Driver's license

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A driver's license (U.S., South Korea), driving licence (UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Malta), driver's licence or driver licence (Canada, Australia^†, California, New Zealand), or operator's license is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, or a bus. In some jurisdictions, driver's licences are issued after the recipient has passed a driving test, while in others, a person acquires a driver's licence before beginning to drive. (This is largely a matter of nomenclature - generally an official document by some name is required to undertake practical driving in either case.) Different categories of licence may exist for different types of motor vehicles. The difficulty of the driving test may vary considerably between regions, as do prerequisites such as age restrictions and the required level of tuition.

Contents 1 History 2 Identification 3 Organ donation 4 Country specifics 4.1 Australia 4.1.1 New South Wales 4.1.2 Victoria 4.1.3 Western Australia 4.1.4 Queensland 4.1.5 General 4.2 Canada 4.3 European Union 4.3.1 Categories valid in all EU countries 4.3.2 Denmark 4.3.3 Finland 4.3.4 Republic of Ireland 4.3.5 Sweden 4.3.6 United Kingdom 4.4 India 4.5 Israel 4.6 New Zealand 4.7 Norway 4.8 Pakistan 4.9 People's Republic of China 4.10 Russia 4.11 Singapore 4.12 Switzerland 4.13 Taiwan, Republic of China 4.14 United States 4.14.1 Decline in licensing among young people in the U.S. 4.14.2 Other information and use as identification 5 Special licenses 6 International considerations 7 See also 8 References 9 External links

[edit] History

France and Germany were among the earliest countries to require mandatory driver licensing, right at the start of the 20th century. As automobile-related fatalities soared in North America, public outcry provoked legislators to begin studying the French and German statutes as models.^[1]

On August 1, 1910, North America's first driver licensing law went into effect in the U.S. state of New York, though it initially applied only to professional chauffeurs.^[2] In July of 1913, the state of New Jersey became the first to require all drivers to pass a mandatory examination before receiving a licence.^[3]

[edit] Identification

Because a large number of countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States have no national identification cards and because of the widespread use of cars, driver's licences are often used as the standard form of identification. In such countries, driver's licence bureaus also issue identification cards for non-drivers.

These U.S. states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin require licenses and ID cards issued to those under 21 to have a vertical orientation instead of the usual horizontal one in order to aid in determining whether one is of legal drinking age. California has adopted a similar system for its licenses, having the picture appear on the right for drivers under 21 and on the left for drivers 21 and older. Many states also add information to their licenses, such as "Age 21 in 2009" or "Age 18 in 2005" to aid in enforcing the drinking age and provisional license restrictions.

Many European countries require adults to carry an ID card at all times. Citizens of EU countries which have no national ID cards have to carry their passports instead when travelling in these countries. In the United Kingdom, when required to produce identification, the driver may have up to 7 days to produce the licence at a Police station. In the People's Republic of China, the driver's licence number is synonymous with the citizen's ID number (and is up to 18 digits long).

Similarly, Saudi Arabia requires all drivers to carry an ID card in addition to a licence, and present them whenever requested. Using a driver's licence instead is only permitted if the request is made for on-site inspection/identification purposes, especially at check points. Expatriates may be requested to present their visas as well.

[edit] Organ donation

In the United States, the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act encourages the various states to set up programs through which licensed drivers can make organ donations for the purpose of transplant by a notation on their licenses.

Likewise, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, many choose to have an intention to donate organs listed on their licence, however it is by no means compulsory.

In Australia, the system of notating organ donation requests on driver's licences was replaced in July 2005 with a national organ donor register, administered under the auspices of Medicare, with a separate card that can be carried for fast identification as a donor.

[edit] Country specifics

[edit] Australia

Licensing laws in Australia differ between different states and territories; however, most involve a similar procedure and a graduated licensing scheme. Nomenclature varies between the different states and territories of Australia between "driver's licence" and "driver licence".

[edit] New South Wales

The minimum age for a Learner Driver Permit is 16 years (for cars) and for a Learner Rider Licence 16 years and 9 months (for motorcycles). Since the introduction of an enhanced graduated licensing scheme in 2000, new drivers must proceed through 3 different stages before gaining a full, unrestricted licence.

A learner driver licence is gained after passing a computerised knowledge test. Learner drivers are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder (usually a parent or professional driving instructor). Learner drivers are subjected to numerous restrictions: a maximum speed of 80 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, cannot tow a trailer, and must conspicuously display black-on-yellow 'L-plates' while driving. Learner drivers must complete at least 50 hours (verified by a log book completed by the supervising driver) of on-road driving experience (from July 1, 2007; 120 hours shall be required), and must hold the permit for at least 6 months (from July 1, 2007; 12 months shall be required), before they may apply for a provisional licence, stage 1. In an intentional quirk of the system, drivers may apply for a learner licence at the age of 16 and six months, but the minimum age for a P1 licence is 17; drivers who apply for a Learner's permit on their sixteenth birthday must therefore hold the licence for a year before progressing to the next stage. This is thought to encourage extra driving experience for younger applicants.

A Provisional licence, stage 1 (P1 - red) (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after six months of holding a Learner Licence, 50 hours of on-road driving experience, and successful completion of a practical driving test. The licence holder can drive unaccompanied, but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg, and a zero alcohol content. They must display red-on-white 'P-plates' while driving. P1 drivers are limited to a total of three demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the 12-point limit on unrestricted licences. P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage. In New South Wales the minimum age to be eligible for a P1 Licence is 17.

A Provisional licence, stage 2 (P1 - green) (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test. The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, and a maximum of six demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles. P2 drivers must display a green-on-white 'P-plate' at all times. P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage.

A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerised test. Unrestricted drivers might progress through different "colour" licences: black, silver and gold.

There are several common complaints about the NSW licensing scheme. The relatively high number of road accidents and traffic offences (such as speeding and drink-driving) involving P-plate drivers has prompted calls for further driving restrictions, such as curfews and passenger restrictions, as implemented in other countries. Some consider 50 hours to be insufficient experience for learner drivers. Also, the blanket speed restrictions on Learner and Provisional drivers can pose problems on country roads and freeways, where learner drivers are restricted to 80 km/h while other drivers may travel up to 110 km/h. In Victoria, this problem is avoided by not imposing speed restrictions on newly licenced drivers.

[edit] Victoria

A Learner's Permit is gained after passing a computerised knowledge test and eye-sight test. Drivers are restricted to driving only with a BAC of 0.00%, whilst accompanied by a fully licensed driver (non-Probationary) who has a BAC below 0.05%, as well as displaying 'L' plates, and not towing a trailer. There are no speed or vehicle restrictions. Learner's Permits must be held for at least 6 months, unless the holder is over 25, in which case it is 3 months. In a new scheme slowly being implemented, the current recommendation of 120 hours practice will become mandatory. The minimum age for obtaining a Learner's Permit is 16 years.

A Probationary Licence is gained after passing a computerised Hazard Perception Test and a practical driving test, as well as an eye-sight test. Drivers are restricted to driving with a 0.00% BAC, and are not permitted to drive 'high powered vehicles' (those powered at more than 125kw/tonne or 3.5 litres/tonne). They must also display white-on-red 'P' plates. If the driver was tested in an automatic vehicle, then they must not drive a manual vehicle. There is no speed restrictions, and trailers may be towed. Currently, there is only one level of Probation, which lasts for 3 years. In July 2008, there will be a new P1 and P2 system implemented similar to New South Wales. From then, the red P plates will become the P1 level, and last for 1 year. However, towing will not be allowed on the new P1 level, nor will any mobile phone use - hands-free or otherwise. The minimum age for obtaining a Probationary Licence is 18 years.

A P2 Probationary Licence is a future level of licence in Victoria, that will be implemented from July 2008. It will be gained if a good driving record is maintained whilst holding the P1 licence. The same P1 restrictions apply, except P2 drivers may tow trailers, and use hands-free mobile phones. They must also display white-on-green 'P' plates, rather than red. P2 licences last for 3 years, making the minimum age of receiving a full licence 22 years, up from 21. The minimum age for obtaining a P2 licence is 19 years.

