ScottUK1990

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience in the process of obtaining a drivers licence in Pennsylvania (I live in Philadelphia)? I can't find any definite answers for this state and don't want to risk driving around much longer if my UK licence isn't valid.

I arrived on a K1 visa on 28th December, and I get married on 19th March. My I-94 is valid until 03/26/16.

Thanks!

Noorah101

You can probably get one now, valid until March 26. But then you can't get another one until you have your EAD in hand. You're getting married quite late after arrival on the K-1.

Rene

ScottUK1990

Thanks! Yeah we were avoiding a winter wedding.
Any ideas how long my UK license is valid in PA?

scrubbedexpat099

Have a look on the DMV web site for new residents.

In my State I needed EAD.

Bob

Probably isn't, once you've made the state your residence. You'll have the usual, what ever the state says you have to get a state license. Usually 30-60 days. Some times less, sometimes more.

ScottUK1990

Ok. Struggled to find a clear answer to this on the DMV page.
If my name isn't on a lease, and theres no evidence of the state being my official residence as of yet, is the license then valid? Sorry if these are dumb questions.

Bob

You're living in the state, not as a student, seeking medical care or because of a legal case, then you're pretty much considered resident of the state for driving license purposes.

MidAtlantic

I took a quick look and it seems like 60 days:
Pennsylvania New License Application Info | DMV.org

hmvsdog

I live in Pennsylvania, not too far from Philly and I've been going through the same process as you. Staying in hotels or with friends, your UK license will be valid here for 1 year unless you take up residency. The state defines that you took up residency as the date you moved into your apartment or house whether you rent or own. After that date, you have 60 days to get a PA license.

For that, firstly you need a medical examination from a doctor and they will need to fill in a part of the DL-180 form (application for learners permit) for you with you completing the rest of it. Then, pay a visit to your local DMV office. You need an SSN and 2 proofs of address in this state to get a learners permit. They look over your documents and check your eyesight using a little desktop sight machine. It's like an opticians visit, nothing to worry about. After that, you be sent over to use a computer to take your knowledge test. You need to get 15 of 18 multi-choice questions correct to pass. Assuming you do this (and it's embarrassingly easy) you'll be issued with a learners permit and a driver number.

You then need to take a driving skills test. New appointments are released every Wednesday at 4am Eastern for 6 weeks in the future. If you can get a test before this, you're really lucky. Parallel park, drive around for a bit and Bob's your uncle, you have a PA driving license.

Good luck!

Nutmegger

The OP does not need a learner's permit -- unless his UK license has been expired for over six months.

hmvsdog

Sorry Nutmegger. Whilst that may be true for other states, that is not correct for Pennsylvania. Non US citizens are treated as new drivers and have to go through the whole process, including getting a learners permit.

In Pennsylvania, your scenario is correct if you have a valid license from another US state and not expired for over 6 months.

Noorah101

Wow, that's pretty harsh! Needing a medical exam just to get a learners permit? That could get pretty expensive.

Rene

hmvsdog

Yeah, that was my thoughts too. i had mine done at a local health centre and they did it as an "emergency" appointment on the day. Again, nothing to worry about. The doctor asked me a few questions about my health history. Checked my height, weight and blood pressure. Looked in my ears and mouth. That was it. It cost $65

Bob

A lot of states, you get the learners permit to be eligible to take the actual drivers test. Just having a valid foreign license usually waives the requirements you would need to fulfil with the permit such as the x hours of lessons and drive time before being able to take the test.

scrubbedexpat099

And in Colorado