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Old 08-21-2012, 07:06 PM
 
1 posts, read 1,843 times
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Hi everyone,

I just moved in to Pittsburgh (Shadyside area) today. I'm a Canadian here to study dentistry on a F1 visa. I have no SSN and probably won't be getting one.
I know this may sound really weird, but I don't know how to drive -- I never bothered to learn because of being really busy with life and having an excellent transportation system where I came from.
But now I really regret it, I want to learn how to drive and subsequently get a driver's license here...so I have a few questions:

1. Is it even possible for me to get a driver's license on a F1 visa without SSN?
2. Where is the closest driving center (the institutions that host written and road tests) to Shadyside? (or could you please let me know what's the official site to find out this sort of things)?

Thanks a lot!
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Old 08-21-2012, 07:33 PM
 
Location: Awkward Manor
2,576 posts, read 3,092,810 times
Reputation: 1684
If you are at Pitt:
Driver’s Licenses | University of Pittsburgh - Office of International Services

I'm sure the other schools have something similar.

Info from the state DMV:
Driver's License and Photo ID Center
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Old 08-21-2012, 08:31 PM
 
Location: Pittsburgh area
9,912 posts, read 24,652,966 times
Reputation: 5163
This is the main state page on licensing: Driver's License and Photo ID Center

Yes you can get a license assuming you will be here more than one year (they'll reject apparently if the expiration on your I-20 is less than a year away). Here is the identity and residency info page: PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services - Driver Licensing Click on non-US citizen obviously. Looks like you have to apply for SSN. But, you don't have to be eligible for one necessarily looks like. You have to apply and either get the SSN or the rejection, or even a notice that they haven't decided yet whether you get a number or a rejection. Heh. That seems to be what it says. You also need some documents to prove residency in PA since a driver's license is tied up in proving identity and residency. Things that are able to establish your residency are listed elsewhere on that site (it often includes items like utility bills, etc, thus you may need to plan a bit and make sure you have enough items to satisfy this requirement).

The process would be that you study up with the driver's manual (see the link above from the state web site) and then go and take a written skills test. You have to pass that at a certain level to be issued a learner's permit. Offices are listed on the state web site as well.

With the permit you can then start to practice driving, BUT you must have another licensed driver with you at all times. Also since you've never driven at all the operation of a vehicle is something that someone will have to teach you at least a little. Unless you have generous friends to help you out (and even if you do!) you might be better off seeking out a driving school instead. They will have a standard series of sessions that will teach you how to drive and enable you to pass the actual in-car driving test and get a real license. Taking their course also generally resolves the issue of finding a car to use to take the exam. Not sure how much this costs.

Good luck.
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Old 08-22-2012, 05:20 AM
 
632 posts, read 1,070,883 times
Reputation: 414
Don't worry, you'll fit right in.
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