A Full Driver Licence is obtained after finishing the probation period. There are few restrictions, other than not being able to drive while holding a mobile phone, and the need to have a BAC under 0.05%. Full licences are issued for a ten year duration, but can be made available for three years if requested.

For a greater explanation of the new system, see the Victorian Government's Arrive Alive website.

[edit] Western Australia

A Phase 1 Learner's Permit to drive a car in Western Australia can be gained by anyone aged 16 or over after successfully passing a computer-based driving theory test and an eyesight test. Drivers with Learner's Permits may only drive whilst accompanied by either a qualified driving instructor or a person who has held a valid licence of the same type as the permit for 4 years. Learner drivers must display black-on-yellow "L" plates, and must not drive with a Blood alcohol content exceeding 0.02%. Phase 1 Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on Perth freeways or within Kings Park. Learner's Permits expire after one year.

A Phase 2 Learner's Permit is awarded to those Phase 1 Learners who pass a practical driving test accompanied by an examiner employed by the government. Only those aged 16 years and 6 months or older are permitted to undergo the practical assessment. Successful drivers are presented with a log book, in which they must record subsequent driving experience and conditions. Phase 2 Learner drivers are permitted to drive on Perth freeways, however they must still be accompanied by an experienced driver whenever they drive and the other restrictions continue to apply.

A Provisional Licence is awarded when Learner drivers aged 17 years or over complete 25 hours of driving experience in their log book and pass a computerised "Hazard perception test". Drivers with provisional licences must display red-on-white "P-plates" whenever they drive, can drive unaccompanied and still cannot drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.02% or higher. Provisional drivers have half the demerit points of regular drivers.

The provisional licence automatically converts into a Full Driver's Licence after the two year probationary period. Drivers with full driver's licences may drive with a blood alcohol content less than 0.05%, and may drive at up to 110km/h (the maximum speed limit in the state) where as a "P" plate driver may only drive up to 100km /h, where permitted by the state.

Drivers who have had their licence revoked can obtain an Extraordinary Licence if they can demonstrate that the loss of their licence inflicts hardship. They must pay a $A500 fine, and display black-on-yellow "E" plates. The Extraordinary Licence permits them only to drive to avoid the hardship, such as to and from work.

[edit] Queensland

As of 2005, Queensland licences are now called a "Driver Licence" (as opposed to the traditional "Driver's Licence" or the variant "Driving Licence"), and no longer carry information about the holder's organ donor status. The Australian Organ Donor Register^[4] is now used for national registration of tissue donation status, due to criticism of the previous schemes.

Elderly drivers are required to have their licences renewed more often and required to have compulsory eye tests, which does not include colour vision (which is in theory important for understanding traffic signals, although colour blind people can in practice tell by position, this requires more concentration).

As of July 2007, New, tough, and controvertial licencing laws will be enforced on drivers under the age of 25. These include decreasing the minimum age of learners from 16 years 6 months, to 16 years, but increasing the minimum length of time the learner's licence is held to 1 year, and including a compulsory 100 logged driving hours.

[edit] General

Tourists and visitors staying less than three months are permitted to drive on the licence of their home country. If the licence is not written in English, then an acceptable translation of the licence must be carried at all times. Visitors staying more than three months must apply for a licence in the state in which they reside.

In Australia, where there is no form of national identity card, driver's licences serve as the primary means of photo identification; 'proof of age' cards were available for non-drivers. These have been replaced by Photo cards from Dec 2005. Licences and Photo Cards are hologrammed, and contain a photograph, signature, the driver's address and organ donor status.

• The Road and Traffic Authority of New South Wales
• A ‘Demonstration’ Driver Knowledge Test for Learner Drivers
• Road Users Handbook (PDF)

[edit] Canada

Canada's driving age is, like the U.S., determined on a province-by-province basis.

The driving age in the various Canadian provinces are:

• Quebec:^[5]
  • Learners permit: Available at age 16 (with adult consent), with the passing of a multiple choice road theory test, a driving permit is issued which allows the learning driver to drive on roads accompanied by someone with full valid driver's licence.
  • Probationary licence: Available after having held a learners permit for 12 months or eight months if the driver has completed a certain number of driving lessons with recognized driving school. Probationary licence is acquired after successfully completing a road test.
  • Driver's licence: Finished a two year probationary period, if aged 16-24; or if the driver has passed the probationary licence driving test, if age 25 or older.

• Ontario:^[6]
  • Learners permit (G1): Available at age 16, with the passing of a multiple choice road theory test, a driving permit is issued which allows the learning driver to drive on roads accompanied by someone with full valid driver's licence whose BAC is less than .05 and has been fully licenced for four years. The driver also cannot drive roads with a posted speed limit over 80 km/h (50 MPH) or between 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM and must maintain their own BAC at zero.
  • Probationary licence (G2): Available after having held a learners permit for 12 or eight months if the driver has completed a certain number of driving lessons with recognized driving school. Probationary licence is acquired after successfully completing a road test. At this point the driver must still maintain a BAC of zero. As of 2005 drivers with a G2 licences are restricted in the number of passengers under 19 that they can carry during night-time driving.
  • Full licence (G): After 1 year of possessing the G2 licence a driver can take an additional road test that often includes driving on a four lane divided highway. With successful completion they will obtain a full licence which carries no restrictions and are not required to take any further tests until 80 providing they renew their licence regularly. Drivers 80 years of age and over must complete a vision and knowledge test and participate in a 90-minute group education session to renew their licence.

Ontario has been using a graduated licensing system since 1994. A driver can take as little as 20 months to get a full licence, however a driver must have a full licence (G) within five years of obtaining a learners permit (G1).

The exact same process, except with other restrictions, is used for obtaining a motorcycle (M) licence.

In Ontario, there was a recently proposed legislation to deny driver's licences to high school dropouts until they turned 18. It was meant as an incentive for students to graduate.^[7]

• Nova Scotia:^[8]
  • For Class 7 or 8 licences, the Learner's stage of the system lasts for 6 months, which may be reduced to three months if a recognized driver education or training program is taken. Operating conditions at this stage include: No passengers, except an experienced driver who holds at least a Class 5 licence; and, zero blood alcohol level for the learning driver. suspensions will delay graduation to the newly licensed driver stage by the minimum time requirement; that is, three months if a recognized driver education or training program was taken, six months if not. Once a road test has been successfully completed, the learner becomes Newly Licensed for a minimum of two years. Operating conditions include: Zero blood alcohol level for the newly licensed driver; Only one front seat passenger and rear seat(s) passengers limited to the number of available seat belts; No upgrade beyond a Class 5 driver's licence; and, No driving between midnight and 5:00AM, unless accompanied by an experienced driver. A newly licensed driver may apply for an exemption from the night time driving curfew for employment purposes. The driver must take the most direct route to and from work, and is not permitted to have any passengers in the vehicle.
  • To "graduate" from the newly licensed driver stage, the driver must successfully complete a 6 hour Defensive Driving course or complete the full Driver Training Course (25 hours theory, 10 hours driving time). A copy of your graduation certificate must be provided, in person or by mail, to any Registry of Motor Vehicles office for recording purposes. Licence suspensions will delay graduation to the regular driver stage by two years from the date the licence is reinstated.

