As for the driving-test, ours here works like this:
Your learner-license (which you do at 16 or 17) is purely theory. You are given a multiple choice sheet and you get three hours to answer the question (i finished in 45 minutes though). I think you need like 70% to pass it, which is fairly easy to do.
The actual license-test (which you can only do when 18 and if you have a learner's permit) is just practical. You start on a course where you have to parallel park, do a 3-point turn, pull away on an incline and do an emergency procedure stop (90% of the time you don't even get asked to do this, i didnt have to when i did my test). Then there is the road-portion where you drive for about 20 minutes in traffic or back-streets. This is fairly stupid because you have to do certain things (like a 5-point check, handbrake pullaway, etc). It's stupid because no-one actually stops his car, pulls up the handbrake, puts the car in neutral, does a 5-point check, puts the car into gear, releases the handbrake and drive on. If you pass the road section as well you get your license then you can get into any car and drive on your own.
I've always thought the point-system they use in America is a brilliant idea. Here we have no such thing. You need to truly drive like a maniac and break every single road-law there is to have your license revoked. The penalty system is purely based on fines and arrests.
Edited by BlackHalo, 06 November 2006 - 07:47 AM.