I just passed my driving theory test!

[Guest]

[paxcards]

Phew! 100% on Multiple choice questions, just passed Hazard perception!
Now I only need about another 40 driving lessons and I might be ready for the Practical Test!

[olly]

Congratulations!
And good luck with the practiacal bit!  

[Roz]

Woo hoo!

That reminds me I REALLY need to sell some cards to get some driving lessons.

 

[Boggle]

Congrats!!   The practical bits much more fun.....

[mcgonagall]

and here i am still learning but i  out scored my son on the written test


congradulations

[emmafan]

Hey guys,
  Maybe this question sounds a little dumb, but humor me....

What are the drivers license testing protocols in your home countries?  I ask because it sounds like they are much more difficult than here in America.  Do you really need to purchase driving lessons?  I apologize if this sounds a bit daft, but the system in America is fairly easy and I do not know anyone who has had to purchase lessons.  Many people who can't even read are able to pass the test here (as sad as this sounds....).  
All that is required is a quick 15 question test at the drivers center.  Than after a waiting through a 'practice' period of time, one goes through a simple driving test (turning on blinkers, windshield wipers, and stopping at stop signs etc...).  Perhaps my state is particularly easy and others are more difficult.  (I come from Pennsylvania by the way).

Well, best of luck with your lessons and testing.
Cheers,
Aaron

[mcgonagall]

hi Aaron,
              Here is what we have to do in Perth Australia
First you have your eyes test  then you sit for a 30 multi question test
that gives you your learners permit. the you take lessons for a driving school the you go for your driving test then you have to drive supervised for 25 hours then you sit for your perception test and then you are on p plates for 2 years

it is a very hard and long process

[Roz]

Do you really need to purchase driving lessons?

YES!

I've now driven around 3,000 miles or so under a provisional license back and forth to my field site, I drove back from Milton Keynes/Collectormania once after we had the cast talks and watched the FOTR movie (it was so late Mark had fallen asleep in the theatre so I didn't trust him to drive) I can park manouvre, and even shout at Mark whilst driving (that was when he decided to block my vision whilst driving and not road rage... honest )

But I'll still need lessons and will have to take the theory test. It's plainly obvious I can drive but it's more of a road awareness and safety test here. You even have to know how to change a tyre I believe as part of the theory test too...  

I just find it hard to part with £500 or so to learn how to do what (in theory) I already can do... hence I have got to the age of 24 and have more academic qualifications than is necessary (and should strictly be regarded as academic gluttony) before bothering to take my driving test

[blackcat20]

In Melbourne, Australia, you complete a multiple choice quiz to get your learners permit when you are 16, and while on that, you learn to drive while being supervised by a licensed person (usually a parent).

Once you turn 18 you sit your test, which is a driving test followed by multiple choice questions and a computer hazards perception test.  Usually before you go for the test you have some lessons so fine tune your skills.  Once you pass this test you are on you "p plates" (probationary license) for three years....and during that time you must be alcohol-free when you drive...

[Roz]

during that time you must be alcohol-free when you drive...

Frankly I don't understand why driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol is allowed

[paxcards]

Thanks for all the congrats and words of encouragement! I cant believe how driving tests differ so much throughout the world, I think those in some states of the USA are quite lucky!
Roz, you sound much further ahead than me, I have literally started from scratch and had about 8 lessons, so I'm only just getting used to learning the basic skills of driving, let alone anything else!
But still, it's quite fun although, yes, very expensive - no more card buying from now on!

[Roz]

no more card buying from now on!

See Pippa - I don't think I am ready to make that commitment

[emmafan]

WOW, I can't believe how much more difficult it is to obtain a license in your countries.  In America, a driver's education class is a typical requirement for high school aged students (it is a class that is actually taught in school as part of the educational day).  But many get away with out taking it, and it is certianly not required.  I wonder what the numbers are for auto accidents here in America compared to other countries.   But I do have to say, that their are MANY highly underqualified drivers around on our roads.  It seems that our standards for obtaining a license are extremely weak compared to many of yours.

[kbmum]

Honestly -- how hard can it be!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/Y/YOUNG_DRIVER?SITE=MIDTF&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Roz]

It seems that our standards for obtaining a license are extremely weak compared to many of yours.

That said we still have a lot of poor drivers... I think people forget what they have learned very quickly, whereas in the US don't you have to reapply every so often? Once you have one here you have it for life assuming you don't speed too much or commit offenses

[kbmum]

Each state has different regulations.  In Massachusetts, we renew licenses every five years.  You have to take a quick eye exam (reading a chart through a sort of viewfinder) and get a new picture taken.  However, we now have online renewals.  You go to the website and pay with a credit card.  You're allowed to do this every other renewal (they use the digital picture on file).  It works out that every 10 years, you have to go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and renew in person.