HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: DRIVER'S LICENSE 1
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Replacement card = A new card that you receive, usually after losing/damaging your old one
Driving exam = Also called a "road test", a practical test in which your driving is evaluated
Learner's permit = Some countries offer a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving after you pass your written exam, but before you take your driving exam
Category/class = Usually refers to the type of vehicle you are allowed to drive (truck, car, motorcycle, etc.)
Moving violation = Breaking the law while driving
Driver's handbook/manual = A booklet which outlines all the driving laws of a particular state, region, or country, usually used to study for a written exam
Points on your license = Many countries use a system of points, where the driver gets "points" for every driving violation. Once you get to a certain number of points, your license may be suspended ( = you may no longer be able to legally drive).
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST:
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You didn't pass your written exam. = You did not answer enough questions on your written exam correctly, so you will have to take the test again to get your driver's license.
Your license isn't valid here. = You cannot legally use your license here.
You have to take a vision test. = You have to check your eyesight, how well you can see, etc.
The renewal fee is $20. = You have to pay $20 to get your license renewed.
Your license has been suspended. = Your license is no longer valid/ you can no longer use your license legally (usually because of violations, etc.)
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive list of new immigrant resources in Philadelphia, PA — including legal help, community support, language learning, employment assistance, and more:
COMMUNITY AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT
• Nationalities Service Center - A major nonprofit serving immigrants and refugees with legal protections, health, education, employment support, ESL, and other critical services.
• HIAS Pennsylvania - Offers immigration legal services and social support for low-income immigrants and refugees, including rights education and advocacy.
• Juntos - Community-led non-profit supporting Latino and immigrant families with community organizing, outreach, and rights education.
• The Welcoming Center - Helps immigrants and refugees with employment support, job placement, business resources, and monthly legal clinics.
• Congreso de Latinos Unidos - Offers education, employment programs, family support, and community integration services for Latino and immigrant communities.
• Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center - Provides immigration legal help, citizenship classes, ESL support, and advocacy.
• Center For Integration And Migrant Support (CIMS) - Offers culturally responsive support for African migrants and refugee families, including housing and job assistance.
• Pakistani New Life Church - New Immigrant Support Program - Local community support for legal guidance, housing help, job search assistance, and cultural acclimation.
LEGAL & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
• Community Legal Services - Offers free legal help for immigrant workers (e.g., wage theft, discrimination) and other legal clinics.
• Philadelphia Legal Assistance - Provides legal services, including immigration-related support and rights protection.
• Immigration Legal Services, Immigration Help Philadelphia, and Americanite LLC - Additional legal and immigration assistance providers (note: check credentials and services offered).
• Esperanza Immigration Legal Services - Bilingual legal help (English/Spanish) including naturalization, DACA, family petitions, citizenship and workshops.
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) Philadelphia - Federal immigration offices for application processing.
• Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition - Advocacy and policy work supporting immigrant rights.
EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC RESOURCES
• The Welcoming Center - Job placement, employment assistance & referrals.
• Many community orgs also provide resume workshops and job readiness support as part of broader integration programs.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & EDUCATION
• Free ESL & Citizenship Classes - Offered through various nonprofits and city-supported programs. The City of Philadelphia lists nearly 30 ESL locations and New American Corners at select Free Library branches with citizenship & language resources.
• Welcoming the Stranger - Free ESL, computer skills, and citizenship prep classes in the region.
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
• Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative coordinates healthcare access for newly-arrived refugees through multiple clinics.
• Many nonprofits also provide referrals to healthcare, housing support, and family services.
CITY & GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs - Offers official guides to citizenship help, ESL classes, legal services, and discrimination protections for all residents regardless of status.
TIPS FOR NEW RESIDENTS
• Call 2-1-1 for general social service referrals including food, housing support, and utilities assistance.
• Be cautious of unlicensed immigration service providers and always confirm credentials when seeking legal help.
