A valid driver's license is required in order to drive any vehicle in the U.S. If you need to apply for one, consult the Driver's License Manual, which is distributed by the Pennsylvania State Police Examination Point (ask international students about the closest ones). In order to obtain a Learner's Permit (the first step), you will be required to take a written exam, as well as a vision and color test and pay a small fee (around $20). Only after passing these can you apply for the actual driving test.

Once you have a Pennsylvania license, you can drive anywhere in the U.S. because the driving laws are similar throughout the country. However post-graduation, if you are planning to stay in another state for an extended period of time, you should check about transferring your license to that state and becoming more familiar with their driving laws. Some states recognize the license of another state only for a limited period of time, such as 30 days. The International Students Association needs student volunteers who have had their licenses for at least one year in order to drive the college vans during various excursions and therefore encourages all new international students to obtain a U.S. driver’s license in their first year. The ISA schedules trips several times throughout the year. We will keep you updated with the trips through our weekly emails.

The following are more details on how to apply for a driver's license or a Learner's Permit:

If you are going for a driver's license, please read the manual before hand (the DMV site is http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/centers/licenseIDCenter.shtml in case you have any questions)

If you are going for a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit (which is needed before you get a driver's license), do the following:

1.Read the driver's manual at the following link:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/drivers_manual/pa_driversman.shtml

2. Have a physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or chiropractor conduct a physical examination and complete Form DL-180 "Medical Qualification Certificate" which can be found at: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180.pdf

3. You should make sure you have the following before Saturday:
- The completed DL-180
- The completed DL-180TD (if under the age 18). This form must be completed by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 18 years of age or older.
- Proof of identity, which is listed on reverse side of DL-180.
- Two acceptable proofs of residency, listed on reverse side of DL-180, if you are 18 years of age or older. Proof of residency is not required if you are age 16 or 17.
- Your Social Security card.
- A check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee. (Cash is not accepted.)

If you are on an F-1 visa, then you should make sure you also have the following:
- Passport,
- I-94,
- Visa,
- Social Security Card, or letter from SSA indicating that SSA did not make a decision yet, or SSA rejection letter
- I-20,
- Written verification of attendance at the school listed on the I-20
- 2 proofs of residency.

If you are going for a Pennsylvania State ID then you need the following:
- Proof of identification
- Social Security Card
- Check or money order in the amount of $10
- two acceptable forms of address verification if applicant is 18 years or older.
- Completed Form DL-54A "Application for Pennsylvania Photo Identification Card".