getting driver's license (Tel Aviv)

I was told that as an oleh, I HAVE TO get an israeli driver's license and have one year to do so. i recently read that getting a license is very expensive in israel because you have to go to a driving school and they keep failing you so you'll take more lessons.

would like to hear from people who have had a good or bad experience. maybe it doesn't have to be so expensive? truthfully, i have no intention of driving in israel and if i ever do want to rent a car for a few days, i would use my US passport/driving license. i was told i could be heavily fined if it's discovered that i am living in israel but didn't switch my license over. maybe it's worth taking a chance that i won't be pulled over by police.

thanks in advance for any comment.