Canada is a bit different as well. We have a graduated licensing system. Kind of like elementary (pre) school.
We have the G1, G2 and G for standard motor vehicles.
(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_licence_i...da#Ontario.5B11.5D)
My story goes as this:
I was late at getting my license. At 16 you can get your learners permit (G1) and I failed the written test. I was 18 or 19. I went a second time and this time I was the only one writing. Apparently I failed. The examiner actually asked me a few questions and changed my answers so I would pass.
My first road test was about a year later. I hadn't really practiced much and lucky for me they didn't make me do a lot of the standard tests, for instance parallel parking.
Fast forward to September of last year. My license was about to expire (they expire every 5 years and you need to renew it). I booked a test in another city. My test when I booked it originally I tried for 1PM but it was taken so I took 130PM. I got to the licensing place only to find out that they actually had me booked in for 1PM. Needless to say they had to fail me because I couldn't take my test. I re-booked for the last day my license was valid... talk about nerves! I passed but imagine doing a full 45 minute driving test on everything possible on the last possible day... I was a wreck but passed
/ 
