Driving Licence for PA

[Mark UK 3]

Hi, all,

I have a K-1 visa and I will be moving to Pennsylvania in mid-October (my fiancée and I are hoping to marry at the end of October - whenever the Social Security people can see me on the SAVE system).

Does anyone have any recent experience with driving licences in Pennsylvania? I have a UK driving licence and an International Driving Permit, but do I need a PA driving licence?

I presume I have to take the usual tests (theory, practical, etc), but do I have to have my green card before I can apply? If so, that will mean, on current timescales, that I will be waiting about 18 months for a driving licence - which could have serious implications on my ability to work as my fiancée lives in the middle of nowhere - and my chosen career is IT (so I need to travel to Pittsburgh, etc)

Thanks in advance,

Mark

[Savanphil 3]

Hi, all,

I have a K-1 visa and I will be moving to Pennsylvania in mid-October (my fiancée and I are hoping to marry at the end of October - whenever the Social Security people can see me on the SAVE system).

Does anyone have any recent experience with driving licences in Pennsylvania? I have a UK driving licence and an International Driving Permit, but do I need a PA driving licence?

I presume I have to take the usual tests (theory, practical, etc), but do I have to have my green card before I can apply? If so, that will mean, on current timescales, that I will be waiting about 18 months for a driving licence - which could have serious implications on my ability to work as my fiancée lives in the middle of nowhere - and my chosen career is IT (so I need to travel to Pittsburgh, etc)

Thanks in advance,

Mark

I need to know the answer to this as well

[allynella 0]

You could look here. Hope that helps...

[rwatanabe_6 0]

Hi Mark,

You would be best to get a new International Driving Permit shortly before you leave the UK and have it dated to begin as soon as you arrive in the US. That way it will run for a full year. Pennsylvania accepts an international permit for a year which is better than some states.

DMV PA will give you the information you need to apply for first a learners permit then your test in Pa.

Maggie

[Mark UK 3]

Thanks all, very helpful indeed. I've got my IDP so at least that gives me a year to sort out the PA licence!

[TerryC 0]

Two years ago my wife had to bring her birth certificate, passport, and green card. Even then they looked at her like she was from outer space. I suggest you find a testing center in a larger city where they process more foreigners. Don't try it in Somerset County.

As an aside, my son who was born in the Philippines of US citizen parents, was registered at the Manila embassy as a US citizen at birth, had a US passport and "Registration of Birth of a US Citizen born Abroad" certificate had a terrible time getting his first liscense her in Pennsylvania. When they saw the foreign birth certificate they just didn't know what to do.....and that was before 9-11.

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

I'm taking mine Saturday (finally!)

Gawd I better pass or I'll be a laughing stock

[Marilyn. 340]

I thought I heard that most of the States don't accept the international Driving Permit.... but I could be wrong...

[Mew 0]

I found this to be very useful: http://www.temple.edu/ois/license_doc.pdf