Getting a Driver's License in China

Frank Langfitt tells us his experience of taking the written driver's test in China. Despite having years of U.S. driving experience, studying the rules, and taking practice tests, he flunked it three times!

Why is the Chinese driver's test so hard? For one thing, it requires a ton of memorization. Consider this yes or no question, taken verbatim from a test:

"If a motorized vehicle driver has caused a major traffic accident in violation of the traffic regulations which has caused human death due to his escaping, the driver is subject to a prison term of 3 years to 7 years."

The answer, it turns out, is "no." I eventually answered this correctly, but still have no idea what the actual prison term is.

The other reason the test is difficult for foreigners is some of the translations are, well, challenging. Take this question:

"When theres [sic] a diversion traffic control on the expressway, a driver can stop by the side to wait instead of leaving out of the expressway, for continually running after the traffic control."

I don't know what that means, but apparently under Chinese law, you can't do it.

He's not the only foreigner to have problems with the test. But there was one guy he talked to who had no problem -because he paid a professional to take it for him. How hard could it be, really? You get a chance to find out, because NPR has an interactive test you can try, with questions taken from actual tests in China. Yes, I flunked. -via Digg


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I was lucky enough to go to one of his lectures in my college days. I probably wouldn't be at the job I'm at today if it wouldn't have been for the program he founded. His disease is indeed a true shame.
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This story really gives me pause - what am I doing with my life? And what am I doing to protect my family when I (eventually, anyway - I hope) die?

Though death will come for all of us, I think it is coming way too early for someone like Prof. Pausch.
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That really sucks for him. I hate it when people in unfortunate situations tell you to not feel sorry for them, because it makes me feel even worse, especially when I have no power to help.
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It's really hard to believe. Watching that video I can't suppress thoughts that he might still be okay. It just doesn't seem like someone who looks so healthy can deteriorate and die within a couple months; especially with such certainty.
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I listened to the complete lecture after watching him on Oprah.. I have all my friends Google The Last Lecture and have their children watch... This probably is The Greatest Lecture for young and old to watch and learn from.. Also, wate= Ken Burn's The War...
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I have seen Dr. Pausch lecture, and it was (at least for me) life changing, myself grieving for a family member who recently died from Cancer, his words gave me a life lesson, enjoy life NOW while you can. I have Prof. Pausch and his beautiful family in my prayers.
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I am amazed over and over again when someone displays this much tenacity right in the face of death. I stumbled on this story and now his inspiration to go on with each day...has become a new mantra for me. who know he could touch so many lives in his stay on this orb. It is my pleasure and honor to be a part of this stage and this message.
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I just like to say I watched about Randy Pausch
on t.v.with Diane Sawyer it was a touchin show.
He is strong and got so much drive in him to be
sick. I dont feel sorry for him I feel bad, for his
wife and three kids, he leaves behind.
He mighted not mentioned God right off, that dont mean
hes not saved.
He has a beautiful family and kids there young.
I pray that the Lord wont let him suffer to much
in his pain, that he keeps him strong in Jesus name
Amen.. lisaf
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