The UK (and subsequently, JARlala-land) was the first place I'd seen that didn't have an oral section as part of a flight test.
I passed both Commercial & IR tests with excellent results yet hadn't a clue about UK operations even having just passed all the UK ATPL exams - some with superb marks. Approach ban? Never heard of it. IFR in 'G' without an IR? You've got to be kidding. It was PPRuNe & working for an airline that filled the gaps.
So much for the flight test testing one's knowledge, understanding & ability...
Oz & the US, on the other hand, have an oral portion for pretty much all the flight tests. It nearly always consists of operational & legal considerarations for a scenario(s) given on the day, for a flight operated using the privileges & limations of the licence/rating being sought. I tend to think it's a better way.