• British Columbia:^[9][10]
  • Class 8L (Motorcycle Learner's Permit): This permit can be first obtained at age 16, just as the Class 7L. There are many restrictions until the rider passes a "Motorcycle skills Test," which is conducted on a parking lot and involves basic manouvering skills. After this test, the rider can ride alone, with much fewer restrictions.
  • Class 7L (Learner's Permit): This permit can first be obtained at age 16, and requires a person under the age of 19 to be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. To obtain this permit, one must take a medical and knowledge test, which requires 80% to pass. A person holding this licence must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver over 25. The driver must maintain a blood-alcohol count of 0 (e.g. none in their blood), display a large 'L' decal on the back of their vehicle, have no more than two passengers (including the supervisor), and must not drive between 12AM-5AM. The 7L licence is good for two years. After 12 months (9 if the person has taken an approved driving course), the driver may take a 25 minute driving test to advance to the next level.
  • Class 7 (Novice Permit): Also called the "N" stage, the permit is obtained after completion of the Class 7L driving test. A Class 7 licence is good for five years, and the stage takes a minimum of two years to complete. Restrictions include 0 blood alcohol and a limit of one passenger (the limit being waived for anyone in the immediate family). Furthermore, any infraction of the traffic law by the possessor of a Class 7 Licence can result in a prohibition, after which the possessor must begin the Class 7N program from the start. After two years, the licence-holder may take the 60 minute Class 5 road test. Passage grants a full licence (a Class 5 passenger vehicle licence).
  • Class 6 (Motorcycle Licence): This licence allows the holder to operate a motorcycle with no restrictions.
  • Class 5 (Full Vehicle Licence): This is a full passenger-vehicle licence. It has no additional restrictions, unlike the Class 7 licences.
  • Class 4 (Commercial licence): Permits the holder to operate taxis, limousines, ambulances, special buses used to transport people with disabilities and other special vehicles - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Class 5. Minimum age: 19.
  • Class 3 (Commercial licence, heavy trucks): Permits the holder to operate trucks with more than two axles, including dump trucks and large tow trucks - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Class 5. Minimum age: 18.
  • Class 2 (Commercial licence, buses): Permits the holder to operate buses, including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles - also permits the holder to operate vehicles in Classes 4 and 5. Minimum age: 19.
  • Class 1 (Commercial licence, semi-trailer): Permits the holder to operate semi-trailer trucks - also, permits the holder to operate all motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles except motorcycles. Minimum age: 19.

British Columbia has been using a graduated licensing system August 1998^[11]. The program was last revised in October 2003, which involved large changes in the time it took to acquire a licence (previously, a person could complete the Class 7L stage in as little as 3 months, and the Class 7N in 12, and no passenger limit was enforced above Class 7L).

• Alberta: ^[12]
  • Learner's Permit (Class 7): This permit can be obtained at 14 years of age, and can only be used when a non-probationary licensed driver (see below) over the age of 18 is accompanying the driver. A knowledge test requiring a mark of at least 85% as well as a vision test must be passed.
  • Motorcycle / Moped (Class 6): This permit allows an operator to drive a motorcycle or moped. Minimum licensing age is 16.
  • Probationary Driver's Licence (Class 5, Probationary): This licence can be obtained at age 16 if the driver has had a Learner's Permit for at least a year. This licence allows one to drive without an accompanying fully licenced adult, although it has more restrictions than a non-probationary licence, including fewer allowed demerit points. A road test must be passed to obtain this licence.
  • Non-probationary Driver's Licence (Class 5): This licence can be obtained after having had the probationary Driver's Licence for two years without suspension, therefore the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. An advanced road test must be passed to obtain this licence. A driver with this licence is referred to as a "fully licenced driver".
  • Class 4: This permit allows the operator to drive a taxi, ambulance, or bus with seats for up to 24 passengers. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.
  • Class 3: This permit allows an operator to drive a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles, or a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles pulling a trailer with with one or more axles (assuming the trailer does not have airbrakes).
  • Class 2: This permit allows an operator to operate any bus, in addition to the vehicles permitted by holders of class 3/4/5 permits. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.
  • Class 1: This permit allows an operator to any motor vehicle except a motorcycle. Minimum learning or licensing age is 18.

[edit] European Union

In most European countries (after the standardisation of driving licences across the European Union in 1998) a person must be at least 17 or 18 years old to drive a car.^[13]

Some categories like C and D will be issued for 5 years only. After expiration, one needs a medical check-up necessary in order to renew the licence for another 5 years.

In March 2006, the Council of Ministers approved plans to create a single European driving licence to replace the 110 different models currently in existence throughout the EU. The plans are supported by the European Commission and the European Parliament meaning a law should be in place by the end of 2006. National licences will then be phased out between 2012 and 2032.^[14][15]

[edit] Categories valid in all EU countries

• Category A: Motorcycles.
  • Category A limited: Motorcycles up to a maximum power of 25 kW.
  • Category A1: Light Motorcycles with a maximum engine capacity of 125 cm³ and a maximum power of 11 kW (minimum age: 16 years; speed limit of 80 km/h in some countries).
• Category B: Passenger vehicle with a maximum mass of 3.5 t and not more than 8 seats (excluding the driver); with a trailer with a maximum mass of 750 kg, or the mass of an empty car if the total mass of both is less than 3.5 t.
• Category C: Vehicles of more than 3.5 t mass and not more than 8 + 1 seats (lorry); with a trailer with a maximum mass of 750 kg.
  • Category C1: light lorry with a mass not more than 7.5 t; with a trailer with a maximum mass of 750 kg.
• Category D: Vehicles with more than 8 + 1 seats (buses).
  • Category D1: light buses with a maximum of 16 + 1 seats.
• Category E (combined only with B, C, C1, D or D1): other trailers which are heavier than 750 kg. In combination with C1E and D1E, the maximum total mass of vehicle and trailer is 12 tonnes and the mass of the empty vehicle must be higher than the mass of the trailer. Carrying passengers in a trailer of category D1E is prohibited. Some countries write the E before the other category, e.g. EB, ED. An articulated lorry is category EC.

Furthermore there are more national categories for tractors, very light motorcycles, motorised wheel chairs, motor tricycles (modern voiturettes, Category B1 or S) and military categories such as for driving tanks.

[edit] Denmark

In Denmark learners can start when they are 18 years old, only with an authorized driving teacher. The multiple choice theory test can be taken before the 18th birthday, but not the practical test. The theory test is a dias slide with 25 pictures and 2-4 questions to each picture. Maximum 5 errors are allowed. Category E is 20 pictures/4 errors.

Many people take category A and B at the same time, as well as C and C/E at the same time.

Denmark does not use the C1 and D1 categories. This means a truck (C) or a bus (D) licence covers all respectively truck or bus not covered by the car (B) licence. A B/E licence only allows heavy trailers on cars, even if the driver has a C or D permit.

Tractor/Motorized equipment (T/M) permit can be obtained when the driver is 16 years old, as well as a moped licence. T/M allows driving a moped, but not the other way. Anyone older than 17 can drive a moped, and anyone with B licence can drive tractors and Motorized equipment. Motorized equipment would be things like combine harvesters, steam rollers, loaders, excavators and other vehicles driving maximum 30 km/h.

Driving forklifts requires a special permit.

Carrying hazardous goods requires an ADR-permit.

Commercial passenger traffic (route bus, tourist bus, taxi) requires a 5-year licence.

The price of taking the multiple choice test is 580 DKK, and 580 DKK for any re-test if one should fail. The price of taking the practical test is included in the 580 DKK one pays for the multiple choice test, unless one should fail, in which case one will have to pay 580 DKK to take a new practical test. One has to take and pass the practical test no later than one year from the date which one took and passed the multiple choice test.

The law subscribes a minimum of hours in which the student must receive theoretical and practical instruction. It is now by law obligatory to take a first aid course for one to obtain a driving licence. Driving schools have a fixed agreement to charge 750 DKK for this course. Furthermore, one has to pass a test which consists of driving on slippery and wet ground, a session that takes several hours. There is around a month's wait on both the multiple choice test and the practical test. If one wishes to take either of these tests before a month has passed one has to meet at the driver's licence police office early in the morning to add one's name to a list that is read by the office when it opens. Those who wish to take a test earlier are then given the opportunity to book any cancelled tests. There is no guarantee that one receives a cancelled tests. Applicants often come in at 5-6 a.m. to add their name to the list, since ordering by phone or internet is impossible.

Some traffic violations will incur a klip ("cut") in the licence. The cut is not physical, but refers to the klippekort (cutting-card). The cuts are actually remarks in the police database. The licence, though, only allows 3 cuts before the police keep it. Young drivers and probation drivers (those who re-obtained the licence) only get 2 cuts for a certain period.

