German driving school: How expensive is it – and can you pass?

Summary

The video script documents the experience of learning to drive in Germany, highlighting the challenges and differences compared to the US. It features a driving lesson with instructor Marcel Monsler, emphasizing the right-of-way rules, first aid training, and the extensive classroom instruction required. The narrator, a former American driver, navigates the complexities of German traffic signs and Autobahn driving. The video also discusses the high cost of obtaining a German license and the importance of refresher courses for foreign drivers.

Takeaways

• 🇩🇪 Learning to drive in Germany can be quite challenging due to its specific rules and traffic signs.
• 🚗 The narrator received a German driver's license in 2000 and is curious about the current driving test standards.
• 🏫 The driving lesson takes place with instructor Marcel Monsler from the Schwarz driving school in Wiesbaden, using a specially-outfitted Mercedes B-Class.
• 📚 German driving lessons and tests require a first aid course, 12 hours of special driver's training, 14 classroom sessions, and a written exam.
• 🛣️ German driving rules include the right-of-way principle where those coming from the right have priority on side streets without signs.
• 🚦 Germany has over 400 different traffic signs with specific meanings, which can complicate driving for those unfamiliar with them.
• 💰 The average cost for obtaining a German driver's license is around €3,000 euros, influenced by factors such as additional training requirements.
• 🅿️ Parallel parking is a challenging aspect of the driving test, and the narrator's performance in this area was not up to standard.
• 🌙 Special training on country roads, the Autobahn, and at night is mandatory before the practical driving test, adding to the overall cost.
• 🚨 There are 27 US states with reciprocal agreements with Germany, allowing for an easier transition for American drivers to obtain a German license.
• 🔄 The narrator's experience highlights the importance of refresher courses for drivers, even those who consider themselves proficient.

Q & A

What is the main challenge for new drivers in Germany as discussed in the script?

The main challenge for new drivers in Germany is understanding and adhering to the specific traffic rules, such as the right-of-way principle where those coming from the right have priority, even without signs indicating so.

What type of car is used for driving lessons and tests at the Schwarz driving school?

A specially-outfitted Mercedes B-Class is used for driving lessons and tests at the Schwarz driving school.

What is the minimum driving age in Germany?

The minimum driving age in Germany is 18, with a few exceptions.

What are the prerequisites for obtaining a German driver's license as mentioned in the script?

New drivers in Germany must complete a first aid course, 12 hours of special driver's training, 14 sessions of 90-minute classroom instruction, and pass a written exam to obtain a driver's license.

What is the average cost for obtaining a German driver's license according to the script?

The average cost for obtaining a German driver's license is around €3,000 euros.

What is the significance of the book of rules mentioned in the script for learning to drive in Germany?

The book of rules is important as it contains over 400 different traffic signs with specific meanings that are crucial for understanding and navigating German roads.

Why does the owner of the Schwarz driving school believe the costs for getting a driver's license have increased?

Volker Finsterseifer believes the costs have increased because today's youth aren't paying attention in the car and learning the technical aspects of driving, which affects their performance during training and tests.

What is a key difference between the driving tests in the US and Germany mentioned in the script?

A key difference is that in the US, candidates typically take the test in their own cars, whereas in Germany, lessons and the driving test take place in an officially-certified car.

What is the significance of the Autobahn in the context of the script?

The Autobahn is significant as it is a part of the driving test in Germany and is known for having no speed limit, which requires special training for drivers to handle high-speed driving safely.

How many US states have reciprocal agreements with Germany for driver's licenses?

27 US states have reciprocal agreements with Germany, meaning that drivers from these states may not need to take a test to obtain a German driver's license.

What was the outcome of the driving experience described in the script?

The outcome was that the driver would not have passed the test due to issues with parallel parking, but the experience highlighted the complexity of German driving rules and the importance of refresher courses.