I Had to Pass the Driving School Test to Obtain a New License Category
Today, I want to share part of the process with you, and I’d love to know how it is in your country. Let me know in the comments.
Let’s start from the beginning...
A few months ago, I decided to get a motorcycle license.
Some friends offered me a part-time job as a messenger, and well, you don’t say no to a job.
There was one problem :( I didn’t have the required license category.
At 18 yo, during my military service, I obtained a car license (in Cuba, it’s B1)
This time, I needed the moped category (A or A1). I had to go through the process from the beginning (again).
The Process
In summary, to obtain a license in Cuba, you must follow this step-by-step:
- Driving school exam (the cornerstone of it all)
- Eye test (just a formality)
- Theoretical test at your city’s traffic office (the most surreal part)
- Practical test in the surroundings of the traffic office (the hardest part)
And if you pass, you get your novice category (which lasts two years).
Today, we’ll talk about the first point—I'll tell you about the rest as I go along.
Theoretical Driving Exam
The driving school has allowed you to take a single test if you know the law (or studied enough) and get the school’s certification.
This was impossible back in 2018.
Back then, I had to attend in-person classes for two consecutive weeks. It was a tedious process, and while necessary, I support self-study.
Of course, I opted to go straight to the test.
For people with limited time (like me) and some traffic knowledge, it’s a great option (though it’s the most expensive).
How much does this test cost in your country?
Here, it’s currently 530 Cuban Pesos (less than 2 USD at the informal exchange rate)
For this exam, you must be well-versed in Law 109: The Cuban Road Safety Code.
Honestly, I wasn’t very prepared. This law is quite tedious. Since it’s a multiple-choice exam, I relied on my practical knowledge.
Don’t be like me! This experiment could go very wrong :)
The Big Day
The designated day was Saturday, May 24. Registrations started at 8 AM, and then you took the test.
You could register online and pay digitally, but there wasn’t much difference in doing it on the test day.
As with everything involving bureaucracy, especially in Cuba, nothing goes as planned (neither digital nor physical)
The power went out, the instructors were late, and the reservation system wasn’t working properly.
What else could go wrong? -It’s never good to ask this.
A few minutes later, the school director appeared, saying that the test would likely be canceled due to the noticeable lack of clarity.
Very bad news for me!!! :(
These fairs only happen on the last Saturday of each month.
I would have to wait another month. The job wouldn’t wait that long for me, and I have less and less time with the hospital.
I had to pray for something to happen.
Miracle
The night before, the most powerful thermoelectric plant in the country, Antonio Guiteras (in Mayabeque), had to go offline from the electrical system. In other words... The power wouldn’t be back soon.
The fair had to continue... there was too much money at stake.
Without power or clarity, they decided to move forward: a total win-win.
Back to the test...
It consists of 20 questions. Each question is worth 5 points, and the minimum to pass is 70 points (you can miss 6 questions).
Even though I wasn’t well-prepared, I found it quite easy to answer the questions. I think driving integrates a lot of knowledge unconsciously.
By reading the questions and using some logic, I was able to pass the test.
I only missed 2 questions (I scored 90 points).
The questions missed were about legal sanctions (I missed those in my last attempt too).
Although everything looked bleak, the first step was passed! :):)
Next week, I’ll take the eye exam—if the power allows—and I’ll let you know how it goes.
If you made it this far, tell me how this process works in your city.
For me, it’s a very tedious process and somewhat unnecessary for those who already have a license category.
I know in countries like US, it’s much faster and smoother; is that the case for you too?
Let me know down below.
Read you soon!
All the images in the post are my own.