As we all know that in Ireland you can fail your driving test and still drive out of the test centre and head home. Well we have carried out some interesting research and over the coming weeks will give you an insight into some of the more wacky rules of driving tests from around the world. Please feel free to share these with your friends!
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Brazil
In Brazil, the largest country of South America and one notorious for crime, the government have had to adapt their driving tests to handle this. One of the stand out features of the Brazilian driving test is ‘defensive driving’. Whereby the driver is required to undergo self-defence training in order to obtain a driving licence. Potential drivers are also required to attend physical and psychological tests to guarantee that they are capable of dealing with violent motoring situations.
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U.S.A.
In the USA driving tests and driving licenses are dealt with individually by the various states rather than a nationwide federal government matter. So with the various states deciding on the rules of the road (including the legal age to drive) we found the rules to vary immensely. For example in South Dakota you can drive at the age of 14, now that’s very young for such a serious responsibility.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP 5 ILLEGAL THINGS TO DO WHILE DRIVING IN VARIOUS STATES IN THE US:
Alabama – Driving while blindfolded.California – Driving a car while dressed in a housecoat (Ladies only!).Georgia – Driving through playgrounds.Rhode Island (Scituate) – Driving with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened.Massachusetts – Operating a car with a gorilla in the back-seat.
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Egypt
In Egypt you can apply for your diving licence when you turn 18. The driving test is a lot harder than it used to be a few years back. In order to pass your test, drivers must pass a forward and reverse S-track test along with be scrutinised on your parking skills. And that’s it, easy! It used to be even easier, how? All you were requested to do was drive 6 metres forward and 6 metres in reverse, now that doesn’t really prepare you for the open road!
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Saudi Arabia
This week we look at Saudi Arabia, this is not necessarily a driving test fact but is still related, women do not sit driving tests there, as it is illegal for women to drive, Why? Well here are some of the more common reasons; driving would involve the woman having to uncover her face, possibly causing her to interact with men outside of her family. In Saudi Arabia this act is discouraged. Another reason is that the additional traffic potential caused by female drivers may lead to overcrowding and in turn hamper young men from having the opportunity to drive.
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Venezuela
Just when you thought that driving test facts and laws couldn’t get any more bizarre, Venezuela has delivered the big one! A nation that likes to protect the rights of its drivers has only recently passed a law making it possible to legally suspend driving licences. Prior to 2008 it was illegal to suspend driving licences. A local lunatic known as Ramon Parra was the first Venezuelan to lose his licence, why? In 2011 he was stopped for speeding in an over-crowded bus with only 3 wheels, how I don’t know. But society is definitely better off without him behind the wheel.
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Hungary
If you ever think about getting a driving licence in Hungary, there are a few things you need to consider including the regular theory and practical tests. You will be required to prove you have attended school for at least 8 years. Then you must complete a First Aid Course, this is also a condition in countries like Switzerland, not a bad idea!
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India
In India, one of the most congested countries in the world when it comes to cars in the cities has state issued driving licences. The driving test is almost farcical, simply hop in the car, switch the engine on and drive in a straight line. Switch off engine and hey presto you have successfully passed your driving test! Since 2013 the test has become a lot tougher, as the examiner is now required to actually be in the car…
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Japan
A more difficult test to pass than the Indian one is over in Japan. From the reasonably straightforward theory test followed by the more taxing practical test. Firstly you do not do the test in your own car, it takes place in an old taxi. Secondly you do not do the test in real streets instead the Japanese have created a complete replica test centre of some of Japans streets where the test takes place. Sounds a bit crazy to me!