The price of a driving licence in Denmark is ultimately in the neighborhood of 11000-12000 DDK (ca. $1800-$2000) depending on the number of tests one should fail and will have to take again.

[edit] Finland

In Finland, the car driver's training can be obtained either in a private driving school or given by a near relative who has a driver's licence. If the person is trained by a relative, the relative must obtain a special instructor's permit and have a car fitted and inspected with an extra set of accelerator and brake pedals for the front passanger. The training for B class licence requires 25 hours of instructed driving, including a spell on a slippery driving course, and 20 theory lessons. After this, the person must pass a computerized theory test and a driving test in city traffic. C class training is similar, but longer.

The initial licence is issued for two years. During this time, the new driver may receive a maximum of two traffic fines in total. If the number of fines is exceeded, the licence is revoked and the driver is required to re-take the exam. Even with one fine, the interim period may be extended for a maximum of two years. During the interim period, the new driver must pass a short refresher course, which includes a slippery driving course, and participate in dark time driving training, unless this was part of the initial training. (Finnish lighting conditions prevent the dark time training during summer.)

The motorcycles are divided in three categories. Anyone born before 1985 may drive a moped. Persons born in 1985 or after may obtain a moped driver's licence at the age of 15. This requires passing a simple computerized theory exam. The A1 licence, allowing the use of light motorbikes, may be obtained at the age of 16. The practical training is done independently in traffic after a training permit has been obtained from the police. Theoretical training includes 12 theory lessons. A person who has A1 licence can get a full A licence after holding the A1 for two years. After the age of 21, a person can obtain the A licence directly, without holding an A1 licence first.

The use of tractors and motorized sleighs is allowed for anyone with a valid B class licence. However, it is possible to obtain the T class licence for these vehicles already at the age of 15 by passing a simple theory exam.

[edit] Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, learner drivers must complete a computerised theory test before obtaining a two year provisional licence in any category. In Ireland the EU categories are used, including A1, C1 and D1. Other categories of licence are M (motorcycles under 50cc, i.e. mopeds) and W (work vehicles, usually tractors). The driving ages are 17 for B category, 16 for M and W categories, 18 for A and C categories and 21 for D category. There is no compulsory driver education system or service other than the theory test. There is no graduated licence system for newly qualified drivers, except for newly qualified motorcycle drivers' engine size. Provisional Licence holders must be accompanied (except A and M categories and those on a second B provisional licence) by a full licence holder, may not use motorways and must display red 'L' plates. Due to the government under-investment in the driving test service the waiting times for a test are usually over 1 year. There are over 400,000 Irish drivers on provisional B licences and there is a high failure rate of the test. As of June 2006, figures released by the Department of the Environment shocked the public when it emerged that over 29,000 drivers were in possession of their fifth or subsequent provisional licence. In real terms this means that these drivers have failed their driving test, maybe as many as four times. However one does not necessarily have to fail their test in Ireland to be granted a subsequent provisional licence; if a driver misses a scheduled test, the appointment letter issued by the licencing authority can be used to obtain the provisional licence. This ridiculous situation can be continued indefinitely, and has led to the widespread non-enforcement of the restrictions on provisional licence holders. People who have failed their driving test will typically drive home from it, as the licencing system is not linked to the testing system and those on their second provisional B licence do not have to be accompanied by a qualified driver.

There is a points system similar to other EU states. If a driver achieves 12 points his licence is lost.

[edit] Sweden

Swedish driving licences (Swedish: Körkort) adhere to the EEA-standard. A learner's permit can be issued from 16 years of age. The student may choose to learn by going to a driving school or in private with up to four different instructors. Usually a mix of the two ways is used. Theese private instructors must be 21 or older and have hold a valid drivers licence for the last five years. The instructors and student must go through a traffic safety course together before permission is granted - this takes about 3 hours to complete and is usually given at all driving schools at ceratain dates.

When the driving student reaches the age of 18 he or she is allowed to take a theory test (Swedish: Kunskapsprov) - to pass a score of 52 out of 70 qestions is required. After or before the theory test the student must attend a hazard lesson (Swedish: Halkbana), this takes place at a track which is sprayed with water to make it slippery. First the student learns about the human factor and other dangers in traffic; after that they drive the course and try to make the car spin out of control on purpose to get a feeling and understanding how to act during these situations.

When both of these are finished the student takes a driving test and if the student successfully completes this test, the drivers licence is granted and usually comes by mail the next week. Until then the student is handed a copy of the test score which acts like a driving licence. 18 is the minimum age in order to obtain a car driver's license in Sweden.^[16] The licences are issued by the Swedish National Road Administration. After the licence is granted there are no kinds of restriction on new drivers except the fact that the two first years are considered a test time (Swedish: Prövoperiod). If the driver commits a serious traffic offence during this time which would cost a more experienced driver their licence for six months, the newly licenced driver loses it altogether and must retake the driving test after certain time to regain it.

[edit] United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the driving age for a car or van is 17 (unless in receipt of a full disability allowance, when you can obtain a provisional licence at the age of 16 years), while a moped or restricted-power motorcycle can be ridden at 16.^[17] Until a driving test has been passed (which consists of three sections: a theory test, a hazard perception test (Part of the Theory Test), and a supervised driving examination) a driver will hold a Provisional Licence and must display learner plates (a large red L on a white background, or optionally a large red D (Welsh: Dysgwr) on a white background if the learner does not leave Wales) on the front and back of the vehicle. Learner drivers must be accompanied by somebody aged at least 21 who has held a full driving licence for three years [6], and are not permitted on motorways [7].

In Northern Ireland, learner drivers are limited to a speed of 45mph (72 km/h), and drivers who have passed their test within the previous year must display a "R" plates (restricted) and are also limited to a speed of 45mph (72 km/h) until the expiry of the restricted period. "R" plates are similar in style to "L" plates, with a thick-set dark orange R displayed on a white background.

The average student driver in the UK has anything between 20 to 50 hours instruction with an ADI (driving instructor) before applying to take the test. The driving test is between 35-45 minutes in length, and students are allowed up to 15 'minor faults' (such as being in the wrong gear), but any more than 15 minors, or a 'serious' or 'dangerous' fault leads to a fail.

There are different licences for Automatic & manual cars in the UK. Whilst a manual licence permits you to drive either car, an automatic licence is solely for an automatic car.

After passing a driving test, the provisional licence changes into a full UK licence for the relevant kind of vehicle. Their are no speed/signage/alcohol consumption restrictions on newly passed drivers (unlike some other countries) and the same set of rules applies for all drivers. It is optional to display newly passed green on white 'P' plates on the vehicle of newly passed drivers.

Forklift trucks can be driven off-road without licence, however the law requires that some prior training or instruction has to be provided, whether informal or otherwise. Forklift truck licences are issued by third party training companies and not by the UK DVLA/DSA which regulates all other vehicles.

Registration was introduced in 1903 with the Motor Car Act. Competency tests were introduced in 1934 by the Motor Vehicles Regulations 1935; they were suspended in 1939 for seven years due to the Second World War and in 1956 for one year due to the Suez Crisis. The only person in the United Kingdom who is not required to have a driving licence in order to drive is the Queen. She also does not require number plates on any of her cars.^[18] Until July 1998,^[19] mainland Great Britain driving licences did not have photographs. Anyone who holds a licence issued before this date may retain their photo-less licence until expiry (normally one's seventieth birthday) or until they change address, whichever comes sooner. The new "photocard" driving licences are a two-part document, a plastic photocard which has to be renewed every ten years, and a paper sheet (the "Counterpart Driving Licence") which is valid until the holder's seventieth birthday. The Counterpart details the individual's driving entitlements and convictions ("Endorsements"). Endorsement codes stay on the licence for 4-11 years depending on the offence.

