Since you've done both, are the parent article and other comments in this thread overemphasizing how difficult it is in France or did I just have a great experience here? I've done the test twice in the UK (auto + manual) - it wasn't arduous, nor did it take long to schedule (I think it was about 3 weeks out) and the computerised test was a case of picking the least stupid answer, unlike the riddles the parent article implies the French have to navigate.

The actual driving test is pretty much the same length and difficulty. (although I did the car test in France and the motorbike test in the UK) The French theory test needs a bit more preparation as more trick questions are asked. Also, the difference is perhaps, as far as I can remember, that French driving school offer more preparation to the theory test than is really required. In other words, they can keep you coming to the classroom until they are sure you will pass the theory...