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German Driver's License - 5 things you should know

[prototype of a German "Führerschein" = driver's license]
Germany is well-known as an "automobile" country - be it because there are a lot of carmakers or because of the German autobahn on parts of which you can go as fast as you want... (yes, on parts of it, there ARE speed limits, sorry to disappoint you)
1)
If you want to get a driver's license you can choose one out of more than 14 000 driving schools germanwide. Driving schools are private businesses.
2)
Before you can practice driving, you first have to take a lot of theoretical lessons.
After a while, you can take driving lessons as well - on average Germans need 23 driving lessons in total. You learn everything: driving during the day and at night, driving on the highway, all kinds of ways how to park your car, starting a car uphill, etc.
And of course usually you have a car with stick-shift. If you take the driving test in an automatic car, you are only certified to drive automatic cars after getting your driver's license.
There is a theoretical test and a driving test that you need to pass in order to get your license.
3)
Getting a driver's license in Germany is really expensive. A driving lesson costs around 30€. You have to pay for the theoretical lessons, the tests and some other fees as well. In total, you usually pay between 1500 and 1800€.
4)
A driving student fails every fourth driving test - especially in large cities- and almost every third thereotical test. If you fail, you have to pay in order to take the test again.
People whose mother tongue isn't German can take the theoretical test in one of 11 other languages.
5)
In Germany, you can drive a car from the age of 17, but only accompanied by a person who is at least 30 years old and who got their driver's license at least 5 years ago.
From the age of 18, you are allowed to drive by yourself.

