PA DOT Form DL-180C. Parent Or Guardian Certification Form

The Pennsylvania Parent or Guardian Certification Form (DL-180C) is a critical document for minors applying for a learner's permit. This form ensures that a parent, guardian, or authorized adult certifies that the minor has completed the required supervised driving practice before taking the skills test. It serves both as a legal safeguard and as verification of the teen’s readiness to operate a vehicle safely.

Purpose of the Form

The DL-180C form is used to document that a minor applicant has completed at least 65 hours of supervised driving practice, including mandatory nighttime and inclement weather driving (for non-motorcycle applicants). For motorcycle permit applicants, successful completion of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program basic rider course fulfills some of these requirements. The form must be signed by a parent, guardian, spouse (if applicable), or another responsible adult, and may require notarization in certain circumstances.

Who Must Complete This Form

• Parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis of the minor applicant
• Spouse of the minor applicant, if at least 18 years of age
• Signatures must be provided in the presence of a notary, Driver License Examiner, Skills Test Teacher, Certified Third Party Examiner, or Motorcycle Safety Instructor

Key Sections Explained

Minor Applicant Information

This section requires the printed name of the minor and their learner’s permit number. Accuracy is crucial, as mismatched information can delay permit issuance.

Certification of Supervised Driving

The adult certifying must confirm that the minor completed at least 65 hours of supervised driving, including:

• 10 hours of nighttime driving (not required for motorcycle permit applicants who complete the basic rider course)
• 5 hours of driving in inclement weather (same exception as above)

The certification demonstrates compliance with Pennsylvania state requirements for behind-the-wheel practice.

Signatures

The form must be signed by the certifying adult and, if applicable, notarized. Notarization is only required if the parent or guardian is not accompanying the teen to the Driver License Center for the skills test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to complete the full 65 hours of supervised driving
• Missing the required nighttime or inclement weather hours
• Incorrect or incomplete names or permit numbers
• Not signing in the presence of the required official
• Forgetting notarization when necessary

Practical Tips

• Keep a log of all supervised driving hours to avoid disputes.
• Verify the certifying adult’s information is correct before signing.
• If the form requires notarization, schedule it in advance to avoid delays.
• Double-check that all required hours, including nighttime and inclement weather, are logged correctly.

Real-Life Examples

• A parent certifies that their teen completed 65 hours of practice, including nighttime driving, before the teen takes their skills test at the Driver License Center.
• A guardian of a teen motorcyclist completes the form and confirms completion of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program course.
• An out-of-state parent notarizes the form because they are unable to accompany the teen to the Driver License Center.

Required Supporting Documents

• Copy of the minor’s learner’s permit
• Log or record of supervised driving hours
• Notarization, if the parent or guardian is not present at the skills test

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to submit this form?

It must be submitted before the minor takes the end-of-course skills test.

Who can sign the DL-180C form?

Parent, guardian, spouse (18+), or other responsible adult acting in loco parentis.

Is notarization always required?

No, only if the certifying adult is not present at the Driver License Center during the skills test.

What hours are required for supervised driving?

At least 65 hours, including 10 nighttime hours and 5 inclement weather hours for non-motorcycle applicants.

Can a motorcycle safety course replace some driving hours?

Yes, completion of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program basic rider course counts toward the 65-hour requirement.

What happens if the form is incomplete?

Incomplete forms can delay or prevent scheduling the skills test.

Micro-FAQ (Quick Answers)

• Purpose: Certifies supervised driving for minor applicants.
• Who files: Parent, guardian, or authorized adult.
• Deadline: Before the end-of-course skills test.
• Attachments: Driving log, learner’s permit copy, notarization if needed.
• Submitted to: Driver License Center or certifying official.

Related Forms

• Pennsylvania Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180)
• End-of-Course Skills Test Form
• Motorcycle Safety Program Completion Certificate
• Driver License Change of Address Form

Form Details

• Name: Parent or Guardian Certification Form
• Number: DL-180C
• Region: Pennsylvania, USA
• Date of Revision: March 2016 (3-16)