The UK uses the point system to handle repeat offenders. Points are given for traffic offences, e.g. typically three to six points for a speeding offence. Points remain on the licence for four years from conviction (eleven years for drink- and drug-related convictions) - twelve points on the licence makes the driver liable to disqualification by a court, but not automatic disqualification, contrary to popular belief. Since the coming into force of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 in 1997, if a person in the two years after passing their first practical test accumulates six penalty points, their licence is revoked by the DVLA and the driver has to reapply and pay for the provisional licence, drive as a learner, and pay for and take the theory and practical tests before being allowed to drive on their own. In the case of particularly egregious offences, the court may order the driver to pass an extended driving test before the licence is returned, even for people out of the two-year probation period.

Licences issued to residents of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland appear only in English, whilst those issued to residents of Wales appear in both English and Welsh.

See also: UK Driving Licence codes

[edit] India

In India, being a state matter, each state has a "Regional Transport Authority or "RTOs" (Regional Transport Offices) that issues licences. Minimum age is 14 years for small motorcycles (50cc or less) and 16 or 18 for all other vehicles (depends on state). Drivers have to appear for an oral test to get a learners licence which is valid for 6 months. Drivers can then pass a driving test to get the drivers licence. In many states of India, a learner's licence is granted after passing a written test and then if one passes the practical test, one receives a full licence. There are different categories of licence such as Motorcycle, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV), and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV). Most of the legislation as regarding licensing is done through the 'Rules of the Road Regulation' and the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. As per the MV Act, every vehicle should have 1) Certificate of Registration 2) Certificate of Taxation 3) Certificate of Insurance 4) A Fitness Certificate (in case it is a public transport vehicle)

India's first smart card system in Gujarat

The driver of the vehicle should have the original copy of the driving licence. He/she should also have an additional Badge if he/she is driving a taxi or any other public transport vehicle. A police officer or any other official notified by the government can ask for the vehicle-related documents, and the driver would have to produce them within 24 hours at the police station (or the concerned department). The law permits the officials to seize the driving licence, and issue a temporary one for a specified time. The law also allows the state government to fix the amount of fines/jail terms for minor traffic violations, and who has the rights to enforce these rules.

• Licences and Other Services Provided by Traffic Authorities and RTOs in India

• Driving Licence in India

[edit] Israel

In Israel, someone 17 years old can receive a Type 2 (passenger car) license. After receiving both a medical and eye checkup, (and paying a fee at the local post office) an applicant can take a 30 question multiple-choice test. Before taking the actual driving test, they must receive at least 28 lessons at a certified driving school. After successfully passing the internal driving school test, the instructor will arrange the test, which will be taken in the driving school's vehicle. If someone fails either the written or driving test, they must wait at least two weeks before retaking it, as well as repaying the testing fee. For the first two months, the new licensee must be accompanied by someone over 24 with a license for at least 5 years, or someone over 30, with a valid license over 3 years. In addition, the new driver must hang a sign reading "נהג חדש-New Driver" in black letters on a yellow background. Anyone failing to comply with these requirements is subject to be fined and tried in traffic court for driving without a license. If a new driver violates a traffic law, one may be required to retake the written and driving test.

Anyone possessing a foreign driving license residing in Israel for more than 12 months must convert their driving license. The applicant is required to undergo both a medical checkup and eye checkup. After applying at the local license authority office for an exemption from the written test and the requirement for 28 lessons, one is required to take one driving lesson, pay for a test at the local post office, and the instructor will arrange for an abbreviated driving test. If the applicant fails two such tests, they must pass the written test before retaking a thorough driving test.

Guide to Driving and Vehicle Licenses in Israel

[edit] New Zealand

New Zealand has had a graduated driver licence system since 1987. It consists of three phases for a car licence:

• A Learner Licence which is gained after scoring 32 out of 35 (or better) on a multiple-choice test relating to road rules. Once gained, it allows a learner to drive provided they display black-on-yellow learner plates and are accompanied by a "supervisor" (being any person who has held a Full licence for at least two years). The learner licence is a blue plastic card, and can be applied for any time after the age of 15.

• A Restricted Licence is able to be obtained after having held a Learner licence for at least six months (three months if aged over 25) and passing a twenty-minute practical driving test. This allows a driver to drive without L-plates, or a supervisor, between 5am and 10pm. Drivers are only allowed to carry certain passengers with them. These passengers are limited to spouses, a person over 18 who has held a full licence for at least 2 years, and dependents. All other passengers are only allowed to be carried as long as one of the passengers has held a full licence for longer than 2 years. Failure to meet this requirement can incur a $400 fine, with liability going to the driver of the vehicle. The restricted licence is a yellow plastic card.

• A Full Licence, which requires the driver to have held a Restricted licence for eighteen months, or twelve months for someone who has taken a defensive driving course (six and three months respectively for people aged over 25). The driver must pass a more thorough, hour-long driving test. It allows a driver to drive at any time with passengers and, after two years, to supervise Learner and Restricted drivers. It is a green plastic card.

Alternatively, people who gained a licence before 1987 (or holders of overseas licences) can usually obtain a Full licence without needing to take a driving test.

Since a Learner licence can be applied for at age 15, the minimum possible age to gain a Full licence is sixteen and a half. In recent years, there have been proposals to raise the minimum driving licensing age to 17 or 18, but so far they have never come to pass, due to objections from farmers who say that their children need to learn to drive early in life because of limited public transport.

The car licence allows the holder to drive a moped, tractor, or all-terrain vehicle as well as a car, however, motorbikes and heavy vehicles require separate licences.

Driver licences carry a unique identifying number, date of birth and photograph of the holder, and apart from passports and a special-purpose 18+ card are the only legal form of ID for buying alcohol or tobacco. They also carry a legend declaring whether or not the holder wishes to donate his or her organs if he or she dies on the road; however, the next-of-kin are consulted first and decide whether or not organs will be donated regardless of the wishes of the licence-holder.

Drivers must carry their licence at all times while driving. If they fail to do so they may face a fine of NZ$55.

• Land Transport Safety Authority car licensing site

[edit] Norway

Norwegian driving licences (Bokmål: Førerkort, Nynorsk: Førarkort) adhere to the EEA-standard. One of the more peculiar security features is Ivar Aasen's poem Nordmannen engraved in minuscule writing in the lower right corner on the back, as well as lines from Hávamál.

Minimum age for cars is 18 years. Mopeds (50 cc, max 45 km/h), smaller motorcycles (engine capacity equal to, or less than 125 cubic centimetres) and tractors are 16 years. Most larger truck licences require holder to be 21 years old. Although Norway is not part of the EU, the licence is in the form of an EU licence. At the age of 16, you are allowed to drive accompanied by a parent, as long as you've finished a course called "trafikalt grunnkurs" (traffic elementary course). This "trafikalt grunnkurs" course will cost you $270-$415, depending on different seasons of the year. Some secondary schools offer a "trafikalt grunnkurs" along with a moped or tractor course, which is significantly cheaper than regular driving schools.

Since January 1, 2004, the point system (Norwegian: Prikkbelastning) is used by Norwegian authorities to handle traffic offenders. Two points will be issued for most violations except for in the smallest speeding cases. If eight points or more is issued during a three-year period, the driving licence holder loses the right to drive for six months.

• (Norwegian) Statens Vegvesen (Directorate of Public Roads) - explanation of the point system

In Norway its not unusal to end up payng in exess of 4,000USD for their driving licence

[edit] Pakistan

In Pakistan, driving licences can be obtained by applying to any traffic police office/licensing authority in applicant's place of abode.

Any person male/female of the minimum age of 18 years can apply for a driving licence. The applicant must show his/her National Identity Card and proof of residence of the area in which a candidate is applying and must be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 meter (65'). Driving licences issued in Pakistan carry no security features. Some are as basic as a laminated piece of paper with the essential information and photo of the licensee with a stamp and signature of a high ranking traffic police official.

There are tests and procedures involved in getting a licence in Pakistan.

