Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) Out of State Hearing Impaired Customer Service

I called this number several times, and I kept getting a busy tone, so I wouldn't suggest that anyone use this number. I am not sure whether or not it is supposed to be a fax line, but I am confident that it doesn't accept incoming phone calls. Therefore, I went online to look for an alternative phone number that I could call for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Drive and Vehicle Services. I have to say that it's not actually easy to find their customer service line as they would much rather you take care of tasks online. 

However, after some searching, I was able to find that the PennDOT customer service line is 717-412-5300. I needed to schedule a driver's exam for my teen daughter, and I had a few questions I was hoping to get answered all at once. The process wasn't that simple and did take me over 15 minutes to complete, but I was able to take care of the task via the phone line. Therefore, anyone who thinks they must do it online should know that calling is an option. I personally just didn't know about some of the appointment options online and felt better knowing that I got exactly what I needed by talking to someone. I also think I had more appointment options this way. 

When I first called, I received the standard greeting and was told to press 1 for English and 2 for foreign language assistance. After I pressed 1 for English, it told me that at any time during the phone call, I could press star if I needed to have a menu repeated. It then launched its first directory tree informing me, "If you would like Real ID, Driver’s license, photo ID, press 1. For motor vehicles, titling, registration, or parking placards, press 2. For exam scheduling, press 3. For service center locations and services, press 4. If you would like to hear about services found on our website press 5."

I chose option 3, and the automated voice stated, "You selected exam scheduling services." It then informed me, "To schedule a regular noncommercial driver exam, press 1. To schedule all other exams, press 2. To check your exam time, press 3. To cancel an exam, press 4. For information on exam scheduling on our website, press 5. To speak with a customer representative, press 9." I considered choosing to speak directly to the customer rep but instead continued to say I needed to schedule an exam by pressing 2. 

This was a mistake, as I would end up there anyway. It asked me to validate my information by entering the 8-digit driver's registration on the learner's permit. I entered it two times, but it wouldn't take my number and told me to hold to talk to a customer representative. It then told me there was a ten-minute hold time, which was fairly accurate. When I got to the rep after some confusion, Erica was able to help me get my exam scheduled and answered some other questions.  I guess I would call back, but I hate the wait times.