It was such a juxtaposition between my theory and practical in the states - had to take 35 hours of classroom lessons and pass a few tests with 70% pass mark before they would they would even let my take a practical lesson!
When they finally let me into a car (at 15, in Virginia this was), the ruling back then went that I had to have a minimum of 7hours of actual driving lessons and 7 hours of 'observing' lessons, whatever that meant.
I took 3 practical lessons with this 350lb instructor who insisted on giving directions whilst his mouth was stuffed with potato chips and listening to country rock blasting on the stereo. On my 4th lesson, I'm about half way through and he says to me "You know what Alex? It's actually a pain in the ass for me to come out here and teach you every week, your kind of out of my jurisdiction. I tell you what, your not a bad driver so if you drive to the metro station without hitting anything or crashing the car I'll pass you and give you $5 to get home on the train"
That shocked the crap out of me....but I made it to the metro in one piece. He whips out this green book from the glove compartment and starts scribbling, then says "Right, your still 15 aren't you?" I nod, "OK well technically you can't take your test till your 16, so take this piece of paper, I've post dated it and when you turn 16 mail it off and you'll get your full licence."
I couldn't believe it!!! Took the tube home and never saw him again - got my licence a month later and haven't looked back since though!!
Soz, a bit off subject. But goes to show how easy it is to get licensed in the States!
