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Both unlicensed drivers and many non-EU citizens
are required to take a driving test in order to obtain the Spanish
license required of all residents in this country.
If the test is available in your native language
at this time, you're troubles are nearly solved. Proceed to
seek
out an academy that offers support, manuals and practice tests,
pay your fees and continue with the course until you pass both
the
written and the practical test.
If the test is not available in your native language,
you will have to take it in Spanish, and this can be tricky for
non-native speakers. The test consists of 40 questions, of which
you can miss three (year 2003 testple). However, the questions
are
"trick questions" and, thus, not easy to figure out,
even for Spaniards.
Probably the most important thing to understand
as you go into this process is that it is well-known as a money
maker for the government and the driving academy industry. The test
is purposely designed to ensure that failure rates remain as high
as possible and those taking the test have to re-take it as many
times as possible.
You will be allowed three chances to pass both the
written and the driving test before having to pay a fee that buys
you three more chances. The three chances can be divided however
you like. For testple, if you pass the written test the first time
around (don't count on it), you have two chances to pass the practical
test. Should you pass the written on your second try, you will have
only one chance to pass the practical section.
For those of us who come from countries with different
systems, this form of testing can be quite degrading. You can memorize
the driving manual backwards and forward, understand everything
it says and score well on practice tests, but still fail the big
test. What's more, you will not be told what you missed on the test,
which means you will be unable to contest the results.
Before losing heart though, take a look at the roads
and think about how many have somehow made it through the long process.
At the same time, be advised that a variety of driving tests do
exist. Special tests are available for those with physical handicaps,
for testple, there is a test especially designed for deaf/mute persons.
The test is comprised of the same 40 questions offered to everyone
else, only they are straightforward with no tricks involved. There
are also video-based tests for those who cannot read or write, but
need a license for work purposes.
If you are having difficulties obtaining your license,
it may be useful to politely question the traffic authorities regarding
the possibility that you take a different version test. Be prepared
to explain your reasons for needing the license. And remember, that
very often, issues are more negotiable in Andalucia than in more
rigid societies.
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