i failed 1st time at the very end of the test. the town had major infrastructure repairs that day and roads changed a lot...so by accident i turned on one where i couldn't and failed. it was cool that my examiner was so angry because he loved my driving and was ready to give me the license.
test goes for 1 hr for us. 2nd time when i did it i was done in 10 min - he saw that everything was balls to the the wall awesome and we finished really fast
about costs? well first you have to finish driving school - its around 300-600 $ for theoretical and practical and medical course - takes 1 or 2 month. then after that you may go and take the exam - each driving ~100$, theoretical test (have to pass to allow you to have driving test) each time ~20$
now i have it for almost 2 years and have driven 20 000+ km.
now it's just awesome - icy roads, everywhere is snow and if you know what your doing at the wheel then its just awesome fun.
P.S im planning on getting bike license. but for us it's hardest to get. for a bike that is over 250cm3 you need to be 21 years old. all the other vehicles are from 18.