DRIVING IN THE USA
According to the Geneva Convention, visitors are permitted to drive in the USA for up to 1 year with the following 4 documents: an international driver’s license, a home country license, a J1 visa and a DS2019 form.
All au pairs should be sure to have the following documents with them when they are driving:
1. International Driver’s License
2. Home Country Driver’s License
3. Vehicle Registration
4. Vehicle Insurance Certificate
5. Copy of J1 visa
6. Copy of DS2019 form
How to get a PA drivers license
Follow these steps to obtain your Driver’s License in the state of PA. After reviewing these steps, please click on the PA DMV attachment below. This will give you the most up to date information directly from the DMV.
1. You need to apply for your Social Security number in order to get your driver’s license. Visit this link: http://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp.
2. Next, you need to get a medical physical done. Print out this form and see a doctor to confirm that you are in good health. http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180.pdf.
3. After you get your physical, begin studying for the learner’s permit. This is a written test that you can take on the computer at a Driver’s License Center. You can click on this link to practice for the test. http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/young_drivers/crossroads.shtml
4. Visit a Driver License Center with: * the completed DL-180 * your visa, your passport, and 1-94 * Two acceptable proofs of residency, listed on reverse side of DL-180, if you are 18 years of age or older. * Your Social Security card. * A check or money order payable to PennDOT for the appropriate fee. (Cash is not accepted.) Fact sheet for foreign applicants: http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/pub195nc.pdf
5. After you get your permit, you can schedule your driver’s license exam. This test will be in an actual driving test in a car. Call 1-800-423-5542. Scheduling is usually done several weeks in advance so it is important to start the process early.
If you feel that a driving lessons or an evaluation would be helpful, here are two schools recommended by current host families:
– Cantor’s Driving School. Phone 610-277-1050