Special Point Examination - Study Guide - Protecting Your Driving Privilege

Sep 18, 2026

Special Point Examination study guide explains Pennsylvania’s requirements for drivers who first reach six or more points on their record. It outlines the law, Pennsylvania’s point system, how violations convert to points, and the possible sanctions including written exams, hearings, Driver Improvement School, and suspensions. Clear steps describe how to schedule the Special Point Exam, required documents, and how timely completion can reduce points and help preserve driving privileges.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

I: How Did I Get Here?

II: How Points Add Up

III: Safe Driving Tips and Information

IV: Making Safe Driving Decisions

V: Summary: Protecting Your Driving Privilege

VI: Test Procedures

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Special Point Examination
Study Guide | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | Table of Contents I: How Did I Get Here? ................................................ 2 II: How Points Add Up ................................................ 2 III: Safe Driving Tips and Information ...................................... 8 IV: Making Safe Driving Decisions....................................... 12 V: Summary: Protecting Your Driving Privilege ................................ 17 VI: Test Procedures ................................................. 18 1 I. How Did I Get Here? About the Special Point Examination If you have six (6) or more points on your driving record for the first time, Pennsylvania law states you must take and pass a written Special Point Exam or attend Driver Improvement School. You must pass this exam within 30 days of notification by PennDOT to keep your driving privilege. The exam tests your knowledge of information and concepts contained in this study guide. PennDOT’s goal is to help you improve your driving to avoid future violations. Steps you must take: 1. Study the information in this guide; review and answer the sample questions to test your knowledge. [2. Schedule your exam at](2. Schedule your exam at www.pa.gov/dmv or)[ ](2. Schedule your exam at www.pa.gov/dmv or)[www.pa.gov/dmv](2. Schedule your exam at www.pa.gov/dmv or)[ or](2. Schedule your exam at www.pa.gov/dmv or) by calling 717-412-5300 and have the following documents with you when you report for the exam: • Official Notification Letter and/or Restoration Requirement Letter • Valid or expired driver’s license or other acceptable proof of identification 3. Take and successfully pass the exam. 4. Obey the law, make better driving decisions, and drive safely. Only you can earn your way out of points on your license! II. How Points Add Up Pennsylvania Driving Laws The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code sets rules for obtaining a driver’s license. It also defines violations, points for violations, and sanctions. Sanctions include exams, hearings, attendance of a Driver Improvement School class and suspension of driving privilege. PennDOT administers the rules established by law. PennDOT does not have the authority to change the penalties imposed by law for individuals committing violations. 2 The Pennsylvania Point System PennDOT maintains detailed records for all drivers convicted of violations in Pennsylvania, whether or not they possess a PA driver’s license. Records show that drivers who must take the Special Point Examination typically have two, 3-point violations. Speeding is the most common violation. For speeding violations, points range from two (2) to five (5), depending on the number of miles per hour (mph) traveled above the posted speed limit. For example, driving six (6) to 10 mph over the posted speed limit results in two (2) points on your driving record, and driving 11 to 15 mph over results in three (3) points. Any driver in PA who acquires six (6) or more points for the first time, regardless of the type of violation, is required by law to take a Special Point Examination or attend a Driver Improvement School (DIS) . The chart below shows the most common violations and the number of points added toa driver’s record for each violation committed: | VIOLATION | VEHICLE CODE | NUMBER OF POINTS | | --- | --- | --- | | Exceeding maximum speed | 3362 | 2 to 5 | | Failure to stop for a red light | 3112(a)(3)(i) | 3 | | Failure to stop for stop sign | 3323(b) | 3 | | Driving too fast for conditions | 3361 | 2 | | Improper passing | 3307 | 3 | | Failure to yield | 3322 | 3 | ●●● Two years after getting his license, Joe Driver was convicted of his first violation, speeding 12 mph above the posted speed limit. PennDOT added three (3) points to his record. Six months later, Joe failed to yield ata YIELD sign and PennDOT added three (3) more points to his record. Because Joe reache

FAQs

Who must take the Special Point Examination in Pennsylvania?

Drivers who have six (6) or more points on their driving record for the first time must take and pass the written Special Point Exam or attend Driver Improvement School under Pennsylvania law.

How long do you have to pass the exam after notification?

You must pass the exam within 30 days of notification by PennDOT to keep your driving privilege.

What happens if you do not take and pass the exam or complete Driver Improvement School within 30 days?

PennDOT begins the process of suspending your driving privilege, and if convicted of driving while suspended, your driving privilege can be suspended for one year.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Ben Jamin