Driver's License for International Students

If you want to drive a motor vehicle while studying in the U.S., you will either need to have an international driver's license, which is obtained in your home country, or a Pennsylvania State Driver's license. The international driver's license is usually only valid for one year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) oversees the issuing and maintenance of driver's licenses in Pennsylvania. You will need to take a written exam for the learner's permit and then a road skills test in a car with a PennDOT employee to get a driver's license. You must be at least 16 years old and residing/studying in the U.S. and Pennsylvania State for at least one year to apply for a learner's permit.

Eligibility requirements:

  • At least one-year in the U.S. remaining on your Form I-20. 
  • 16 years of age or older
  • Physical Examination within 6 months of application (Doctor or provider must complete section on application - PennDOT Form 180)

To obtain a driver's license, you will need the following:

  • PennDOT Form 180
  • A physical exam
  • Social Security Number or Social Security Rejection Letter
  • A letter from the International Office verifying your enrollment status (Enrollment Verification Form)
  • Passport
  • Form I-94: Can request an electronic form here: cbp.gov/i94
  • Visa
  • I-20
  • 2 proofs of Pennsylvania residency (Some examples provided below)
    • Post-marked mail/package labels through USPS, UPS, FedEx etc.
    • A W-2 form/pay stub
    • Lease agreements or mortgage documents
    • A computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address (cellphone, cable, electric, gas)(Example: An apartment rental contract or bill, utility bill)

Driver’s License Application Process:

First, you will have to get a learner’s permit to practice driving in the U.S.

    • You must apply in person for the Learner’s Permit.
    • You will be required to take a written test to get it.
    • Study the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual before you take the Permit test.
    • There is no appointment required to take the Learner’s Permit test.

Next, you will take a Road Skills test to get the license.

    • You must make an appointment for this test.
    • You may not drive yourself to the Driver’s License Center to take this test unless you have a licensed driver in the car with you.
    • You must provide a vehicle for this test; it is okay to take the test in someone else’s vehicle.
    • You must show valid registration and insurance as well as the accompanying driver’s unexpired license.

Local Driver's License Centers

Lehigh Valley Driver Center
1710 Hoover Avenue, Allentown, PA 18109

Reading PennDOT Photo & Exam Center
530 East Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, PA 19607

More information is online at www.dmv.pa.gov.