Applying for a Driving license in VA

[Ukmember123 0]

I feel confused, can anyone help advise me?

I recently received both my EAD & SSN, now I'm keen to apply for a driving license.

I have a valid UK license and was told that I have to visit my local DMV office and show my documents of proof, I was told this information needs to get verified beofre I can take my driving test, this is so confusing, so do I have to wait for UK to verify my details first before I can do any driving tests??

Its so frustrating

please advise?

Thank you

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Your immigration documents need to be verified so they don't issue a license to an illegal alien. Nothing to do with having a UK license.

[Ukmember123 0]

My concern is delays in having to wait for uk to get back to us dmv. I thought I could just walk into my local dmv show all my original docs ( like passport, DL, EAD SSN, etc) and do the driving test asap.

How long will until I'm verified and can do driving test??? Could take months

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

What do you not understand? The UK does NOT have a part in this. The DMV has to see your immigration documents (EAD card) and check the USCIS database to make sure you are listed as opposed to showing a card you purchased at a flea market. They need photo ID of you. They need to see and check your Social Security card. They need proof of Virgina residency. Leave your UK license at home. You can get a Virginia license without it.

Read--

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#legal_presqa.asp

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/apps/documentbuilder/intro.aspx

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf

[yuna628 9,676]

OP: You already have a UK license, this makes you a more than qualified driver for obvious reasons.

So the law of Virginia says the following:

If you are age 19 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a country other than Canada, France or Germany, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 30 days. However, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening.

You must possess your driver's license for at least 60 days prior to obtaining a Virginia driver's license. If your current driver's license does not display an issue date, you will be required to provide proof of the date of issue (i.e. driver's transcript).

Congrats, since you have a UK license already you don't have to undergo lengthy hours of training and other nonsense newbie drivers go through. Fill out the forms, provide whatever proof they ask of your lawfully residing in the US, show them your UK license, and pass the three things they mention. They will not accept just an EAD on the face of it so you'll have to refer to the links given to you by Nich-Nick above regarding extra documents or that mentioned here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/ead_chart.pdf

So stop thinking that the UK has anything to do with this, so long as you have a valid UK license (and aren't a newbie driver at it), and you actually know how to drive in the states, you shouldn't have any issues.

[Ukmember123 0]

Thank you Nich-Nick and Yuna,

I am grateful for your help

[TBoneTX 45,293]

Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Moving to the US forum -- OP is past the K-1 phase.