Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!tekid!wesw 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