Getting a Driver's License
If you are an international student wanting to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license, follow the steps outlined below.
For information about driving in Pennsylavannia, please visit Pennsylvannia Department of Transportation's website by .
Please 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 Program End Date.
For students on OPT, It has been reported that PennDOT has only been issuing permits to begin on your OPT Start Date.
The legal age for non-US citizens to apply for a Non-Commericial Driver's License and/or Permit is 16 years of age.
STEP 1:
- Acquire a Pennsylvania Driver's Manual from a local Driver License Center or access the on PennDOT's website
- Study the manual and take and some practice tests online:
- For example:
STEP 2:
Have a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner at the Engle Center conduct a physical examination and complete “Medical Qualification Certificate” in Form
STEP 3:
Visit a with:
- The completed DL-180 form
- Proof of identity: Passports, ID cards
- Two acceptable proofs of residency, listed on reverse side of DL-180, if you are 18 years of age or older; i.e. Bank Statements, Tax forms
- Your Social Security Card (Or a letter from Social Security stating that you cannot have a Social Security Card in case you don’t have a job on campus)
- I-20 and I-94 Forms (You can obtain I-94 form online and print it out via this link: )
- Letter of Enrollment (Contact your DSO for assistance)
- A cash, check or money order payable of $35.50 to PennDOT for the appropriate fee.
STEP 4:
Take your eye screening and Knowledge Test at a PennDOT Driver License Center. Once passed, you will be issued your Initial Learner's Permit (this Permit is valid for 12 months)
STEP 5:
Schedule a road test either or by calling 1-800-423-5542.
Please Note: Messiah University does not provide driving lessons. Every arrangement must be made between the student and the company of interest.
Remember:
When visiting a Driver License Center to take your road test, please be sure to bring the following items with you.
- Your valid learner's permit
- Social Security Card (In case you have not yet memorized your SSN)​​
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Proof of vehicle registration
- Accompanying driver's valid driver's license
- Valid Inspection Sticker(s)
Please Note: If you have been taking driving lessons with a driving school, you can also ask them to schedule the test for you and assist you on the driving test.
* If you are planning to own a car in Pennsylvania, you must always have car insurance. In addition, your car must pass the State Inspection every year and your car must be registered with the state of Pennsylvania every year.