PennDOT Experiments With New Way To Test Drivers For A Driver's License

FOX CHAPEL (KDKA) -- Like many teens, Zach Carcy of Fox Chapel was anxious to take his driving test.

But like half of Pennsylvanians who take the test, he failed his first test at PennDOT.

"It's so stressful that even the best of drivers get flustered and mess up the first couple times," Zach told KDKA money editor Jon Delano on Thursday.

For his second test, Zach tried something different and experimental in Pennsylvania.

Many of us can remember taking that driving test, originally with a Pennsylvania state trooper and later with a PennDOT civilian.

For many, it was not an pleasant experience.

Now PennDOT is experimenting with a pilot program so that individuals can take the driving test with a driving school instructor without having to take any course instruction at all.

"This allows any person with a permit to be able to take the driving skills test at one of 10 third party sites located throughout the state of Pennsylvania," says Alexis Campbell, community relations coordinator for PennDOT's Driver & Vehicle Services.

Last month, the Rogers Driving School became the first and only driving school in southwestern Pennsylvania certified to administer the skills driving test in lieu of PennDOT and a few select high school driving instructors.

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Tim Rogers is now a licensed examiner.

"Zach is our sixth student, and we already have had a failure," says Rogers.

Rogers says there's a benefit to taking the driving test with a third party examiner.

"We can get them in within three days. That's the biggest advantage right now because there's such a backlog of tests around the state."

In Pittsburgh, it can take four to six weeks to schedule a driving exam with PennDOT, and even longer in Philadelphia.

One disadvantage -- this private exam cost Zach's dad, David Carcy, $100.

Delano: "The PennDOT exam is free. You had to pay for this."

Carcy: "I think it was well worth it."

For Zach, too -- he passed.

Rogers: "Congratulations. Good job."

Zach: "Thank you."