A drivers license. Something I never knew I took for granted until I moved to Norway. Now, I am facing a nightmare of a test and potentially thousands (yes, thousands) of dollars!!
So, in the US, it is quite simple to get your drivers license (it was 12 years ago at least).
Step one: Turn 15 and get your drivers permit. Log the appropriate number of driving hours with a licensed driver and study for the drivers test.
Step two: Turn 16 and go to the DMV. Take the drivers test and pay the $21.00 fee. If you fail its ok, you can take another one on the spot.
And done, you have a license.
My test went a little like this...
I was 16 and my mom said "Lizzie, it is time to take your driving test". I did not want to because I had not practiced as much as I would have liked. Plus, the only car we had to take to the test was a manual, and I didn't know how to get past 3rd gear in a stick shift! Mom won and we went to the DMV. I took the written test and only missed the road sign question (no crossing, what is that??). Then came the driving test. We went around the block for about 10 minutes, all while the car was screaming "change gears!!". I sat through a right turn on red, forgot my blinker, and stalled the car when I tried to park it. But passed.
In Norway, things are NOT as simple and certainly, NOT as inexpensive.
I am lucky because I got my license in the states, so I don't have to go through the normal steps to get my license in Norway. All I have to do is take the practical exam within a year of moving to Norway. Well, a year is coming up way too soon and I have learned that the test is not as simple as you would think. Plus, it's nearly 3000KR ($530).
What I've learned about the practical driving test in Norway
What is square one you ask??
Basically, she thinks I'm going to fail? Awesome.
So, my best bet is to take the bus outside of Bergen to the driving company early tomorrow. Hopefully there, they will be able to give me a date for a test, either in or out of Bergen before my year mark.
And once they do (and I will fight hard for it!!), all I will have to stress about is passing!!!
So, in the US, it is quite simple to get your drivers license (it was 12 years ago at least).
Step one: Turn 15 and get your drivers permit. Log the appropriate number of driving hours with a licensed driver and study for the drivers test.
Step two: Turn 16 and go to the DMV. Take the drivers test and pay the $21.00 fee. If you fail its ok, you can take another one on the spot.
And done, you have a license.
My test went a little like this...
I was 16 and my mom said "Lizzie, it is time to take your driving test". I did not want to because I had not practiced as much as I would have liked. Plus, the only car we had to take to the test was a manual, and I didn't know how to get past 3rd gear in a stick shift! Mom won and we went to the DMV. I took the written test and only missed the road sign question (no crossing, what is that??). Then came the driving test. We went around the block for about 10 minutes, all while the car was screaming "change gears!!". I sat through a right turn on red, forgot my blinker, and stalled the car when I tried to park it. But passed.
In Norway, things are NOT as simple and certainly, NOT as inexpensive.
I am lucky because I got my license in the states, so I don't have to go through the normal steps to get my license in Norway. All I have to do is take the practical exam within a year of moving to Norway. Well, a year is coming up way too soon and I have learned that the test is not as simple as you would think. Plus, it's nearly 3000KR ($530).
What I've learned about the practical driving test in Norway
- It takes nearly an hour!
- They will ask you questions about the car and driving that you have to answer correctly.
- They will direct where they want you to drive, but "trick" you by saying things like "turn left" when they know the left turn ahead is a one way, going the wrong way.
- They are VERY strict!
- If you fail, you have to start from square one!!!
What is square one you ask??
- Many, many hours of required lessons by driving instructors including slick road driving and CPR.
- A difficult written exam.
- 15,000-30,000KR ($2500-$5000) from beginning to end, depending on where you take the test!
Why is it so difficult??
This is a two way road, one requiring driving skills more advanced than those on a Colorado highway.
I filled out the application to transfer my drivers license after I came back from the states and I didn't hear anything in return. I did take my time to actually apply, so that is my own fault. But, finally when I did get in touch with them, I learned that there is a waiting list for the test, and they may not have any availability before my January 5th (1 year) deadline. And the woman I spoke to told me "and if you fail the first time, you have 4 weeks probation before you can start again and you'll have to start from the beginning".
Basically, she thinks I'm going to fail? Awesome.
So, my best bet is to take the bus outside of Bergen to the driving company early tomorrow. Hopefully there, they will be able to give me a date for a test, either in or out of Bergen before my year mark.
And once they do (and I will fight hard for it!!), all I will have to stress about is passing!!!
