GT4 License Tests: I Give Up

[Linketh]

I was going to suggest that the reason to do license tests is because they're there but then the coffee tests came along so that blows that theory.

Here are couple other things to consider. First, someone mentioned taking breaks. This is important. The more you repeatedly try the tests, the higher your adrenaline level gets (you can feel it). The higher your adrenaline gets, the less stable your brain becomes and the more twitchy and overreactive you become. Examples of this abound in real life, ie., fights at sporting events, road rage, etc. The answer? Take a break. Chill for 15 minutes. Come back later. Your performance will most likely improve.

A related reality is that, the harder you push yourself to get to a certain edge (in anything), the more likely you are to make mistakes. Why? Because you're trying to get to a place you've never been before. That can be frustrating too. Like "g*d damn, I was five tenths ahead of my ghost on that one and I ****ed it up AGAIN!" But you learned something. Again, take a break. Try to avoid drinking or smoking cigarettes during breaks because alcohol and nicotine also mess with your blood and your brain. Unless you're just farting around then drink and smoke as much as you want, but don't expect to be good at GT.

Anyway, the key word here is control. Control your car. Control your emotions. Control your urges. That's what makes great race car drivers great.

haha yeah those coffee breaks are impossible to get gold. there the only ones i'll cheat on when the time comes to get golds all round. i cant weave through cones in a car with no breaks and stop 100m away in 19second!

Control your urges? does that mean no sex? its the only way I could pass license tests in gt2 and 3

 

[SimRaceDriver]

I feel your pain buddy....I certainly do!

I'll be honest and admit that in GT4, I have NO golds whatsoever to speak of....they're all Bronze or Silvers (2 to 1 ratio) because to me, I don't need to get 80 Golds or even 1 gold...as long as I've passed the test, I'll improve my driving by other means. (Other racing events or via OLR)

I can relate the build up of frustration in trying to pass a certain test or two because in just the last few days, I've gone BACK to the "Mission Tests" and have wanted to kill myself! I spent almost an HOUR on just ONE test (can't think of the # of the mission but for those who have passed them all, it's the one on the Opera (?) track with the Rally Cars) and finally came out on top..by the skin of my a** no less!

I will admit that the license tests in GT4 compared to GT3 seem to be VERY harder and seem to be almost impossible to beat, yet I realize that if I ever want to hang with the best, one must put in the extra hours to improve ones driving technique and/or style. But as for now, I want to enjoy the game just as much as the next person without getting so mad that I throw my PS2 w/GT4 still inside, straight out the window! (Fixing two holes in the walls that are the same size as my fist is a P.I.T.A....so I can't imagine the cost of replacing a window! LOL!)

I've watched as many 'demos' as is humanly possible in order to find out how the "computer" does a certain test and then try to duplicate they very same technique. In most instances, it's possible but does come at the price of having to spend countless hours in front of my TV doing the same thing over & over & over & over again until I've learned how to push a specific car to it's limits (or is it my driving style? Not sure really! LOL)

Take the following advice if you wish, as it may come in handy one day:

1. Buy a second memory card and use that to load up whatever cheats you want but keep your main memory card around...that way there when the day comes that you feel like you're a better driver, you can go back and start running the licenses again from where you originally left off at without having to 're-run' those that you've already passed!

2. Don't let anyone anywhere tell you how you should play YOUR game!
If loading up a few 'special codes' that allow you to bypass a few tests in order to get further enjoyment out of the game, then by all means do it! We all dance to a different drum...as the old saying goes!

3. Use Arcade mode to run the same car on the same track, if possible, that corresponds to the specific license tests that you can't currently pass and using Ghost Mode, keep practicing until you know or have a pretty good indication that you can now go back and actually pass that specific license test!
NOTE: I've been doing this now for about a week and have gradually upped my lap times on numerous tracks by more then just a split second or two...I'm talking any where from 2 OR 3 seconds all the way up to about 10 seconds!
Trust me...THIS does work!

Peace:

PS: THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO PLAY A GAME so let those who think loading up a few cheat (Cheat is too strong of a word I think sometimes!) codes say what they wan to say! They way I see it, you can either get mad and/or bored of the game and get rid of it and thereby not enjoy the full potential the game has to offer, or you can load a few special codes for some extra money and/or in order to pass a few tests or get a few cars that you really want but don't have the time to go out and obtain because of some 'test' and continue to enjoy the game!

