A neighbor of ours watched Eli for me so that I could go take my driving test today. To get a USAERUR (United States Army Europe) you have to attend an orientation class before you can take the written test.
When Ryan took the class his instructor went over a lot and “taught” them how to drive in Germany… mine not so much. He went over a few “right before left situations” (more on that later), flew through the road signs saying that they were all self explanatory. He did stop to explain some of the German words that were on some of the signs and then he showed a video.
Luckily I had read the book and had learned a lot from driving around and asking Ryan Eli’s favorite question “What’s that?” I passed the test on my first try and have my temporary license and will get my actual license in the mail within the next couple of weeks.
Some interesting facts about driving in Germany:
The right before left rule is king. If you are approaching an intersection the same time as another vehicle, the vehicle to your right has the right away. A lot of the smaller towns and villages have many intersections without any stop our yield signs. If there are not any sign indicating otherwise the car on the right always goes first. (Don’t ask what happens if it is a 4 way intersection with a car coming from each direction… nobody seems to have a good answer.)
Second is the Priority Road. Priority road signs negate the right before left rule and you have the right away at all intersections. This is not to be confused with the priority at the next intersection sign which only gives you priority at the next intersection and then the right before left rule applies after you are though that intersection. A lot of times the priority road does not continue straight though and intersection but curves left or right on to another street.
Priority Road sign- you have the right away at all intersections
The priority road is curving to the left (thick line) they have the right away.
Priority at the next intersection only
While sitting at a red light you cannot make a right turn on red unless there is a green arrow. Even when you have a green arrow you have to make sure that it is clear before you can go.
Speed Limits: A lot of places have no posted speed limits. (If you are not on an Autobahn) Outside of city limits the speed limit is 100 km/hr unless otherwise posted. Inside city/town/village limits it is 50 km/hr unless otherwise posted. There are no reduce speed signs or signs telling you the speed limit. It is just know that once you pass the sign stating that you are in that town the speed limit is reduced. Once you reach the sign saying that you are leaving the town it is know that the speed limit is increased again.
Maximum Allowed Speed
End of Speed limit restriction. Continue normal speed (unlimited on Autobahn, 50 km/hr or 100 km/hr depending on where you are)
Speaking of the Autobahns. Most people think “The Autobahn” while there are actually many autobahns. They are just like our expressways. There is actually a speed limit on some parts of the autobahns; going though towns, damaged road areas, ect. When there is not a posted speed limit the recommended speed is 130 km/hr but you may go as fast a conditions allow.
Also all vehicles must have warning triangles and a first aid kit (check as part of the yearly or bi-yearly inspections process).
But anyway, glad to have my license so that I can get out of the house more. Very nice not to have to walk to get groceries while Ryan is at work. The walk isn’t bad I just wasn’t looking forward to doing it in the snow.
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