I passed!

After 9 long months of studying the theory and taking driving classes with a certified instructor, I now have my drivers license in Spain.

This is what I had to do in order to get it.

First I had to pay 375 euros (almost $500 back then because the euro was worth more).  This included an unlimited number of theory classes.  Yes, that's right, you actually have to go to class.  I went to class 2 or 3 times a week for 2.5 half months.  Once I got up to speed on the new vocabulary, I could then start taking the tests.

That's the next step.  There is a database of about 2,000 questions that you need to know in order to pass the theory test.  You find these questions in is a series of tests that consist of 30 questions.  So, basically, you literally have to go to the "autoescuela", sit down at a computer, and take hours and hours of tests.  For the next 3 months, this is what I did.  I had to get to the point where I was getting 95% of the tests right.  And because the tests are constantly changing, the questions are also constantly changing.

I then went to try and take my theory test.  I started to take the test and felt pretty good about it.   Then one of the instructors came by and told me that I didn't bring the right papers and I couldn't take the test.

I then had to wait another month.  During that month I had to study more because the questions were changing and I had to keep current with the tests.

I did finally take the written exam and passed it.

The next step was to take the driving classes.  Even though I have been driving almost 15 years, they encouraged me to take 16 classes (45 minutes each).  After taking these classes, I'm convinced that they are necessary.  The test is very hard and it is very easy to fail.  It's not unusual for you to meet Spaniards that have failed it so many times that they've given up on ever passing it.

I finally took my test on Monday and passed.  I won't say it was a total waste of my time because it has helped my Spanish, but it certainly tried my patience.

The thing I feel the worst about is that for the people that failed the written/driving test.  They have to pay for more classes and fines for failing.  There are people that will literally spend over a $1,000 just for their drivers license.  And in some cities, the base price (without the fines for failing) is $1,000.

I'm glad to be done and I thank God I won't have to do that again.

Now it's Charity's turn...