I believe the problem that many international students encounter is that they are not sure how to get a driver’s license in the U.S. Because the rules for obtaining a driver’s license are different in each country, this article I will answer the question of how international students can get a driver’s license in the United States.
A problem many international students encounter is how to get a driver’s license in the US. The rules in each country are different for obtaining a driver’s license. Many questions, in turn, arise from these issues.
I determined through interviews with several international students that most of the problems people had came from not being clear on what they needed to bring to the DMV and not being clear on whether or not they could proceed with a driver’s license without a social security number. Next I will explain in six steps how international students can get a U.S. driver’s license.
Upon interviewing several international students, it became clear that most of the problems occurred when it came to what to bring to the DMV. Not having a social security number was also an issue when it came to obtaining a license. Below are six steps on how international students can go about obtaining a driver’s license.
- Gather these documents
Passport and Visa, Print I-94 ( https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home), Valid I-20
- You’ll need two more documents that prove your address (It can be two bank statements from different months)
Bank Statement, Apartment Lease, Insurance
- Get a “Letter of Denial” from the social security office (If you already have a Social Security number you don’t need to do this step, just carry it with you)
You need to write a small note entitled “Denial Letter for PennDOT” and print a copy of your Passport and Visa. Also print a SS-5 form( https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf)
Place everything above in an envelope and mail to
SUITE 810
550 WALNUT STREET
HARRISBURG, PA 17101
Once you mail your document, your letter of denial should arrive at your SS-5 address within a week.
- Fill out the DL-180 Form and get a physical exam at a medical clinic (While you are doing step three you can do step four at the same time)
It is recommended you do this a campus clinic because it is free and the campus will help print out the DL-180 form and fill it out (Student Health Services is located in Room 220 in the Capitol Union Building, the same floor as the gym).
- Prepare for the driver’s knowledge test, then go to PennDOT (Remember to bring all required documents)
The driver’s knowledge test is a simple computer test with 18 multiple choice questions on traffic rules.
Here are the preparation tools in different languages.
PA Driver’s Manual
If you need a language other than the ones listed above please check the PennDOT website to see if it is available in your language.(https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Pages/Pennsylvania-Driver%27s-Manual.aspx)
Once you get your permit, you can schedule the Driver’s Road Test. Below is the link to schedule a test: https://www.dot3e.penndot.gov/exam_scheduling/eslogin.jsp#top?20240127180106830=20240127180106830
- Take the driver’s road test
Go to the PennDOT location where you are scheduled for your Road Test.
During this test you will need to be accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver’s license with him/her.
Be sure to bring these documents: your Learner’s Permit, the car’s insurance, and the car’s registration. The test includes: Vehicles Controls, Parallel Parking, and Road Test.
If you pass the road test, you will receive the Driver’s License. If you fail the road test, you have three more chances to pass your test and will not have to pay for it again.
