‘007’ Gets NY Driver’s License

James Bond has battled spies and evil masterminds in hundreds of countries around the world. This work usually involved driving some sort of vehicle from super cars to sport bikes to bicycles and even an occasional donkey cart. Up until recently however, although he had a license to kill, James Bond didn’t have a license to drive in New York.

This past autumn James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, applied for and received his official New York driver’s license. Although an international film star Craig had to follow all the same rules and procedures as everyone who applies for a New York driver’s license: First he had to take and pass a written test. Once he passed the written test he traveled to Staten island to attend a five-hour driver safety course, then took his behind-the-wheel driving test which he also passed.

The state of New York made only one accommodation for Craig: They allowed him to attend the class alone, without an audience. This is a very small stipulation for someone with as much star power as Craig, and it makes sense. The last thing he needed was to be distracted by other people in the class who might not have been asking for autograph but likely would have a least been staring at him the entire time.

Everyone who drives a vehicle is legally required to obtain a state issued driver’s license. The specific requirements change slightly for each state, but mainly consist of a written test and a practice test. During the written test the student must demonstrate that they have an understanding of the laws regulating driving in their state and recognize specific street signs by shape and color. During the driving test they must demonstrate their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on the roadways. For many drivers the written test is the most stressful part of the process, but for others it is putting their skills to the test in an actual vehicle with an instructor at their side.

Regardless of how stressful it might be, no matter who you are or what you do for a living, you still need to follow procedure if you want to be legal on the road.