Jerseygirl

Nope we came on L1's and got our GC in just under 18 months.

newXgate

After checking the requirements list and the VA DMV, it does appear that they have no explicit provision for someone in your situation, ie a first time applicant from overseas who nevertheless has legal presence in the USA. It is pretty pathetic, actually, even for Virginia, given the large proportion of foreign born persons in Northen VA.

Other than what you have already done, I would suggest trying a DMV branch in an area like Arlington which might have more exposure to legal immigrants like yourself.

If all else fails, and depending on where you work, you might consider moving either to Maryland or the District of Columbia. I live in MD and I know they will accept just a passport with I-94 as proof of legal presence (you will need other documentation such as utility bills to prove MD residence). DC is another option although I don't know their exact requirements. Good luck.

PS. you may be able to drive for a while using your UK licence. Many states allow you to do so for up to six months but you would need to check that this is so in VA. As you have already found there will be issues associated with buying a car without a VA license but these can be overcome with perseverance and it is also possible to insure without a US license, albeit at a higher cost.

Longy

I doubt its that easy to just up and move, but if it is DC won't even require a driving test if I recall.

It may be worth trying Progressive for insurance, they are more expensive, and it is a different situation but they didn't put a time limit on me getting a US license when I was added to my wifes (then girlfriends) insurance.

newXgate

Probably not worth it if the OP has already got long term acommodation, however if they are still in a hotel/short term lease and their work location allows them the choice, it might make sense. From personal experience I know that sorting out the car/drivers licence issues makes other aspects of settling in the US as lot easier. On reflection I am sure that a way can be found for the Virginia DMV to give him a licence, it is just that it might take a while and if you are in a position to pick DC or MD as a place to live, why bother with the extra hassle ?

BTW DC does require a driving test these days if you don't already have an existing US licence.

Longy

http://dmv.dc.gov/serv/dlicense/get_...n_convert.shtm

"The road test is not required for those who have a valid out-of-country driver’s license"

mellybrown

we were also told at a ford dealership that we couldnt buy a car without US licence

Bluegrass Lass

Cool..learned something new.

neil

Ah, but isn't there a difference in the time it takes between L1A and L1B. Yours was an L1A if I recall correctly.

Jerseygirl

My husband was the L1A...I was the spouse (can't remember was visa mine was).

Bob

spouse is L2, but it's the catagory that's important, L1A gets a jump start on the non-management but skilled transfers that's B...

gck303

I have bought a car here in the US with my UK license without a problem. In fact no-one has ever questioned my license. At the DMV when I called them in WI said that you don't even need a US license to own a car, just to drive and insure it.

The guys at Carmax when I visited were very unsure about the process when I asked them. Though eventually said, after speaking with their managers, that it would be fine as long as IO could demonstrate the car was insured.

Carmax incidentally are _really_ expensive. Much better deals can be had elsewhere.

George

Jerseygirl

It all depends which state you're in...some you can...others you can't.