• Pakistan Driving License

[edit] People's Republic of China

Minimum age varies from 18 (for cars) all the way up to 26 (for large buses) in the People's Republic of China. Learner's licences, although granted, have little effect, as most training takes place within the confines of specially-designed training areas inaccessible, on paper, to the general motoring public. Previously, expressways were inaccessible even for holders of a normal driver's licence if they did not possess the licence for a full year; however, such a regulation has now been invalidated. Drivers with licences less than a year old, however, are still considered "intern drivers" or "new drivers" (Simplified Chinese: 实习司机; pinyin: shíxí siji), and certain limitations apply to them (for example, they must display a uniform label on the car when they are driving). The PRC considers the driving licence, under a new law, an administrative licence (Simplified Chinese: 行政许可; pinyin: xíngzhèng xuke).

[edit] Russia

Russia was one of a first countries to ever adopt driver's licences, with first ones issued in 1900 by Saint-Petersburg authorities, and joined international convention in 1909, but due to relatively small number of automobiles these attempts were rather sporadic and limited to major centers only. No comprehensive system of drivers' licensing were present until 1936, when Soviet government finally organized and standardized traffic and driving regulations, with this state-wide system to be regulated by specialized police authorities.

Currently Russia employ a system of driver's licences very similar to EU standard with two additional categories:

• A2 similar to european A limited, as A does not limit the specs of motorbikes
  • Bikes with engine displacements lower than 50 cc and speeds lower than 50 km/h are considered mopeds and doesn't require licence to drive
• B1 for tricycles and quadracycles

Current licence style, introduced in 1999, is a laminated plastic card similar to the EU licence card in dimensions and outward appearance, with bearer's photo to the left and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts), place/date of issue, allowed categories and signature to the right. Reverse of a card feature a detailed list of allowed categories in Russian. Older booklet-style licences are also to be seen sometimes, however as they aren't issued anymore and licences are to be renewed each 10 years, they are increasingly rare. Licence is also sometimes supplemented by a special card called "временное разрешение" (temporal permission), which serves for registering an offense points and as a temporal licence if main one is seized by authorities for serious traffic offences. This supplement is abolished and reinstated a countless number of times following a current views in the traffic police.

Legal driving age is 18 years and to obtain a licence one have to be physically fit to driving (including a certificates of mental fitness and lack of registration as a substance abuser) and have to pass the test at the local traffic police authorities for a certain fee. Tests are divited to theory and practice. Theory test is usually the computerized multiple-choice test on traffic rules. 20 questions are asked with 5 answer options provided for each question, with two incorrect answers allowed for passing the test. Practice ride includes a demonstration of basic driving skills (steering, slope starting for a manual transmission cars and backwards driving) on an obstacle course and road driving. Five errors are allowed for obstacle course and road drive is basically a pass-fail system. Number of retries is unlimited.

[edit] Singapore

The classification of motor vehicles and eligibility of a driving licence in Singapore is as follows:

• Class 2B: Motor cycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 200cc.
• Class 2A: Motor cycles with an engine capacity between 201cc and 400cc.
• Class 2: Motor cycles with an engine capacity exceeding 400cc.
• Class 3: Manual & Automatic transmission motor cars of unladen weight not exceeding 2500kg.
• Class 3A: Automatic transmission motor cars of unladen weight not exceeding 2500kg.
• Class 4: Motor tractors of an unladen weight not exceeding 7250kg but exceeds 2500kg.
• Class 5: Motor vehicles of an unladen weight exceeding 7250kg.

The minimum age to drive a motorcar and getting a Class 3/3A Qualified Driving Licence (QDL) in Singapore is 18 years old. A learner who wishes to commence on practical driving lessons must acquire a Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) before driving on public roads and operating a motorcar. You can only apply for a PDL if you pass a multiple choice test known as the Basic Theory Test, which can be taken at any of the established driving schools in Singapore. This licence itself carries several restrictions, some of which are listed below:

• A Certified Driving Instructor (CDL) must be present to guide the learner driver.
• A learner driver is not allowed to use the expressway.
• A "L" plate must be placed at the front and rear of the car.
• A learner driver must complete the Final Theory Test before he may apply for the Practical Driving Test conducted by the Traffic Police.

Upon the passing of a Final Theory Test, the learner driver can then proceed to take the Practical Driving Test. A driving licence will be issued upon the passing of the Practical Driving Test. The novice licence holder undergoes a 1 year probation period. During this period, he is required to display one triangular plate at the top right portion of the front windscreen, and the another triangular plate at the top right portion of the rear windscreen. The driver must not accumulate 13 or more demerit points within a period of 12 months will have the licence revoked. Failing to abide by these rules will result in licence being revoked or suspension from driving.

If you hold a foreign driving licence and intend to remain in Singapore for less than twelve months, you are not required to convert your foreign driving licence to a Singapore driving licence. You may drive in Singapore with a valid foreign driving licence. However, if your licence is not in English, in addition to a valid foreign driving licence, you are required to have an International Driving Permit. If an International Driving Permit is not available, an official translation of your driving licence in English is required.

To convert to a Singapore driving licence, you are required to pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT) which will familiarise you with traffic rules and Singapore's Highway Code pertaining to traffic related issues peculiar to Singapore. A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) who wishes to drive in Singapore is required to convert his foreign driving licence after becoming a PR.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and using a mobile phone while driving (without a hands-free set) are serious offences. In addition to your licence being revoked, the offender may be charged in court and be fined and or jailed.

• Singapore Traffic Police's website on Driving in Singapore

[edit] Switzerland

Since the 2000s, Switzerland uses the EU system of vehicle categories, issues EU-style credit-card licences and has generally adopted much of the harmonised EU legislation with regard to drivers' licences.

To apply for a car driver's licence (category B), the applicant must be 18 years old. They must first pass a theoretical exam to receive a learner's permit valid for two years. This allows them to drive a car while accompanied by an individual of at least 23 years of age who has possessed a valid licence for at least three years. Driving on highways is only allowed for learning drivers who are "ready for the exam".

During the two years, eight hours of theoretical traffic instruction by a cantonally certified driving instructor must be attended. Practical driving lessons are not legally required, but are considered a de facto prerequisite for passing the practical exam with a government expert, which around two thirds of trainees manage to do on the first attempt.

Since 2005, the driver's licence issued upon passing the practical exam is no longer permanent, but valid for three years only. In this time, two days of further training must be completed and no serious infractions of the rules of the road are allowed, or the permanent licence is not acquired.

For motorcycles and heavier vehicles, the regulations are different, and some agrarian vehicles can be driven without a licence. As of 2006, a 45-minute driving lesson costs around 90 CHF, while the various fees and theoretical instruction costs associated with getting a car driver's licence can amount to up to CHF 600, without counting the costs for the two days of further training.

To assist with the integration of foreign residents, some cantons such as Bern have recently stopped allowing the theoretical exam to be taken in any languages other than German, French, Italian and English. This measure is also being discussed at the national level.

[edit] Taiwan, Republic of China

Driver licences are categorized pursuant to the Road Traffic Security Rules in Taiwan (道路交通安全規則):

