Getting a Pennsylvania Driver's License as an International Student

Note: To be eligible for a Pennsylvania Driver's License, you must have at least 11 months (preferably 12 months or more) left before your I-20 or DS-2019 program end date.

Instructions for International Students at Penn State Behrend

1. Complete Page 1 of Form DL-180: Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application.

2. Get a Social Security Rejection Letter (Only If You Do Not Have a Social Security Number)

Documents to take to the Social Security Office when you apply:

Passport/Visa
I-20
I-94 – Print your "most recent I-94" (not the "travel history")

* Ask for an SSN rejection letter because you are an F-1 or J-1 student who is not employed on campus and you are seeking a driver's license. (Note: This letter does not prevent you from obtaining an SSN in the future.)

Erie Social Security Office
Location: 717 State Street, Suite 500, Erie, PA 16501
Contact: 1-877-405-2887 or visit the Social Security website
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; CLOSED Saturday and Sunday.
Public Transportation: EMTA Bus 26

3. Schedule a Physical Exam at the Health Center

The medical portion of Form DL-180 must be filled out at the Health Center or by your local physician. You must schedule an appointment for your physical exam and complete this form BEFORE you can get your learner's permit.

4. Study for Knowledge Test

Read the Pennsylvania (PA) Driver's Manual on the DMV's website under "Get a Driver's License." To help you prepare for the knowledge test, you can get an app called PA Driver's Practice Test, which is free on iOS or Google Play. You must complete and pass your knowledge test and vision test at the DMV to receive a learner's permit.

5. Apply for a Learner's Permit

Documents to take to the driver's license center when you apply:

Completed Form DL-180. (The medical exam portion MUST be filled out at the Health Center or with your local physician. You MUST schedule an appointment for your physical exam and complete this form BEFORE you can get your driver's license.)
Passport/Visa
I-20
I-94 – Print your "most recent 1-94" (not the "travel history")
Social Security card OR Social Security rejection letter (see below) from Social Security Office
Two official proofs of address—bill, bank statement, lease, etc., showing your name and address in Erie. The two proofs of address must match each other exactly (i.e., if one lists your mailbox number and one lists your room number and hall name instead, that is not acceptable).
Credit card, check, or money order for $45.50 if you will be here in the United States for four more years. If you have fewer than four years remaining on your I-20, the amount may be less.

You do not need an appointment to apply for the Learner's Permit. You will take your knowledge test and vision screening and, as long as you pass them, you will receive your permit at this visit.

With a learner's permit, you are not allowed to drive by yourself. You may only drive with a 21-year-old licensed driver in the vehicle.

6. Schedule Your Driving Exam

Once you have your permit, you will be able to schedule the driving exam right away by calling 1-800-423-5542. If you take your driving exam at the Driver License Center, you will need to come with a PA-licensed driver who is 21 years or older and bring a car that you can use for your driving exam. See section below for another option for taking the driving exam.

When you go to the DMV for your driving exam, bring the following with you:

Your valid learner's permit
Proof of vehicle registration and insurance for the car that you will be driving
Accompanying (21-year old) driver's valid driver's license

If you want to purchase a car in Pennsylvania, you must have a Pennsylvania Driver's license or photo ID to get your car titled and registered.

PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) Driver License Center
Location: Summit Towne Centre, 7200 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509
Contact: 1-800-932-4600 or visit the DMV's website.

Driving Lessons and/or Driving Exam

Transportation Solutions is able to provide driving lessons and/or exams at their location in a car that they will provide for a fee. You need to make an appointment and visit their location for the exam. You do not need to come with someone 21 or older. Prices for exams and driving lessons can be found on their website.

Transportation Solutions
Location: 4202 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509
Contact: 814-833-2301 or visit the Transportation Solutions website.

Transferring Your Driver's License to Pennsylvania

If you are transferring a driver's license to Pennsylvania from another state in the United States (or if you have a license from a U.S. territory, Canada, Germany, France, Taiwan, or South Korea ONLY), you will not receive a learner's permit. You will need to pass a vision exam, and you will be issued a new driver's license at the visit to the DMV.