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From: wesw@tekid.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Re: Points to ponder (radar detectors)
Message-ID: <1306@tekid.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 16-Jun-83 14:36:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekid.1306
Posted: Thu Jun 16 14:36:35 1983
Date-Received: Sat, 18-Jun-83 20:38:06 EDT
Lines: 26


  I would like to add that a drivers license in Germany is a pretty exclusive
commodity.  One cannot drive until one is 18 years old, and then must have
had extensive driver training -- usually approx. 30 hrs.  Driver ed alone
costs around $1000 to $1500 easily for a GOOD driver, for if one doesn't pass
the exams, one must take more driver's ed (Driver training is a BIG business)
  After the training, then comes the licensing . . . about $100.  The license
though is good for life with the following restrictions:

    1)  License is revoked forever if you cause an accident where someone is
          killed, or permanently injured.
    2)  License is revoked forever if you seriously injure a pedestrian.
    3)  License can be revoked forever if you cause too much property
          damage, have too many violations, etc.

  I have a German Driver's license, but was able to waiver the driver's ed
since I had a valid US driver's license and proved to them I could drive 
safely during a 6 month trial period.
  The Germans seem to do well with their speed laws and I heard of very few
accidents during my 2 yr. visit in Germany.  I feel Americans could do the
same with speed laws and do well if the majority of the drivers were used
to faster driving conditions . . . similar to someone driving in snow for 
for the first time - at first they are a hazard to everyone on the road, but
after some EXPERIENCE they learn to be safe.

                                      Wes Whitnah