PPS: Getting all golds just shows that your current driving style is pretty damn good I will admit but in all honestly, getting 80 GOLDS is only really used for bragging rights...(Have you noticed how many members in their sigs. let everyone know how many "GOLDS" they have? It just goes to prove my point!) You're going to get better by racing others that are just as good or better then you, so I would recommend looking at some of the online racing leagues offered here at GTP and start going up against better drivers....Because this is where the TRUE test comes! Do you think Tiger Woods became the #1 golfer in the world by spending all his time on the driving range hitting ball after ball after ball? No! It helps yes, but actual "GAME PLAY" is where the real learning comes from!

 

[Uncle Harry]

I have a even mix of Gold, Silver and bronze with 7 S license tests to go.( PAL with Sony hand controller)
To the original poster, try driving with the car in automatic and concentrate only on corner entry and braking points.
I have found most tests easy to bronze, the rally tests are easy to gold as are the tests on tracks that where in GT3. I find the tests on the new tracks harder as you have to learn the new track as well as the car traits and coreect speeds and braking points.
Try to drive a little slower and finish the test. Even with a fail you can compare your next run with your ghost and that helps a lot to see at what spots you are slow or fast.

 

[DJF70]

I hate the license tests not because I find them difficult(well, some are), but because they're a huge waste of time. I can understand their importance for somebody new to GT, but having past experince with the GT games I get nothing from them except frustration. Video games are for recreation IMO. If the license tests ruin the fun for you then by all means cheat!

While we're on the subject, what's the point of honing your skills in the license tests? To prepare you for racing against inferior AI drivers with inferior cars?

 

[The Missing Link]

For anyone ineterested, I have been given the OK to host a version of my guide here. Currently I have only completed to the end of the A Licenses, however, they are still going through final editting phase. So, within 2 weeks I suspect that the entire guide will be finished.

The entire guide should encompass all 80 licenses, some quick tips/tricks/hints, some reference to the language devices I will use, and also the coffee breaks. So, if you desire having them all and getting them on your own with a little help from a 'walkthrough' style guide, please be patient and continue on with the parts of the game that you can.

Oh, and a small note, the guide is intended to achieve all gold medals, so if you are not interested in all gold medals, the guide should fairly easily give you the tips to just getting the bronzes.

 

[Small_Fryz]

Bronzes are easear to get in GT4 than it is in GT3. If you cant get bronze on the licenses you must be doing somthing wrong.

How are you with the driving missions?

 

[Chest_Rockwell]

It took me 2 days to finish all the tests. I didn't get any gold, just silver and bronze. I think I only got 1 or 2 silvers. But cheating will ruin the game for you. If what you're doing isn't working, try something else. It's all about trial and error. You can do it!

 

[SimRaceDriver]

For anyone ineterested, I have been given the OK to host a version of my guide here. Currently I have only completed to the end of the A Licenses, however, they are still going through final editting phase. So, within 2 weeks I suspect that the entire guide will be finished.

The entire guide should encompass all 80 licenses, some quick tips/tricks/hints, some reference to the language devices I will use, and also the coffee breaks. So, if you desire having them all and getting them on your own with a little help from a 'walkthrough' style guide, please be patient and continue on with the parts of the game that you can.

Oh, and a small note, the guide is intended to achieve all gold medals, so if you are not interested in all gold medals, the guide should fairly easily give you the tips to just getting the bronzes.

Just a bit curious but will your guide be any different then the official guide that is being released shortly? If so, I'd be interested in seeing the final version! 👍

 

[The Missing Link]

Well, I have no idea what will be in that guide. However, if it is anything like the "Official GT3 Guide," then definitely, you will not be able to compare the two. I write out full walkthrough style points and tips, with a very high level of detail.

Either way, mine is free, so it would have to be the better option anyways

 

[londor]

GT4 licences are very easy to pass. Whoever is having problems to get bronze is because they do not know how to drive and I mean a real car and not an arcade game. The stock cars for the licences have street tyres so you have to drive as if you were doing it for real. Best practice is to get a not very powerful car 100-150 BHP, take all the aids off and stick N1 tyres on it and go around Nurburgring in Arcade Mode. Do it with FF, FR and 4WD cars and once you get to control them you will see how easy is to get bronze.

 

[Mecal]

i know how ya feel, i just finished my ia license today.
and it was a pain.

im not sure i wanna attempt the S x_x

 

[GramNitrous]

GT4 licences are very easy to pass. Whoever is having problems to get bronze is because they do not know how to drive and I mean a real car and not an arcade game.

Oops, are you sure?

Could a new player just be getting used to the DS2 or a Wheel? Or could they just be learning the tracks and the racing lines? That's not a very motivating coment for someone who is just a little bit stuck, just for the moment, don't you think?

