If you’re looking for the path of least resistance behind the wheel, here are some of the easiest countries to pass your driving test this year.
Yes, Egypt’s driving test was once famously cited as one of the easiest in the world and reportedly held a Guinness World Record for its minimal requirements. The claim is that the test required drivers to demonstrate only the ability to drive 6 feet forward and 6 feet in reverse. This minimal demonstration made the Egyptian driver’s license test notorious for its simplicity compared to global standards. However, this has also contributed to widespread criticism of road safety and driving standards in the country.
So while Egypt did not hold a record for the "hardest" test, it gained attention for having one of the easiest driving tests, at least historically, where passing involved very limited practical skills.
Today, Mexico tops the list by a mile. In many parts of Mexico, the driving test is remarkably lenient previously, there wasn’t even a practical exam, just a theory test, and in some regions, the license can be obtained with only written paperwork and paying a fee. Teenagers can start driving as young as 15, making it accessible for young drivers eager to hit the road.
Qatar surprises with its low driving age, 14 years plus an affordable, straightforward test costing under £30. It requires both theory and practical exams, but overall the process is simpler compared to global standards.
Europe’s easiest spot is Latvia, where the cost of licensing is modest, and testing demands are on the lighter side compared to other European countries.
The United States and Canada also rank among the easier countries to get a license, thanks to fewer mandatory lessons before testing and manageable theory and practical exams. However, requirements vary between states and provinces.
Across Asia, nations like India and Pakistan feature some of the cheapest and simplest driving tests globally. India’s practical exam can be as straightforward as driving in a straight line, turning once, and stopping, with some regions reportedly allowing licenses with minimal testing by paying local agents, a controversial workaround.
On the other hand, some countries like Japan, Finland, and Switzerland are notorious for their tough driving tests, requiring months of lessons, complex maneuvers, and strict examiner standards.
So! If you want to sail through your driving test with the least hassle, Mexico, Qatar, Latvia, India, and Pakistan are your go-to spots.