1. An ordinary driver licence for a small vehicle (Traditional Chinese: 小型車普通駕駛執照) is good for a vehicle with up to 9 seats including the driver and a gross weight up to 3500 kg. A light trailer, i.e. with a gross weight up to 750 kg may be towed. A holder of this licence may also drive a light motorcycle, i.e. up to 50 cm³ or 5 horsepowers.
2. An ordinary driver licence for a heavy truck (Traditional Chinese: 大貨車普通駕駛執照) is good for a heavier truck as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a small vehicle license. A light trailer may be towed.
3. An ordinary driver licence for a bus (Traditional Chinese: 大客車普通駕駛執照) is good for a bus with more than 9 seats including the driver as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a heavy truck licence. A light trailer may be towed.
4. An ordinary driver licence for a combination vehicle (Traditional Chinese: 聯結車普通駕駛執照) is good to tow a heavy trailer, i.e. with a gross weight of more than 750 kg, as well as a vehicle that may be driven with a bus licence.
5. A professional driver licence for a small vehicle (Traditional Chinese: 小型車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary small vehicle licence, especially a taxi.
6. A professional driver licence for a heavy truck (Traditional Chinese: 大貨車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary heavy truck licence.
7. A professional driver licence for a bus (Traditional Chinese: 大客車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary bus licence.
8. A professional driver licence for a combination vehicle (Traditional Chinese: 聯結車職業駕駛執照) is good for occupational purposes to drive a vehicle that may be driven with an ordinary combination vehicle licence.
9. An International Driving Permit (Traditional Chinese: 國際駕駛執照) multilingually translates a Taiwanese licence and is good abroad where honoured. As the Republic of China has lost diplomatic relations with most countries since the 1970s, certain countries do not honour international driving permits from Taiwan.
10. A driver licence for a light motorcycle (Traditional Chinese: 輕型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is good for a light motorcycle, i.e. up to 50 cm³ or 5 horsepower, but not any more powerful one considered more risky to drive.
11. A driver licence for a heavy motorcycle (Traditional Chinese: 重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is also good for a heavy motorcycle, but no new licence of this type is issued since a separate licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle (see below) is issued.
12. A driver licence for an ordinary heavy motorcycle (Traditional Chinese: 普通重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is good for a motorcycle up to 250 cm³ or 40 horsepower.
13. A driver licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle (Traditional Chinese: 大型重型機器腳踏車駕駛執照) is also good for a more powerful motorcycle.

The minimum age pursuant to Article 60 is normally 18, but one must be at least 20 to get a professional licence or a licence for an ultra-heavy motorcycle. A professional licence must be converted to an ordinary one upon 60 years old, but a professional small vehicle driver may keep the licence until 65 years old when passing annual physical examinations. Since driving job is not open to foreigners, foreigners cannot get professional driver licences.

[edit] United States

In the United States, the driving age is determined by the state or territory, with the most common age being sixteen. The age for a license varies from 14 years 3 months to 17 years. Most states and territories also have learner driver's licenses (also called learner's permit), which allow a person to drive provided they are accompanied by a licensed driver. There has also been a trend toward "graduated driver's licenses," in which new (especially young) drivers are gradually allowed more driving privileges instead of being given complete driving privileges all at once. Learner's permits are granted by some states to drivers as young as fourteen. Some states also issue driver's licenses to 14 or 15 year old drivers to drive alone. New Jersey issues licenses to 17 year olds and in NYC only those over 18 with drivers ed are permitted to drive alone.

In the U.S. all of the states have standardized their commercial driver's licenses for commercial drivers who cross state lines.

In the U.S., minimum driving ages vary from state to state. Here are some examples:

• Alabama: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years(Licence upon having learner's permit for 6 months)
• Alaska: Small Motorcycle: 14 years; Automobile: 14 years (Learner's Permit), 16 years (Provisional license with restrictions), 6 months after receiving provisional license and completion of several requirements (Full license)
• Arizona: 15 years 7 months (Learners permit upon completion of 30 question written test), 16 years provisional license, 18 years unrestricted license ^[20]
• Arkansas: 14 years (learner's permit), 16 years (restricted licence), 18 years (unrestricted licence)
• California: Automobile: 15 Years, 6 months (Learner's Permit upon completion of classroom and registration of behind the wheel classes of driver's education), 16 years restricted license.
• Colorado: 15 years (with drivers ed),15 years 6 months (without drivers ed) (learner's permit), 16 years (with drivers ed), 16 years 6 months( without drivers ed)(restricted license)
• Connecticut: 16 years, 6 months (4 months with Driver's Education)
• Delaware: 16 years(learner's permit), 16 years 6 months (restricted license)
• Florida: 15 years (learner's permit) must have learner's permit for one year, 16 years (license)
• Georgia: 15 years (learner's permit), must have learner's permit for one year and one day before applying for License, must have taken a driver's education course, (16: Provisional Class D License,allowed to drive one passenger if taken driver's education, after 6 months can drive up to 3 persons, 18: Full Class C License)
• Hawaii: 15.5 (learner's permit), 16 with parental consent [8]
• Idaho : 15 years (in daylight)
• Illinois : 15 years (Learner's Permit), after 6 months - 16 (License with restriction)
• Indiana: 16 years, 1 month
• Iowa : GDL system (Approved Driver's Education Course required for all licenses/permits ages 14-18 with the exception of the learner's permit, parent consent required for all licenses/permits years 14-18): 14 years (learner's permit, may drive with family member 21 or over and anyone with a full license 25 and older, written or computerized test of road knowledge required), 14 years (moped license), 14.5 years (minor's school license; must live 1+ miles from school (although, it is up to the school's administrator whether or not to enforce the 1+ rule), may drive to any official school event or activity within the district of residence or a contiguous school district), 16 years (license with restriction: Can not drive between the hours of 12:30 am to 5 am, unless you apply for a waiver), 17 years (full license), 21 years (full license with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08)
• Kansas: 14 years, with parent
• Maryland: 15 years, 9 months (learner's permit) 16 years, 3 months (provisional license) 17 years, 9 months (full license)
• Massachusetts: 16 years (learner's permit after passing a written test), 16 years, 6 months(after completing driver's education and 6 hours of behind wheel training and 6 hours of observation training of another student driver, and 40 hours of parental observation behind the wheel training, or supervised road lessons if under 18), or 6 months after receiving permit (license with restrictions).
• Michigan: 14 years, 9 months (with parent), 16 years (graduated learner's permit), 17 years ("full license"). All drivers under 18 must enroll in an educational course to receive a license, or the passing of a written test if a license was obtained elsewhere.
• Minnesota: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (license)
• Mississippi: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (intermediate license; some restrictions), 16 years (full license)
• Missouri: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (intermediate license; some restrictions), 18 years (full license)
• Montana: 15 years
• Nebraska: GDL system: 13 years (farm permit), 14 years (learner's permit), 15 years (school permit), 16 years (provisional license), 17 (operator's license)
• Nevada : 15 years, 6 months (learner's permit), 16 years old (license after 50 hours of behind the wheel experience and 10 hours night time driving while having learners permit)
• New Hampshire : 15.5 Yrs, with an adult 25 or Older. 16-17 Youth Operators License
• New Jersey: 16 years (learner's permit), 17 years (provisional license), 18 years (full license)
• New Mexico: GDL system: 15 years (instructional permit), 15 years 6 months (provisional license), 16 years 6 months (full license)
• New York: GDL system: 16 years (learner permit)6 months after learner's permit with road test(junior license - driver must be accompanied by a parent between the hours of 9 pm and 5 am), 17 years with completion of Drivers Education or 18 years (senior license). Additional restrictions apply to learners and license holders, under the age of 18 years, when driving in New York City and in the counties of Nassau and Sufflolk.
• North Carolina: You must be 14 years and 6 months of age to complete driver's education. At age 15, you are eligible to recieve a learner's permit. After holding the permit for one year without infractions, you may get a provisional license at the minimum age of 16 years. After holding the provisional license for six months, you may get a full license, which could be at as early as 16 years and 6 months. However, you may obtain a motorcycle endorsement at 16, with parental consent, without having a driver's license.
• North Dakota: 14 years, 6 months (learner's permit, must hold permit for 6 months and complete a driver education course if under 16), 15 years license.
• Ohio: 15 years, 6 months (learner's permit, must hold permit for 6 mos. and complete 50 hours of road practice and a driver education course if under 18) 16 years (full license)
• Oklahoma 14 years small motorcycle (daytime only, under 250cc, max speed limit of 35 mph), 15.5 learners permit, 16 intermediate driver's license (5am to 11 Pm), must have had intermediate license for 6 months for full license.
• Oregon: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years old (provisional license with restrictions), 18 years (full license)
• Pennsylvania: 16 years (learner's permit), 16 years 6 months (junior license with restrictions only after having completed a minimum of 50 hours of behind the wheel driving), 17 1/2 (unrestricted license if you've held a junior license for 1 year, passed an approved driver's training course, have not been involved in a crash where you were either partially, or totally responsible, have not been convicted of any vehicle violation, and applicant has parental or guardian's approval), 18 years (unrestricted license)
• South Carolina: 15 years
• South Dakota: 14 years (learners permit), 14 years, 3 months (with drivers ed) or 6 months (without) restricted license, 16 years (full license).
• Tennessee: 15 years (with parent)
• Texas: With approved driver's education course, 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (license,must have held learner's permit for 6 months if under 18).
• Utah: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (full license)
• Virginia: 15 years, 6 months (learner's permit), 16 years, 3 months (must have held permit for minimum 9 months, driven 40 hours, including 10 nighttime hours, with a parent or guardian, completed a state-sponsored drivers' education course in public schools or equivalent)
• Washington: 15 years (learner's permit providing proof of currently enrolled in a drivers ed course) 15 years, 6 months (learner's permit), 16 years (intermediate license upon completion of instructional driving course), 18 years (full license if no instructional driving course was taken)
• West Virginia: 15 years with learners permit, 16 with license
• Wisconsin: 15 years, 6 months (learner's permit), 16 years (license, must have held permit for 6 months if under 18, 10 days if over 18)
• Wyoming: 15 years (learner's permit), 16 years (full license)

[edit] Decline in licensing among young people in the U.S.

