[Katana]

Well, me and my instructor felt i was good enough after 50 hours, that isn't compulsory, you can take the driving test even if you've never driven before, so long as you passed the theory test first.
It's done this way so that experienced drivers who've lost their license don't have to take lessons, or you might have been taught by your parents without a qualified instructor training.

One more off-topic question, do you have the points system in the US and Canada?
In the UK when you commit a motoring offense like speeding or dangerous driving you get a fine and points on your license.
For the first 2 years after passing your test, if you get 6 points you lose your license, after 2 years this goes up to 12 points before losing it. Most speeding offenses carry a £60 fine and 3 points, so if you get caught speeding twice in your first 2 years you lose your license, though excessive speed, say 50mph+ in a 30mph zone will get you 6 point and probably see you standing in front of a judge.