Driving test

This article is about driving tests. For test driving, where a prospective buyer drives a vehicle to test it, see test drive. For the details of the driving test in the UK, see United Kingdom driving test. For road testing a vehicle, see Test track (disambiguation).
A BEST Bus used for driving tests in Mumbai

A driving test (also known as a driving exam or driver's test in some places) is a procedure designed to test a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle. It exists in various forms worldwide, and is often a requirement to obtain a license to drive a vehicle independently. A driving test generally consists of one or two parts: the practical test (sometimes called a road test in the United States), used to assess a person's driving ability under normal operating conditions,[1] and a theory test (written, oral or computerized) to confirm a person's knowledge of driving and relevant rules and laws.

The world's first mandatory national driving test was introduced in France in 1899.

To make the test fair, written driving tests are normally standardized tests, meaning that everyone takes the same test under the same conditions. In many places the test can be done by computer, and typically consists of questions related to road signs and traffic laws of the respective country, but may also include questions related to road safety best practices or technical questions regarding vehicle operation and maintenance. In many countries, passing a written driving test is required to be allowed to sit the practical test.

  1. ^ "Random House Unabridged Dictionary". Road test. Random House, Inc. 2006.