In the past decade, fewer and fewer teenagers are getting driver's licenses. According to a December 2, 2004 Los Angeles Times article, only 43% of American 16- and 17-year olds had licenses in 2002^[21]. By comparison, the percentage in 1982 was 52%. The rate is even lower in some states (e.g., 9% in Missouri). The decrease in percentages are said to be due to the many restrictions that an average teen must face overall in order to obtain the licenses.

For example, in California, when drivers under the age of 18 obtain a permit, they must hold that permit for 6 months, and must have completed training with a certified driving instructor. After meeting this requirement, drivers can attempt the supervised driving test. After passing the driving test, newly licensed drivers under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when they:

• Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months.
  
• Drive between 11pm and 5am for the first twelve months.

After obtaining his or her license for a year, the individual may transport as many drivers as there are seatbelts in the vehicle. Must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver when they:

• Drive between 2am and 5am for the next six months.

Instead of facing these provisions, many drivers under the age of eighteen today simply wait until they turn eighteen to get their driver's license in order to bypass these restrictions.

[edit] Other information and use as identification

Most U.S. states require new drivers to complete both driver's education classes (which include both classroom lectures and textbook lessons) and driver training (behind the wheel lessons with a state-licensed driving instructor) in order to earn a driver's license.

U.S. driver's licenses have a unique number or alphanumeric code issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent), a photograph of the bearer, a copy of his or her signature, the address of his or her primary residence, the type or class of license, restrictions and/or endorsements (if any), the physical characteristics of the bearer (such as height, weight, hair color, and sometimes even skin color), and birthdate. Social Security numbers are becoming less common on driver's licenses, due to identity theft concerns. In some states the orientation of a provisional driver's license (for those under the age of 21) is vertical while a regular driver's license (for those over the age of 21) is horizontal. Most states require that when a driver establishes residence in a state, he or she must obtain a license issued by that state within a certain timeframe.

The classes of licenses are usually organized so that Class A is usually the license that indicates a person can drive the heaviest and largest vehicles. The license held by the vast majority of ordinary drivers is Class C, D, or E depending upon how the government sets the weight limits for each class. Motorcycles are usually Class M, although some jurisdictions simply add an endorsement permitting the holder to operate motorcycles as well as the class of vehicle for which he or she is licensed.

Because there is no national identity card in the United States, the driver's license is often used as the de facto equivalent for completion of many common business (and governmental) transactions. As a result, driver's licenses are the focus of many kinds of identity theft. Driver's licenses were not always identification cards. Indeed, in many states, drivers licenses did not even have a photograph well into the 1980s. Activism by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization for the use of photo ID age verification in conjunction with increasing the drinking age to 21 in order to reduce underage drinking led to photographs being added to all state licences. New York and Tennessee were the last states to add photos in 1986 (However, New Jersey later allowed older drivers to get non-photo licenses; this was later revoked). Later additions varied from state to state, and have included fingerprints, bar codes, magnetic strips, social security numbers and tamper-proof features, most of which were added to prevent identity theft and to curb the use of fake IDs. States have now slowly been converting to digitized driver's licenses which incorporate holographs and bar codes to prevent forgery.

[edit] Special licenses

In the United States and some provinces of Canada, persons who drive commercially (especially truckers and taxi drivers) are required to have special licences. For taxicab drivers, these licences are usually called Chauffeur Permits. In most cases, commercial truckers must hold a commercial driver's license or CDL. In India, a commercial driving licence is valid for 5 years while an individual licence is valid for 20 years. In the United Kingdom, one must hold a Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) licence to drive a bus carrying more than eight passengers for hire or reward, or a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence to drive a truck (lorry) licensed to carry a weight greater than 3500 kg. Special licences can also be required in order to transport hazardous materials. The cost of taking the series of tests and examinations to obtain these licences usually means that an employer would subsidize their drivers.

In India, people aged more than 50 years have to undergo strict medical test in order to obtain a licence. The licence validity is 5 years and requires renewal every 5 years.

[edit] International considerations

The holder of a licence from any European Union member country can drive in any other EU country. Most countries worldwide will also recognize the licences of citizens of foreign states wishing to drive as visitors. All EU member countries now issue licences in a standard format, regardless of the language of the licence.^{[citation needed]}

The International Driving Permit (IDP) (sometimes erroneously called the International Driver's Licence) is a booklet which is an authorized translation of a driver's home license into many languages (especially languages with different scripts such as Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.). In some cases, it is obtained from a motoring organization such as the Automobile Association or the equivalent in the driver's home country. In other cases, it is delivered by the same government services that deliver ordinary licences. The IDP has no validity except when used in conjunction with the driver's own licence. The existence of the IDP is necessitated by many countries refusing to recognize driver's licences written in foreign languages without accompanying translations.

The People's Republic of China at present does not recognize IDPs (although Hong Kong and Macao do) and requires drivers to get an additional PRC license before being officially allowed on all roads.

Most licence-issuing authorities require holders of "foreign" licences taking up residence in their jurisdiction to obtain a local driving licence within a limited time (typically 1 year), although European Union drivers who move from one EU state to another can continue driving on their original licences until the age of 70. In most cases, the driver must follow the full local procedure for obtaining a licence, but some jurisdictions have mutual recognition agreements and will exchange the foreign licence for a local one without the need to undertake an additional driving test. This occurs when people shift between U.S. states; the United Kingdom also (as of 2006) exchanges full licences issued by Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

[edit] See also

• Semi-trailer truck Driver's licence.

[edit] References

1. ^ Anonymous, "Better Auto Laws Are Now Needed," New York Times, 18 August 1907, S3.
2. ^ Frederick H. Elliott, "Working Out New Auto Law In New York," New York Times, 16 October 1910, 3.
3. ^ Anonymous, "New York's Auto Exports Increase—Big Jump in Cars Shipped Last Year—New Jersey Examines All Drivers," New York Times, 14 July 1913, 11.
4. ^ [1]
5. ^ SAAQ
6. ^ MTO
7. ^ Ontario to delay driver's licences to dropouts
8. ^ Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles - Graduated Drivers Licence System
9. ^ ICBC Drivers' Licensing
10. ^ [2]
11. ^ Best Practices for Graduated Driver Licensing in Canada
12. ^ [3]
13. ^ Minimum age for driving licence on webpage European Union
14. ^ Klartecken för EU-körkort. Svenska Dagbladet. Retrieved on March 27, 2006.
15. ^ (BBC)
16. ^ Swedish driver's licence (körkort): minimum age
17. ^ UK driving licence info
18. ^ [4]
19. ^ [5]
20. ^ http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/faqs/scripts/faqs.asp?section=dl#28
21. ^ LA Times - "Licenses Take a Back Seat"

[edit] External links

• Spanish driving tests

• Information from the European Union in driving licences throughout the Community
• http://www.answers.com/topic/minimum-driving-age
• Online Practice Driving Test (Practice Knowledge Test)