Selfin is quite right about needing the sign off.If you use the Dauntless software
http://www.dauntless-soft.com/PRODUC...ol/private.asp it gives you the choice to get the instructor sign off by post, after you have constinley got good marks in practice tests. I think Flight Saftey at Farnborough does the FAA written tests, so you could go to the states with the writtens already passed.Be sure to check with your FTO how they feel about it though - some reactions might vary.Good luck mate.