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When it comes to driving tests, you might be forgiven for thinking that the main, or only difference, concerns whether you drive on the left or right hand side of the road, but you would be wrong. The driving test in the UK has been around now for some time, and generally, the test appears to work well for most drivers. Not all driving tests however, are equal…
According to one survey, a large number of UK drivers believe foreigners who want to drive in this country should have to take another test. The publication Auto Express found that driving tests and standards differed from country to country. Some tests came out a lot worse than others in the survey; tests were rated out of 5, with both France and the UK generating a 4 and the US a 3, although Mexico only rated a 1. This article gives an idea of what is expected in some countries.
The UK
The legal age for learning to drive in the UK is 17, and for that you require what is known as a provisional licence. A learner driver needs to be accompanied by a fully licenced driver, who must be over 21. The learner also needs to display learner or L-plates when in the driving seat. Before a learner driver can take his or her driving test, they are required to take a theory test on road and vehicle use. Now, less than half of drivers taking the practical test for the first time pass and get their full licence.
America
In the United States, youngsters learn to drive when they are around 14 in high school in some states, and up to the age of 21 in others. The laws around driving differ according to which state you are in, as these are governed by state, not federal law. Learners need to undergo a six-month programme before they take a test, and an adult over the age of 21 must also accompany them.
France
The legal, minimum age for drivers in France is 16, but there is a mandatory 20-week learner programme. A theory test is taken once the candidate has passed the practical test but they have to be accompanied by an older driver for the first three years of driving.
Mexico
Mexican driving tests have only a 1 out of 5 rating, which is worrying. As long as a person is 18 then they can legally drive a vehicle, and they don’t have to take a driving test – you just buy a licence for less than £30. There are plenty of road accidents in Mexico, perhaps due to the lack of a standard driving test!
Pakistan and South Africa
In both of these countries the legal driving age is 18, and both have a rating of 2 out of 5. While there is quite a strict test in South Africa, the pass rate is low, and drivers have been known to bribe officials for a licence. In Pakistan, there is a theory test and short practical test so 80% of people pass, but they also have a very high accident rate.
