What Are The Differences In Driving Tests Around The World?

Are you a driving enthusiast and you would like to learn the differences in driving tests around the world? While some countries have straightforward systems, others follow long and strenuous procedures before issuing a full driver’s license. And since most driving tests were cancelled due to Covid-19, booking a driving test in advance or getting a driving test cancellation is a convenient step to reduce the long process. In this article, we look at the differences in drivers tests in four countries.

1. The United Kingdom

Recently, the UK driving test was criticized for not being tough enough when compared to other standardized driving tests from other parts of the world. This criticism seems to be justified because more than 20 percent of deaths that occur on UK roads involve young drivers that are aged between 17 and 24 years. The problem is serious to the extent that the government is considering banning drivers under the age of 30 years from driving between 10 pm and 5 am. On average, it takes 45 hours of supervised training and about 22 hours of private practice for you to gain adequate skills and confidence to drive safely. Once you have attained the age of 17, or if you have held your provisional license for at least 6 months, you can still apply to be issued with a full license

2. Australia

To get a driver’s license in Australia, you need to be prepared because it’s an exercise that is both costly and time-consuming. Depending on where you live, learners will need to clock between 50 and 120 hours of fully supervised driving by a certified and licensed instructor. 

A young driver who wants to attend driving lessons in Sydney, Australia may start learning and obtaining a learner’s permit at a young age of 16 before progressing to a restricted license which may last for two years before a full license is issued. However, there might be some slight variation depending on your state in Australia.

Costs also vary greatly when comparing countries due to licensing and test fees, data from Compare the Market outlines all the factors you might not think about when earning your L plates.

3. Colombia

Learning to drive in Colombia is a lengthy process, and although you might start it while you are still a minor, a learner needs to be enrolled in the Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers program before they are considered for a full driving license. A learner’s permit is issued to those who have completed the test and after 40 hours of training, you can take a road skills test, where it will get your license being upgraded to provisional. Once you have attained the age of 17, or if you have held your provisional license for at least 6 months, you can still apply to be issued with a full license, but there will be conditions attached to it.

4. France

France is one of the European countries that have a length system for those who want to learn driving. The learners are required to complete up to two years of driving lessons, and this starts at the age of 16 under the supervision of parents. While learning, the youngsters should not drive at speeds that are more than 110kph. Australia matches the strict requirements that France imposes on those who want to learn to drive. A young driver starts learning and acquiring a learner’s permit at the age of 16, progressing to getting a restricted license that can last for two years. This can be followed by getting a full license.