10 Countries Where Getting Your Driver's License Is Insanely Difficult & 10 Where It's Far Too Easy
10 Countries Where Getting Your Driver's License Is Insanely Difficult & 10 Where It's Far Too Easy
The Road To A License In Different Countries
How did you feel when you first got your driver's license? Maybe it was insanely difficult, or maybe it was a cakewalk. Regardless, it's clear that not all driving tests are the same. In this article, we’ll talk about countries where getting your driver’s license feels like a marathon with no finish line, and then we’ll switch gears to those places where a simple drive around the block is all you need. How do these compare to getting your license?
1. Croatia
Getting a driver’s license in Croatia is no casual affair. The first step involves a comprehensive driving school program with theoretical lessons and plenty of practical driving hours. Next, the driving exam includes a combination of tricky maneuvers, and you’re expected to show flawless technique in real traffic.
2. Japan
In Japan, getting a license is a test of your skills and patience. First off, you’ll need to attend a certified driving school, and these can cost more than $2,000. Then comes the hands-on test, where even a small mistake, like braking too late or exceeding the speed limit slightly, will result in a failure.
3. Brazil
If you're planning to get your license in Brazil, it would be better to clear your schedule because it’s going to be a long haul. After a mandatory driving course, you’ll have to undergo a psychological evaluation. Yes, you need to prove you're mentally fit to drive. Then, you must pass a theory exam and a driving test.
4. South Korea
To even get started, you must complete a mandatory driving school program in South Korea—no shortcuts here. Next, you'll have a written exam, which isn’t just a couple of easy questions, and then you’ll be left with the driving test. Moreover, South Korean examiners have a reputation for being very critical.
5. Germany
The process of getting a German license is long and expensive, with a price tag that can easily hit over $2,000. You must attend a driving school, which involves understanding traffic law in-depth, followed by a written exam. For the practical test, you might even drive on the famous Autobahn.
6. China
China’s road to a driver’s license is long. First, you’ll need to take an intensive theory exam, which is 100 questions long, and many new drivers fail. But the real challenge comes when you hit the road. On top of that, the process is very bureaucratic—expect long waiting times, multiple appointments, and a lot of paperwork.
7. The UK
You’ll watch video clips of traffic scenarios and need to spot potential hazards—sounds like an action movie, right? Now, it’s time to get behind the steering wheel. You should know that the UK examiners are tough. Minor mistakes like not checking your mirrors often enough could lead to an automatic fail.
8. Saudi Arabia
The good news is that you can maintain your native license for three months. But if you’re staying for longer in Saudi Arabia, you’ll have to complete a mandatory driving course, a theory exam, and a driving test. Don’t fully stop at a stop sign, and you’ll be asked to try again.
9. Hungary
Those applying for a driver’s license in Hungary must sign up for a driving school. Also, the written exam is tough, covering everything from traffic rules to signs, and it’s not a quick "one-and-done" affair—it requires serious studying. When you sit behind the wheel, examiners expect perfect execution of driving maneuvers like parallel parking and smooth lane changes.
10. France
In France, there's a mountain of paperwork to fill out, and that’s just to get started. After that, you’ll need to take 20-30 hours of mandatory driving school lessons. But it’s not all theory and behind-the-wheel time. Plus, let’s not forget the cost—it can easily exceed $1,500.
Now, it’s time to take a look at countries where getting your driver’s license is fairly easy.
11. Mexico
Although each state in Mexico might have slightly different requirements, in most cases, you don’t have to pass a practical test to get your license. It follows just a simple theory test, a proof of identification, and paying a relatively low fee.
12. Pakistan
In Pakistan, getting your driver’s license typically involves submitting an application, providing a few documents, and paying a small fee. The written exam is mostly about basic road signs, and the road test is pretty simple: demonstrate that you can start the car without stalling and park in a straight line.
13. Egypt
If you're in Egypt, you’ll need to complete a brief medical exam (just to make sure you can see the traffic signs and are not a danger to yourself). The written test isn’t going to make you break a sweat, and the driving exam focuses on ensuring you can drive without causing chaos.
14. Estonia
What makes Estonia stand out is that scheduling tests and submitting forms can be done online, as the country is famous for its emphasis on efficiency. You’ll need to take lessons and pass an easy theory exam. For the road test, they’ll check your ability to control the car and perform basic maneuvers.
15. Latvia
Latvia’s licensing system is more about ensuring you can handle the car safely than throwing you into complicated scenarios. You can skip the lessons if you’re experienced. Then, you’ll take a theory exam and pass a straightforward driving test. There’s not a lot of extra fuss or intense maneuvers to worry about.
16. United States
Generally, you must take a vision test and pass a written exam, which covers basic traffic rules and some common sense in the US. Depending on where you are, the driving test may be as easy as driving around the block. However, there are some stricter states. Looking at you, California.
17. Honduras
After completing a basic medical exam and filling out some paperwork, you’re almost done with your license in Honduras. Don’t worry much about the written test, as it mainly consists of basic traffic laws and signs. The road test? Even easier. Start the car, drive a little, and park without hitting anything.
Héctor Emilio Gonzalez on Unsplash
18. Belarus
Both the written and driving tests are easy to pass in Belarus, as you just have to answer 10 questions and prove you can master some basic skills like parking and making turns. You might spend some time completing your medical exam and a 3-month driving course, but most people breeze through it.
19. Qatar
In Qatar, obtaining your driver’s license is relatively simple. If you already have a license from your home country, you can opt for the "Half Course," which offers fewer classes at a lower fee. The written test is easy, and the driving test is manageable, especially if you're familiar with Qatar's roads.
20. Barbados
Getting a driver’s license is pretty quick in Barbados, although you’ll have to take a written exam that covers road signs and basic driving rules. If you’re familiar with how cars work, the practical test won’t be an issue, as the examiners aren’t out to make things harder than they need to be.
