Getting a US driver's license while AOS

[military-wife 9]

Hi

I am currently in the process of AOS (I was on a K-1 Visa).. I haven't received my EAD yet, but once I do receive it, will I have to redo my driver's test (learner's, pratical test etc.)? or will they simply transfer it to an American driver's license?

I have a "probationary" license from Canada, which is basically a driver's license but is issued to driver's who have had their license for less than 2 years (less points too). Americans do not have this, so I am kind of wondering if they will make me redo my test and I will have to pay to do the test.

I live in the state of Virginia.

Thanks!

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to Moving to the US and Your New Life in America - topic is about getting license ~

[military-wife 9]

FIY -- I did check on the DMV Virginia website, this is what it says:

Within 60 days of moving here, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license. However, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must obtain a Virginia CDL within 30 days.

If you are age 19 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Canadian province, France or Germany, you may not be required to:

• take the two-part knowledge exam or the road skills test
• show proof of successful completion of a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.

However, you must pass a vision screening test.

I couldn't get it within 60 days because I didn't have a SSN yet (yes I know I should have!), and we only got married after 60 days and I didn't want to have change my name again...

It does say "may not be required"... but it's still possible so I don't know. I guess maybe they have a timeframe of how long you've had your license in the foreign country?

[heo luoi 206]

Curious, what does MUST in this context here mean? Regarding converting your Canadian license specifically correct? If you were just immigrating here, they are not demand everyone to get a license w/in 60 days correct? Cause that would seem odd.

Edited October 8, 2015 by heo luoi

[military-wife 9]

it's for new residents... I immigrated here late may, but I am going through the AOS process.

[tamcloud 92]

If you immigrated in late May, you're still within the 60 days. Also, since you didn't marry until August, your "resident" time clock may have not started until then. I would venture to say that since the K-1 is a temporary visa (meaning it's only valid for a short period), then you wouldn't have been able to get your license, at that time. I absolutely could be wrong about this, of course... Go in and ask at the customer service desk. Be prepared with the necessary ID, including your social security card, as you may be able to take care if it at that time.

[military-wife 9]

You're absolutely right about the resident time frame... I didn't think about that. I think I would only be considered a resident once I actually get "permanent residency"... so I should be good. I still do not have my SS card, since I was out of the 2 week time frame (until my K1 expires) and the SS dept. didn't want to issue me one until I get EAD. I'll just get everything done at the same time once I get my EAD.