Merlion BTTGlobal Driving Standards
Theoretical Driving Test Comparison
From hazard perception in the UK to philosophical logic in France and strict memorization in Singapore. Here is how the world's toughest theory tests compare.
The Quick Breakdown
The administrative differences at a glance.
| Feature | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇫🇷 France | 🇦🇺 Aus | 🇺🇸 USA (CA) | 🇰🇷 Korea | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Mark | 90% | 86% | 87.5% | 91% | 80-85% | 60-70% | 90% |
| Validity | Lifetime | 2 Years | 5 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Unique Hurdle | Strict 90% | Hazard Video | Logic Qs | 100% Safety | Right on Red | Course Test | Strict Practical |
| Cost | S$6.50 | ~£23 | €30 | ~A$50 | ~$45 | ~₩60k | ~¥300k (School) |
The Philosophy & Difficulty
It's not just about road signs. Each country tests a different cognitive skill.
🇬🇧 UK: Reflexes
The "Hazard Perception" test makes this unique. You must prove you have the reaction time to click a mouse the second a hazard appears.
🇫🇷 France: Logic
Known for "trick" questions. The test often asks what you are *thinking* rather than just what you are doing.
🇸🇬 Singapore: Accuracy
A test of pure precision. With a 45/50 pass requirement, you have almost no margin for error. Memorization is key.
🇦🇺 Australia: Safety
The Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) has a ruthless "Safety" section. Get one safety question wrong? You fail immediately.
🇺🇸 USA: Practicality
Generally easier theory tests (often 80% pass). The focus is more on getting you on the road and enforcing rules via police presence.
🇰🇷 Korea: Efficiency
The theory test is relatively easy (60-70% pass), but the practical test is a complex obstacle course that requires precision and speed.
🇯🇵 Japan: Perfection
The practical test is a "choreographed dance". You fail for not checking a mirror at the exact right second. Extremely strict.
Critical Rule Variations
Do not mix these up when driving abroad.
| Rule | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇫🇷 France | 🇦🇺 Aus | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇰🇷 Korea | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Left | Right | Left | Right | Right | Left |
| U-Turns | Illegal unless signed | Legal unless banned | Legal unless banned | Illegal unless signed | Legal unless banned | Illegal unless signed | Illegal unless signed |
| Turn on Red | Illegal (Left) | Illegal (Left) | Illegal (Right) | Illegal (Left) | Legal (Right) | Legal (Right) | Illegal (Left) |
| Roundabouts | Clockwise | Clockwise | Counter-Clockwise | Clockwise | Counter-Clockwise | Counter-Clockwise | Clockwise |
The Final Verdict
Which license is the hardest to get?
Which is hardest to PASS?
**Singapore.** The math is brutal. Getting 44/50 results in a fail. You must memorize the handbook perfectly to survive the slim margin of error.
Which is hardest to UNDERSTAND?
**France.** The language barrier combined with the philosophical nature of the questions ('Do I go, or do I look and then go?') trips up even native French speakers.
Which is hardest to PERFORM?
**Japan.** The practical test is legendary for its strictness. It costs thousands of dollars, and you can fail for not looking at a mirror for exactly 3 seconds.
Which is hardest to SUSTAIN?
**Australia.** While the theory is manageable, the learner phase is a marathon. NSW requires **120 hours** of logged driving practice before you can even take the practical test.
Which is the EASIEST?
**USA.** In many states, you can get a license with a simple 20-question test and a quick drive around the block. It is designed to get you mobile, not to make you a master driver.