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NHC Set List - 25 May 2008 »

Licensed to Drive!

I got my North Carolina driving license today!

I was quite impressed by the system here:

  1. Line up do knowledge test.
  2. Line up and do road test.
  3. Wait for card to print.
  4. Voila!

All over in 45 minutes.  It cost me $4 for everything (they will only give me a one-year license based on my visa expiry).

On the other hand, back home (in the UK):

  • It would be impossible to do theory and practical test in one day - maybe even weeks - read on!.
  • It costs 45GBP just for a learner’s permit (provisional license), and you may have to wait up to 3 weeks before it arrives.
  • The theory test costs 28GBP and is computer based multiple-choice.
  • You need to pass the theory test before you can even apply for the practical test.
  • The practical test costs 42GBP (58GBP in the Evenings or a Saturday).
  • When you book, there is likely to be a six-week wait until you take your test.

All over in about 7 weeks, costing approximately 130GBP ($250 USD) and that doesn’t even include driving lessons or using the instructors car for the test!  Man are we ripped off.

By my reckoning I’ve just saved myself $246 dollars today to go towards a Grill this weekend.  Gas or Charcoal?

This entry was posted on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 am and is filed under Family. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Licensed to Drive!”

  1. A. Says:
    May 23rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Good deal!

  2. bt4jc Says:
    May 25th, 2008 at 4:13 am

    You bet we’re ripped off here! European tests are such ‘involved’ affairs.

    My wife had a REALLY horrible time in Spain where the experience is as complicated and drawn out as the British system, but with the added barb that they asked trick questions in the theory test, which they later admitted to her were designed for fail people!! :-o
    I have taken two tests over the years in the USA - one in FL and the other in MO - and they were just like you experienced. They can tell whether I can drive/know the road signs and judged me on that.

    I’m going to encourage my kids to get their tests done in the USA. In fact in MO my 15 yr old would already be driving! She’s not a happy camper with seeing all her mates in facebook with pics taken behind the wheel!!

  3. Andrew Says:
    May 25th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Charcoal! Gas is for wimps.

    Hmm, steak.

  4. snowjunkie Says:
    May 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    I bought Gas… and the steaks were lovely Andrew.

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