Getting our driving licenses

February 6, 2010 - Despite our extensive driving experience in The Netherlands and despite the fact that traffic in Canada is far from comparable to the crowdedness in The Netherlands, we are required to pass a written and road test to acquire our Canadian drivers license. We already dealt with some administrative requirements (application, show Dutch license, show ID, etc.) at the beginning of January. The next step was the written test.

We bought a book with all the traffic regulations, practiced online quizzes lots of times until we felt comfortable with it, and then reported to Manitoba Public Insurance in Brandon. Man, in English, that wasn't easy at all, and add to that the time pressure (30 questions in 30 minutes, maximum 6 mistakes). It costed us quite some effort to pass this test, but finally on January 20th and 21nd we had both passed the written part. Now we could make an appointment for the road test.

We made an appointment for the both of us on February 4, because we could then do the road test in Rivers instead of Brandon. Don't forget: bring your own car, take care of your own paperwork and be on time. Okay.

We reported to the Town Office on February 4, after which we had to hand in our Dutch license, before we could take the test. Additionally we hear that if we don't pass the exam, we won't get the Dutch license back. Mmmh, we're scheduled to take our test right after each other. If we fail, or even stronger, if we both fail, we're not allowed to drive at all! Well, if that isn't the best motivation to succeed, I don't know.

First it's my turn and the examiner explains the test, we walk around the car, check all the lights and start it up. Duration of the exam? Approximately 10 minutes. And because there are no traffic lights, dangerous intersections or even traffic, it's not very challenging (doesn't need to be). But, with parrallel parking, yield intersections and quite a few pedestrians, it wasn't a true walk in the park either. After we return to the Town Office, the examiner says the magic words: you passed! Yes.

Then it's Ramona's turn, who is exposed to the same ritual and then gets behind the wheel very nervously. And after she returns, she gets the same news: you passed! Great, two in a day. We both took the exam and we both passed.

With a temporary license we leave the office, we lost our Dutch licens and the official Canadian license will be send through the mail. All in all a very successful day.