencils will be provided.
  10. The test consists of 76 multiple choice questions, two short answer questions, and one essay question. There is a three-​hour time limit to complete the test.
  11. The test administrator, proctor, or their designee will be present in the testing room at all times during the administration of the test.
  12. The PDTS instructor test is copyrighted by PDE. Any unauthorized reproduction of the PDTS instructor test is punishable by law.
  13. No part of the PDTS instructor test is permitted to leave the testing room, building, or location.
  14. ​At the conclusion of the test, the test taker must return the test booklet and answer sheets to the test administrator.
  15. Candidates will not be permitted to see or review their test once it is handed in for scoring.
  16. If PDE or PaTTAN personnel find that there is misconduct in connection with a test, the test taker may be dismissed from the test center, and PDE may decline to score/cancel the test.

Scoring

  1. Because the test contains one or more constructed responses or essays, it is scored by more than one scorer.
  2. Multiple choice questions are awarded one point for each correct answer.
  3. All unanswered questions will be scored as an incorrect answer.
  4. A rubric outlining the scoring for the short answer and essay questions is available upon request.

Score Repo​rting

  1. The minimum passing score for the Pennsylvania PDTS Instructor Test is 70%.
  2. All candidates will receive notice of their test scores within five business days.
  3. After successfully passing the test, the candidate will be issued a "Blue Card" which will be sent to the PDTS owner/director via U.S. Mail.
  4. The "Blue Card" will be signed by PDE's School Safety Education Advisor.
  5. The "Blue Card" must be signed by the candidate.
  6. The "Blue Card" serves as approval for the candidate to take the practical test administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.