Never got driving test in uk

[Bill and Hayley 0]

Hi Guys and Gals. ok so i never took my driving test in the uk, and since it seem to be easier to do over here i think im gonna go for it this summer. I live in delaware, and as far as i know, i have to get a 60 day permit , where my hubby can teach me to drive, then i have to go for a small test to see if im good enough. Seems too simple to me. Ive been told each state is different...but what are your experiences with taking your test over in the usa? Would love to know. And i dunno, im used to small back roads, no highways where i used to live so its abit scary.

[English Muffin 59]

Moving from the UK forum to the 'Moving Here and Your New Life In America' forum.

[Marty J 0]

My fiancée tells me that it is unbelievably easy.

From what she has told me, it certainly sounds a lot easier than the UK test.

[TayRivers 4]

I took the US road test and I could not believe how easy it was in comparison to the test I did in the UK.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

The CT test was a joke -- I had to take it since I had never had a US DL. It was essentially get in the car, show the state trooper I knew how to buckle up and adjust the mirrors in the car, drive around some suburban streets, turn left, turn right, etc, then back to the DMV office and back into a parking space. I made it clear I was doing the mirror-signal-maneuver thing, and chatted in a very relaxed way with the statie. No three point turn, backing around a corner, or even parallel parking. When my husband did his test, it was very similar, except he had to do a three point turn. A total joke compared to the UK!

Edited April 29, 2009 by elmcitymaven

[JeremyR 8]

Yep, an absolute piece of cake. I can only speak for the GA system but like yourself, I never drove in Britain. In fact, back home, it took longer for me to receive my provisional (that I got for ID purposes) than it took for the entire K-1 process, all because of one seizure... When I was 8 . It took less than an hour to get my learner's permit at the local office here - a quick check that I had all my limbs, could see the letters in the machine and then a quick rules test (easy as pie). Then smile for a photograph and that was it.

I've been on the road for about 4 weeks now and trust me, it's easy-peasy, especially with the automatics they love so much over here . The only two things you need to wrap your head around to any degree are right-on-red (and left-on-red where it applies) and 4-way stops, they're about the only 'big' differences that you won't have seen in Britain. I still have to practice parallel parking because it's on the test but I've yet to find a supermarket car park or similar around here that actually has parallel spaces to learn in

I'm taking my road test in a few weeks. It's to be done on a small closed-course with cones behind the DMV office where I doubt you could get above 15mph. Frankly, it reminds me of the 'cycling proficiency test' I did at primary school when I was about 10 . Quite how your performance there reflects your ability to drive on the 65mph dual carriageway that leads to the testing centre, I've no idea...

[aidan80 9]

The so called road test (where I never went on the road) in Florida is so easy.. a caveman could do it! lol.. It's really simple and the whole highway thing isn't too hard to get the hang off. Just be careful at rush hour for old people that want to go 30 in a 55 (where everyone is going 65+) and the impatient wankers that ride your ####### all the way home, then there are those that refuse to use their indicators?.. ohhh.. and the odd idiot on motorbikes that want to drive into the back of you while going 50mph uphill grrr.. otherwise have fun and practice lots of defensive driving!

[J&D 0]

As Aidan said, the so-called test was not a test at all. I quick drive around the block, wave at the neighbours and back to the DMV to get your license.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

As Aidan said, the so-called test was not a test at all. I quick drive around the block, wave at the neighbours and back to the DMV to get your license.

I can confirm that my "test" followed a similar pattern to J&D's. Piece of piss.

[JeremyR 8]

I can confirm that my "test" followed a similar pattern to J&D's. Piece of piss.

The crazy thing is, while I was at the DMV office to get my learner's permit, several people came back in from their road test having FAILED! I get the impression that the GA road test is a little more strict than some states' but how is that even possible?!

Quick question for FL drivers, does Florida not have a helmet requirement for motorcyclists? I 'dipped into' Fl a couple of months back and was staggered to be frequently overtaken by men on bikes doing 75+ wearing jeans and t-shirts with no helmets... Can you even imagine the mess if they came off?

[English Muffin 59]

Not all driving tests in the US are as easy as some examples posted here. I took mine in MA and while it was a lot easier than the UK test it wasn't just a case of 'driving around for a bit'. It involved reversing, a 3-point turn and parallel parking between cones. I also noticed quite a few people failing it. I passed though.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

The crazy thing is, while I was at the DMV office to get my learner's permit, several people came back in from their road test having FAILED! I get the impression that the GA road test is a little more strict than some states' but how is that even possible?!

Quite frankly, anyone that fails the Illinois test has no business being on the road. Ever.

Quick question for FL drivers, does Florida not have a helmet requirement for motorcyclists? I 'dipped into' Fl a couple of months back and was staggered to be frequently overtaken by men on bikes doing 75+ wearing jeans and t-shirts with no helmets... Can you even imagine the mess if they came off?

Some states have it, some don't. In Illinois for example, they don't. But across the border in Missouri, they do. I agree with you totally - law or no law, I'd ALWAYS wear a lid.

[aidan80 9]

I can confirm that my "test" followed a similar pattern to J&D's. Piece of piss.

The crazy thing is, while I was at the DMV office to get my learner's permit, several people came back in from their road test having FAILED! I get the impression that the GA road test is a little more strict than some states' but how is that even possible?!

Quick question for FL drivers, does Florida not have a helmet requirement for motorcyclists? I 'dipped into' Fl a couple of months back and was staggered to be frequently overtaken by men on bikes doing 75+ wearing jeans and t-shirts with no helmets... Can you even imagine the mess if they came off?

I'm sure the mess could only be like one giant skidmark! Don't know about the helmets but I'm sure going that fast even with a helmet will only keep part of the head of being torn apart.. that is if their lucky. It reminds me of those who refuse to wear a seat belt... it's just a stupid belt "click" and it's done. People end up out the window and more or less run over with their own cars and all for the sake of a seat belt!

Edited April 30, 2009 by aidan80

[J&D 0]

There is no requirement to wear a helmet in FL. Very silly stuff. The local news has stories pretty much on a daily basis of motorcyclists being killed or seriously injured. Although I am sure they looked pretty cool without the helmet....right before they died.

The Florida House did pass a law within the past few days making wearing seatbelts in the front seats compulsary. Until now, drivers/passengers without seatbelts on in the front seat could only be ticketed if they were stopped for another violation. At last some sense prevails.

[Badgerella 5]

Question!

I have a drivers licence here in Croatia and, before I leave, I'll get the international version of it. When I come to the US, what happens with it? Or, well, I know I can use it, but how do I get an American licence? Is my current licence valid, or can it not be 'translated' to the American version and I'll still have to take a test of some sort?