A teen's four wheels
Having recently claiming my driver's provisional license back in Australia, I was interested in knowing how the Swedes learnt to drive. Firstly, a quick run down on the Australian system. We begin with a theoretical test (30 questions), of which you must score 27 or higher in. After this, we are officially on our 'learners' where we are allowed to drive a car as long as there is an open licensed driver in the passenger seat at all times. You may only attain a learner licence at the age of 16 or older. Then after recording 100 hours worth of driving, you are eligible for your P's. This consists of a practical exam where you drive around difficult roads for about half an hour. This is the stage which I have just completed, and having passed, I am allowed to drive by myself!
Here in Sweden, they have what is known as a 'Mopedbil' which is a very interesting type of car. At the age of 15, the Swedes are eligible for a licence which allows them to drive it. The catch - you are stuck at a maximum speed of 45km/h. Have fun on the free way guys... This car is relatively expensive, costing probably about 100 000 kronor ($17 000). You are also only allowed one passenger at a time. The bonus part is you are allowed to drive on your own without any supervisor, which gives the kids here a bit more freedom.
My friend took me for a ride in one of these foreign vehicles after school yesterday! The vehicles are so cute and cosy, and the funniest things ever - I love them. The one dilemma these Swedes face is the car literally freezing over. Living in such cold climates, they have these heaters for the cars when you park in most places. However, it seems like the school hasn't quite built these things in. This means that on those very cold long days at school you have the potential to find yourself returning to a completely frozen car, with an engine which refuses to work. No one said winter was kind.
The afternoon was really great with a bit of a shopping spree, and of course, fika. The ride home was quite fun after I managed to forget the directions home...the home which is about a five minute walk away from town. I guess I'm still learning. We made it there though, safe and sound, and that's the main thing!
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| Here is an example of these snazzy cars that I found on the internet! |
Here in Sweden, they have what is known as a 'Mopedbil' which is a very interesting type of car. At the age of 15, the Swedes are eligible for a licence which allows them to drive it. The catch - you are stuck at a maximum speed of 45km/h. Have fun on the free way guys... This car is relatively expensive, costing probably about 100 000 kronor ($17 000). You are also only allowed one passenger at a time. The bonus part is you are allowed to drive on your own without any supervisor, which gives the kids here a bit more freedom.
My friend took me for a ride in one of these foreign vehicles after school yesterday! The vehicles are so cute and cosy, and the funniest things ever - I love them. The one dilemma these Swedes face is the car literally freezing over. Living in such cold climates, they have these heaters for the cars when you park in most places. However, it seems like the school hasn't quite built these things in. This means that on those very cold long days at school you have the potential to find yourself returning to a completely frozen car, with an engine which refuses to work. No one said winter was kind.
The afternoon was really great with a bit of a shopping spree, and of course, fika. The ride home was quite fun after I managed to forget the directions home...the home which is about a five minute walk away from town. I guess I'm still learning. We made it there though, safe and sound, and that's the main thing!
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