Me? I have B, A, IB, IA and i'm up to S13, i'm only temporarily held up because i've got to learn Infinion Speedway. And in real life i've tuned and street raced super bikes and cars, but it doesn't stop me having to learn new tracks though does it?

To the original poster,

This is what i do,

I have 2 memory cards one for licence and missions progress, and one that is a copy of the first one just to race on until i've got all the licences and missions complete [i've got the first 10 done].

This way you can make licence and mission progress at whatever pace you want, and still race in the mean time.

It just means that when i do have all the Licences and missions complete, that i'll copy that save to the second memory card, and start racing from the start all over again.

But because of the races you've already done will be familiar, you'll breeze through up to where you were once before, if you see what i mean.

Good luck,

Cheers,

Gram.

 

[londor]

Oops, are you sure?

Could a new player just be getting used to the DS2 or a Wheel? Or could they just be learning the tracks and the racing lines? That's not a very motivating coment for someone who is just a little bit stuck, just for the moment, don't you think?

Me? I have B, A, IB, IA and i'm up to S13, i'm only temporarily held up because i've got to learn Infinion Speedway. And in real life i've tuned and street raced super bikes and cars, but it doesn't stop me having to learn new tracks though does it?

Yes, I am sure. I stand by what I said. If you know how a car behaves and reacts to your input and apply that knowledge to the game you should not have any trouble getting bronze. You do not need to push hard to pass a licence (another matter is to get gold). Brake well before the bends, keep the car balance and apply the throttle bit by bit out of the bends and you will get bronze even if you do not know the circuit (remember it always indicates what gear you should be in for the coming corner and also when you need to start braking by flashing the gear).

I was in the same boat as everybody else regarding the new courses and I always got at least bronze the first time I completed a lap. As in your example it took me 8 or 9 tries to get gold on the Infinion Speedway and I was a complete rookie at that course. How long does it take you to learn a 4-5 Km. course? 3 maybe 4 laps to know where and how the bends are. That is all you need because as I said earlier the game tells you when and how much to brake before bends. Do not overcook it and you will be fine.

 

[GramNitrous]

Yes, I am sure. I stand by what I said.

Ok then, since you take me to task, allow me to elaborate:

I do agree that the direct application of 'Real Life Performance Driving Tecniques' will definately greatly ease a players progress to at least achieving Bronze in GT4's Licence tests.

What i do not agree with, however, is your statement that:

"Whoever is having problems to get bronze is because they do not know how to drive and I mean a real car and not an arcade game."

Because this clearly means that if a person can't achieve Bronze in GT4's Licence tests, by implication, that that person would not know how to drive in real life. According to you.

I believe that you're being overly harsh on those people who, although good drivers in real life, are having trouble with GT4's Licence Tests, in a video game.

Perhaps this will help you to understand more clearly, the meaning of the statement that is in dispute here?

I hope that helps,

Gram.

 

[Madd>>DK<<]

Just persevere and try to drive the cars smoothly, don't push them too hard or they'll understeer like a pig, I found a good way was too brake hard then ease off the brake and turn into the corner, minimising understeer, then on the exit smoothly apply the power with as little steering needed as possible.

This is because all the licenses use the ASM and TCS, be aggresive and the cars will not accelerate or turn in because the aids are trying to stop you thus screwing up your time ( the Audi R8 on Infineon is a good example of this) by taking your time bronze should come quicker and be far less frustrating to achieve.

Good luck!

 

[F310B]

Fixing two holes in the walls that are the same size as my fist is a P.I.T.A

lol

I suppose I can understand people struggling to get silver or gold licenses. But it's when people are struggling for bronze, I just think wth?

With GT3 I once came back wasted after a night out, and I managed to get gold by a second on the S-2 license test. I just don't find it that hard since I've had the game for a while. I'm sure GT4 will be the same.

Question: Is it confirmed that all GT4 license test have driver aids on? Eek. Maybe now I see your trouble!

 

[RogsR34UK]

I have a gold I think, number of silvers but mostly bronzes on my license tests on the American version and in fact on the Japanese version I resorted to a code to get the S16 license (Merc Sauber C9 at the 'Ring). I passed the test OK on the American version as the car was slower. I used codes on the PAL version as I had no intention of doing them all three times!!

decker12 I PM'ed you.

 

[Phil McCavity]

i have to agree about the licences... they can be a pain!! even if i just scraped a bronze on each part, that was good enough for me (took me quite a few tries to do IA-16)

i just completed the Gran Turismo Championship in Professional (using Nissan R92C), onto Extreme now.... gonna have to do the Special licence (and i'm not looking forward to it LOL)

u just have to perservere at the licences, dont try and rush them (Rome wasnt built in a day etc).... but if i can do em, a one armed monkey can!!!

anyway, good luck bro

 

[BigTimo]

i did A-Int and Super license yesterday, and i must say that the tests were not that difficult. I used my normal ps2 controller for it. I must say that the Nurburgring laps with those M-B were killing my patience. But the most difficult test of all is that on Infinion Speedway with that audi LM car!!!
If you can take the first 2 corners at a good speed you will eventually get bronze.

