Driving in Germany can be both thrilling and arduous, boasting some of the continent’s fastest freeways while simultaneously having one of the highest injury-accident rates in Europe. The Interesting Info about deutschen führerschein kaufen.
American license holders wishing to drive in Germany must visit a Fuhrerscheinstelle to have their US license translated and registered, which may take six months or longer.
Driving in Germany
If you are an American resident living in Germany for more than six months, taking a driving test to convert from the US to a German license will be necessary. Some US residents can bypass this testing procedure if they hold driver’s licenses from specific states – this expedited process also applies to Canadian residents.
Driving in Germany means always keeping to the right side of the road and passing cars coming from the left only when there are no oncoming vehicles. At intersections and junctions, traffic on your right-hand side has priority unless otherwise marked; emergency vehicles with blue flashing lights must always yield.
Red light running is illegal in Germany, even in rural areas, and any person caught doing it could face a spot fine from the police as it poses a danger to other drivers. Other common driving offenses in Germany include drunk driving, texting while driving or talking on your cell phone while driving, illegal passing, making U-turns inappropriately back up on an autobahn, running red lights illegally, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals.
Noting the stringency of Germany’s driving laws, it should come as no surprise that any rule violations carry severe punishment – with jail time even given for some offenses such as drinking while driving or leaving an accident scene unreported and illegal passing. Other common crimes include driving on the wrong side of the road, improper backing up, speeding, failing to give way for pedestrians or other drivers, and parking in disabled spaces.
A practical on-the-road test to obtain a German license typically occurs at a driving school (Fahrschule). These schools feature specially equipped cars equipped with dual controls that enable an instructor to override any actions the student makes while driving, typically lasting around an hour and likely including a trip along the Autobahn. Since this exam tends to be more in-depth than its American equivalent, try your best to prepare thoroughly for it beforehand.
Driving on the right
As in many other countries, Germany employs right-hand driving. Drivers should keep this in mind at all times – particularly when passing on the Autobahn, where overtaking on the right is standard.
At intersections with no yellow diamond-shaped signs present, traffic coming from the left generally has the right of way; if none such indication exists, drivers entering from the right must yield to traffic approaching from their left. There may be exceptions, such as when an intersection features a white triangle with red borders (yield sign).
Another critical point is that it is illegal in Germany to turn right at a red light; drivers should wait until it turns green before making their move. A yellow signal will appear alongside the red light, letting drivers know when this green light will activate.
One of the most crucial rules to remember in Germany is giving way to emergency vehicles with flashing blue lights, such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. If you hear sirens on a highway, you should move over to the left lane or reduce speed immediately. Furthermore, be mindful that some sections of the Autobahn have speed limits, which you must always check for before driving there.
Driving in Germany may seem daunting for visitors from outside the country, but it doesn’t need to be. To ease into it faster and make things less daunting for your stay there, start driving on the right before arriving – whether at home or with someone who knows about German roads and structures.
At all times, it is also recommended to carry with you an international driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, valid insurance card, and blue parking disk. In case of an accident, stop immediately and provide any needed assistance; otherwise, the police will fine you on the spot, depending on your income and the nature of the offense committed.
Driving on the left
Germany has much to offer visitors, from excellent roads and stunning scenery to driving on the left side of the road, which may prove confusing at first. Here are a few rules of thumb to help get you underway in Germany.
Driving on the left-hand side of the road is a common practice across most of Europe; however, unlike England or Australia, where vehicles feature steering wheels on both sides, most German cars feature wheels on either side and require drivers to keep their hands close to the center hub to prevent accidental switching of sides while moving.
Germany follows similar traffic signals to those found in the US, featuring red, yellow, and green lights. It is essential to keep in mind that turning right at a red light is only permitted during stopped traffic or with permission from authorities. Furthermore, it would be best if you yielded to buses pulling over for passengers.
At intersections, vehicles traveling on the right-hand side have priority unless a diamond-shaped sign indicates otherwise. All drivers should yield to emergency vehicles that flash their blue lights.
If you are driving on the Autobahn, the left lane should be used to pass other vehicles. Most drivers are excellent about following this rule and will only pass you when there is adequate space available for passing. If a car behind you is traveling significantly faster than you, it will most likely flash its high beams to alert you that it needs more room than usual to pass.
Constantly wear your seat belt; all occupants, including children, are in car seats. Furthermore, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or using cell phones is illegal; penalties for breaking these laws include jail time or fines. All drivers should carry their license and copy of their insurance policy at all times while driving.
Driving on the Autobahn
Germany’s Autobahn is well-known as an excellent place for drivers looking to put their vehicles’ capabilities to the test. While it might tempt drivers to zoom down its roadway at Mach 10, many sections have strict laws and speed limits in place for safety purposes.
Be mindful of the speed limit signs as you enter each new section of an Autobahn to prevent getting into any trouble, with digital signs along the highway also showing the current limit. In some instances, speed restrictions may only apply at night to reduce noise levels.
Before driving on an Autobahn, you must obtain both an appropriate license and high-speed insurance policy. Furthermore, in some instances, a driver’s training course may also be mandatory before being permitted on the road.
One thing you will quickly observe while driving on the Autobahn is that nobody stops for any reason whatsoever. Pullover is only in an emergency or when running out of gas – when no other viable solutions are available.
Rule number two when driving on the Autobahn is to remain in the right lane unless overtaking. Otherwise, drivers behind you could turn around and use various forms of confrontation as punishment if this rule is violated.
Finally, it’s essential to note that pedestrians are never permitted on an Autobahn highway. This is particularly important since drivers typically travel at breakneck speeds on this roadway, and crossing their path would be extremely hazardous. Thankfully, service stations are conveniently placed along this highway, so if you get tired or hungry while traveling, you can quickly stop and find something to eat or drink every two hours or so.
