scrubbedexpat099

An International Permit is basically a translation, so for UK purposes pretty irrelevant.

I would go with the what it says on the DMV web site, probably not what you have been told.

Big D

This isnt required for UK licences - as i think has already been said its a translation more than anything. It isnt a legal document per se, all in all pretty worthless!

jumping doris

Unfortunately, where I live the Drivers license centre are like little Hitlers and when I took my test they wanted to see both as I had been resident for longer than 60 days. If I had taken the test within the 60 days they only wanted a UK license.
Wether they are right or wrong I can't say but if you don't do things their way you don't get the license.
When I took my learners permit I had to produce proof of residency....utility bills and a copy of my visa, passport, a letter from OH's employer saying he would be employed for at least 12 months, the original H1B papers. They took copies of all of this which I was not happy about because I don't think they will keep those copies locked up. I imagine anyone who works there will have access to them.
But I wanted to get my license so I left that battle unfought.

scrubbedexpat099

I never mentioned my UK License, in CO not relevant YMMV

Pat Noodle

Thanks for the information, folks! It's all a bit overwhelming at the moment, I doubt I'll get it done in time but at least I know where to start.

I've also been told I'll need to get state license plates so I can get insurance. Does anyone know if this is true? We moved here (PA) from Indiana so the car has Indiana plates and is currently on my father-in-law's insurance.

jumping doris

It might tell you how to do that on the Penndot site.

www.dot.state.pa.us

jenniferpa

As Doris says - look at the dot site. The only thing is - is the title in your name? I think you might have to deal with that first before you can change the plate and get insurance (if it turns out you need to do that).

augigi

I still don't hardly understand the whole registration/insurance/buying a car in PA thing.. it seems to say you must take proof of insurance when you buy the car.. but isn't the insurance linked to the car? So how can you get the insurance before you buy the car?

Anyhow, not worried about the medical before learner's permit now - had a look, and you can basically get anyone to sign it, so I'll just have the NP I will be working with sign it off for me.

jenniferpa

Actually, insurance is as much linked to the owner as the car - that's why we can use our personal auto insurance when we rent a car in the US. So yes, if you have never owned a car here, you should contact insurance companies first. Then you have 30 days (I think) after purchasing the car to notify the insurance company. I assume you've seen this http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms...fs-buysell.pdf

augigi

Ah the driver is insured rather than the vehicle.. oh, well that makes sense now! Thanks. I have seen that document, but it didn't make much sense to me - it says you don't buy the plates with the car, but then it says you can't drive without plates... so it's all a mystery.

Nevermind, maybe it'll make more sense when I get there!

Jerseygirl

When you buy a car the dealer issue you with temporary plates. This is a piece of paper which you stick in the rear window of your car until the vehicle's plates are received.

augigi

What about if you buy a second hand car privately? I plan to buy a cheapish car in cash when I first get there.

fatbrit

Fifty states, fifty answers.

augigi

You may notice this thread is about PA.

jenniferpa

Personally, I'd still buy from a dealer. Unless you get to know someone who has done this before and can walk you through the procedure you probably don't need the hassle. I wouldn't feel comfortable coming to a new country and ensuring that the title etc are valid. I have purchased a used car from a private individual, but already had plates and insurance (in that case we just went off to AAA to do the transfer).