Spread the love

Did you know learner drivers in Egypt only have to drive about half the length of a standard tennis court (approx 12 metres) in their practical test to be awarded a full driver’s license?
Meanwhile, determined South Korean Cha Sa-Soon made global headlines in 2010 when she triumphed on her 960th driving exam
So are driving tests easy or hard and how do they differ from country to country?
The car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com are offering insight into the difficulty level of practical and theory tests across the world, and their research has uncovered lots of differences globally.
In the UK alone, practical driving test pass rates have hit a record high in 2020-2021 at 49.8%,  however these rates may not be possible in countries where the driving test is much more complicated.
A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Wherever people live, whether it is in Australia or abroad, people don’t often think about how driving examinations work in other countries. As shown from our research, it is interesting to learn which countries offer tests which are easier or harder than we might be used to.
“Drivers in some countries including Egypt and Mexico experience extremely straightforward testing before they are rewarded with their full driver’s license, whereas motorists face a sterner challenge in other countries.”
Easiest countries to pass
Egypt
Learner drivers in Egypt are met with some surprisingly simple tasks in both their practical and theory driving tests. Theory tests were only recently introduced and consist of 10 questions.  During the practical driving test, hopeful drivers have to simply travel forwards six metres and then reverse six metres before being handed their license.
India
During the practical driving test in India, prospective drivers are asked to drive forwards in a straight line, turn left and stop after 50 yards before being awarded their license.
The Philippines
Learner drivers in the Philippines are faced with a slightly bizarre sounding practical test, consisting of one loop of a preset driving course involving only right turns.
Pakistan
The huge pass rate of 80% should indicate the simplicity of the driving test in this country. After passing a short theory test, learner drivers are asked to drive a short course through a series of cones before being awarded their license.
Mexico
Mexican driving regulations in some states, including Baja California and Estado de Mexico, mean learner drivers only have to pass a theory test in order to gain a full license. Before 2018, these theory tests were not even required which meant drivers could get out on the roads without any form of practice or perception testing!
Hardest countries to pass
Japan
Learners are subject to attend a 26 hour mandatory driving camp before completing five days driving practice as well as a theory and practical exam. These many steps contribute to the strong difficulty level for drivers in Japan, with pass levels falling at a very low 35%. Candidates have failed for not checking under their car for cats and children before taking off, and for not bending low enough if they do check!
USA 
Although the theory and practical tests in the States are pretty standard, driving in the USA is very different to many other countries because of the laws involved. Driving laws are set at state level rather than being country-wide, meaning prospective drivers have to learn much more intricate rules depending on the states they live in and the surrounding states.
Australia
Before Australians are even able to apply for their provisional license they must pass a mandatory eye test, medical test and theory test. Once these are passed, hopeful drivers must complete 25 hours of supervised driving, a hazard perception test and a practical driving test before receiving their full driver’s license.
UK
The UK driving test comes in at one of the most difficult, with a requirement of 86% to pass. The UK theory test combines two components, a 50 question multiple choice test and a hazard perception test. The following 40 minute practical test requires Brits to perfectly perform up to two manoeuvres before being awarded their full driver’s license.
Montenegro
Learner drivers in Montenegro must be confident when entering into the practical test as they are only allowed to make three errors before failing! The country also has one of the lengthiest theory tests, with a total of 70 questions. As well as the theory and practical, learners in Montenegro must also be examined by an ophthalmologist and a psychiatrist.