So if ya have questions about a test maybe i can give some tips??

 

[ukoldschool]

First post.......

I think the thing this shows is just how different different people can be doing essentially the same tests (If you take out the fact that us with the PAL version will find it more difficult because of the game differences-Im sure they put that in as we all know septics cant drive... )

I myself am struggling with the Bentley on the special license - so far ive managed to complete just one lap without goin off somewhere and that lap was 4 seconds off bronze... Previously I found the Audi round that hilly track and the Merc round Nurburgring very difficult too........

I can only assume the guy trying to equate real world driving and GT4 is a kid not old enough to drive - I mean come on? I drive a very fast 4wd turbocharged car (glad to see it was in one of the early license tests..) and I think I am not bad at it, certainly not Carlos Sainz or Marku Allen but not bad.
What I dont do however is drive an 800bhp le mans car regularly at speeds of 220mph - and then have to brake for a chicane.... Who knows - maybe the guy that typed that crap about real world driving owns an LM car.......

Ive just got a logitech rally wheel - anyone any experience of one of these with GT4? (all the other ones were sold out)..

 

[Small_Fryz]

if you watch the demo and apply what you learnt, there should be no reason at all not to get bronze. Also DFP/DS2 it doesnt matter, i got 80 gold / 34 driving misssions with DS2 and im sure once i get my DFP i should be just as good if not better.

 

[Sureboss]

Licenses are easy, just follow the racing line and your there.

 

[neilX]

I'd say keep trying them until you're able to pass with bronze for yourself.
As the original guy said himself "license tests teach you how to drive!".

If you're having difficulties, watch the Demo Driver. He always does it very nicely, smoothly cruising through the tests. Inspirational!

I enjoy going for golds. I like to watch the Demo Driver and his super-smooth style and then try to beat him!

 

[yst]

Just watch the demo. Then do the same thing the demo does. Sometimes, a different approach to a corner can save you a few seconds. Doesn't even have to be perfect, because difference between bronze and gold is about 10 secs usually for S-licence.

 

[BonzoHarry]

those liscense tests are bull anyway, i hate them, same with those misson tests. I lost a lisence test by .03 seconds because they give me the crappiest car in the game. Why cant i do the lisence tests with the F1? On races where i cant use a supercar i b-spec, i didnt buy the game to drive a ****ing dodge ram around a circut, i use my touring, le mans, f1, and race cars.

 

[Car_Guy]

it doesn't matter what car they give you, because they would adjust teh time acxcordingly. The entire point of the liscenses it to teach you how to drive virtually all types of cars, nobody is going to let you out on a racetrack without any experience, so it's really a great way to learn to be a better driver

I know the liscences from all 4 gt's have helped my driving greatly, plus in gt4, the test are a great way to learn many of the new track, without having to loose a few races.

 

[Lethalchem]

if you watch the demo and apply what you learnt, there should be no reason at all not to get bronze. Also DFP/DS2 it doesnt matter, i got 80 gold / 34 driving misssions with DS2 and im sure once i get my DFP i should be just as good if not better.

I just obtained my 80th gold last night and I use the DS2. While I obviously stand behind the fact it can be done with the controller, I saw several areas where I think it would have been EASIER with a wheel.

 

[Sureboss]

those liscense tests are bull anyway, i hate them, same with those misson tests. I lost a lisence test by .03 seconds because they give me the crappiest car in the game. Why cant i do the lisence tests with the F1? On races where i cant use a supercar i b-spec, i didnt buy the game to drive a ****ing dodge ram around a circut, i use my touring, le mans, f1, and race cars.

GT is about testing your abilities as a driver. 👍

 

[Nylon]

Just keep on driving guys.....

I've had the game for 1 week now and got all GOLD on every test up to Special License...
Starting the special one this weekend..

Practice.... Practice.... Practice..... Thats the thing...
If you guys think you're driving way to slow.... The problem is more likely you're driving too fast...
Drive safely and everything gonna be allright...

 

[FoolKiller]

Dude, are you still engaged???

Yeah, she gets the same way when she plays "The Sims."

And no one should feel bad that they can't pass a license test. My finace has been trying the very first test for a couple of weeks now. If you can pass one test then you are doing better than her.