Getting a Driver's License in Pennsylvania

This is Rachel -- so based on the Transportation post (see below), we received a question about getting your driver's license in Pennsylvania. Thanks for the question! It's a good one, although it's a long, complicated, and confusing answer. I'll try my best to give a general answer here, but please remember that you can stop by the International Student Services office in 410 Boucke Building for more information when you arrive in State College.

The first thing you'll need to do is stop by the ISS office and pick up a driver's manual. This manual will help explain the rules to get your learner's permit and driver's license and will help you prepare for the driving test. While you're in the office, you should tell the front desk reception staff that you are interested in getting your driver's license -- they will ask you to complete a LETTER REQUEST FORM to start the process.

You'll then need to get a physical health examination, which you can get at University Health Services on campus.

Now, the regulations. As an international student, there are certain requirements that need to be met in order to get your license here in Pennsylvania. In order to get a driver’s license a student must:

• Be in registered status for the semester

• Have updated address with ISS

• Fill out a LETTER REQUEST FORM, which you can pick up in the ISS office. This letter typically takes 3-4 days to process, and just verifies that you are an international student at Penn State.

Once you get a letter from the International Student Services office, you should take your letter and go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/). The closest DMV is located about 11 miles from State College. You'll need to take the following items with you to the DMV:

• Letter from ISS
  

• Passport, visa, and I-94

• I-20 or DS2019

• Two documents showing where you live (you can find a list of what documents that the DMV accepts in the ISS office)

• Social Security Card (if you don’t have one, you will need to apply for one with the Social Security Office, get rejected, and then take your rejection letter). (Social Security Numbers are only available for students who have jobs).
  

You will then need to pass a driving test and written test before you can get your license. You should study this driver's manual very hard before your test.

Again, please remember that you can visit the DMV website (http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/) for more information and of course, stop by the ISS office for more information once you've arrived.

And remember, in the United States, we drive on the right!