Sadly, Beth, up here we are legally required to take at least 17 hours of driving lessons with a teacher, and 25 hours of academic lessons, at a driving school, before we can attempt to take the test. We can also get a learner's permit, where we can drive with a family member over the age of 25 and has had a license for (I think) 10 years, but even if we chose that option, the hours we need to put in are not reduced. And you can only get a learner's permit after you've finished the first half of the driving school, (12 academic hours) and 10 hours of driving lessons with a teacher.
This whole package is now about 100 000 ISK, which is about $860 USD. So, yeah... it's easier said than done.
Either way, I'm still pretty good with my bus pass, and my hubby to drive me around. I don't go out alone that much, so I'm in no real hurry. I might try it when we have kids, and I get tired of taking them on the bus
But congratulations again, and enjoy the freedom