The test at the BMV is free, you pay for the validation. I took my test at the BMV because I needed to ride at night so it was quicker for me that way. Then a few months later took the MSF course. The "congested roads" is bs because it is at the discretion of the officer. If you do get a ticket for seomthing restricted due to you only having a permit, I think it is pretty stiff. Like you lose your permit and can't get another for like a year? I don't remember exactly but know it was a pain in the butt for violating the rules. Edit: I failed my first test, barely. Went in two weeks later and aced it. I was nervous the first time and didn't know what to expect. Then I practiced some and it was really easy after that.