Driver's License - Virginia

[doggieandsam 765]

Sharing my experience of getting a Driver's Licence in VA, in hope this may help somebody else here.

 

- Went to the DMV at 4150 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA. 

- Entered on a K1 visa and my non-expired i-94 still have about 40 days left to go. Some states I hear will not allow you to apply if your i-94 is less than 30 days.

- I currently hold an unexpired foreign driver's license. 

 

This is my second attempt to apply for my driver's license at this DMV branch. The first attempt was not successful and the staff were a little rude and abrupt. This time, except for the wait when they were doing the verification, the process was smooth, straightforward and the staff were professional and helpful.

 

How it went: Filled out the application form in my married name. They asked to see my passport, marriage certificate, social security card, i-94,  AOS NOA1 and proof of residency. Then tthey told me to wait while she does "some verification" (not sure exactly but maybe she was referring to e-verify?). Wait was about an hour. Then once the confirmation came through, they called me back to the counter and asked me to answer some citizenship questions, did my vision test, took my photograph and signature. Then I had to do a two-part written test. You can skip a question and go back to it again later if you need to. Part one was on road signs with 10 questions which you need to ALL correctly or else you'll fail. Part two was on rules and had 30 questions, out of which you need to answer 24 or 80% correctly. After passing the written test, next up will be a road stills test (approx 20 mins they said) and i have to bring my own car for it (no rental cars allowed). I was told I can book an appointment for the road skills test right then and there or through the phone. I chose phone. Walk-ins are possible with the road skills test too, but you could end up waiting 3-4 hours according to them. Will report back once I have finished (and hopefully passed!) my road skills test!
 

 

 

 

Edited November 2, 2017 by iamdegie

[uMo Mas 2]

So, u dont have to wait for the green card to get the license? NOA1 will do? Thats great. I wonder if Oklahoma can accept the same or not.  

What documents that u presented as proof of residency? Is it like tenancy agreement?

[doggieandsam 765]

3 minutes ago, uMo Mas said:

So, u dont have to wait for the green card to get the license? NOA1 will do? Thats great. I wonder if Oklahoma can accept the same or not.  

What documents that u presented as proof of residency? Is it like tenancy agreement?

This DMV was ok with just the NOA1. Yeah, it varies from state to state though.

For proof of residency, I gave them my bank statement (should not be more than 2 months old). Tenancy agreement will work too.

[Habibati & Habibi 21]

hi

thank you for the valuable info. I am entering the states on a K1 visa and I am thinking to get a driving licence. I am based in connecticut. so a foreign licence is not recognized in USA, you cannot drive with your home country driving licence?

in case it is not recognized , one has to pass again the driving  test, or you have to study for  permit and what is the diffeence? I have  a full Algerian driving licence wih all categories and I am thinking how to drive around when in the states.

thank you

[doggieandsam 765]

On 11/3/2017 at 8:18 PM, Habibati & Habibi said:

hi

thank you for the valuable info. I am entering the states on a K1 visa and I am thinking to get a driving licence. I am based in connecticut. so a foreign licence is not recognized in USA, you cannot drive with your home country driving licence?

in case it is not recognized , one has to pass again the driving  test, or you have to study for  permit and what is the diffeence? I have  a full Algerian driving licence wih all categories and I am thinking how to drive around when in the states.

thank you

hi, i just saw your comment, else i would have replied sooner. first off, dmv rules vary from state to state so i cannot say for sure that what i mention here will be applicable to you. i suggest you research the specific rules for connecticut just to be sure.

 

anyho, afaik, you cannot drive with your home country license. at least here in VA you cannot. there are some foreign licenses (as long as they are still valid) that they can exchange for a VA one (such as those issued by any Canadian province, France, Germany, or South Korea). Every other foreign license holder has to undergo and pass a written test and a road skills test.

[doggieandsam 765]

update: i passed my road skills test. the tester just made me drive around the block from the DMV, took maybe 10 mins max. After that I was told I passed, asked to pay $20 and was issued a temporary paper license that's valid for a year. they said the DL card will be mailed to me within 7-10 business days.

[TearsOfBabylon 1,680]

To add that as help for future applicants:

Virginia does not let you apply if the I-94 is less than 30 days.

So I'm gonna go back with the NOA1 from AOS once I have it and hope they'll accept it.