LF, you dont even need to sit the exams!
I got my FAA PPL by just walking into the FSDO and 10 mins later walked out with one.
I have since done the FAA IR course and was issued a new licence with the IR rtaing and "US Test Passed" stamped on licence.
You can just get your 'freebie' FAA PPL and start working up from there.
Julian.