Fuehrerschein Explained

“Fuehrerschein” - the German word translates to Driver’s license. This license entitles the possessor to drive an automobile anywhere in Germany and EU states that accepts it. Though a “qualified Indian driver”, I am expected to do a theory and practical driving test to convert my Indian driver’s license for a German Fuehrerschein. Most importantly to get rid of the RIGHT LEFT orientation while driving.

I would say I am well experienced and confident to drive in a place where the driving conditions are put to its limits. The extremely congested roads, different kind of vehicles (1,2,3,4,5 wheeled vehicles), improper lane disciplines, honking restless drivers, pedestrians or two wheelers coming in your way,  weather conditions, that eventually damages roads – it is literally a very challenging environment where in which a driver is expected to be SUPER ALERT all-time. So far my driving experience back home has been safe and incident free, thus now it is time for me to get my wheels on German roads. It was an awesome experience to study the different process between a place where getting a license is much easier than to drive, to a place where getting a license in the first place is the most difficult than to drive.

The Fuehrerschein process involves two major parts, first the theoretical and second the practical driving skills. The theoretical process begins by a formal registration in a driving school, where a contract is made between the candidate and the school, the latter takes care of the paper formalities thereafter. A 5 hours first aid course is a mandatory for the theory, followed by an eye test. The foreign driving license must be translated to German by the authorized firms. These documents, original foreign license and the driving school contract must be submitted to the state transport authority (Fuehrerscheinstelle).  

The next step is the theory exam, where there are 1000+ questions. There are provisions to take the exam in several European languages. The theory test is normally conducted at an official test centre. The theory test consists of 30 questions, mostly multiple choices on subjects such as speed limits, permissible vehicle weights, vehicle mechanical information, environment friendly driving so on and so forth. There are negative scores, depending on the level of difficulty of the question, wrong answers score two to five negative points. In the multiple choice questions there may be several correct answers. If you receive more than ten negative points for incorrect answers then you flunk the test. I have no idea how many retests are allowed, a break of two weeks is mandatory between retakes.

In practical test the driver must demonstrate an ability to drive safely, economically, competently and calmly. The test lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. I heard that there is no limit to the number of times it can be re-taken. I am successful in both these tests; hence I got the German driving license that is valid for life.

In the process, I noticed that most of the driving schools are bit unprofessional. As they are money motivated, they insist candidates to take more lessons eventually putting more pressure on the driver while driving. It is absolutely ridiculous to manipulate the confidence level of the learner. In my case I was confident of my driving amidst the hassle from my jackass instructor. He was smoking all time, hardly keeps the appointment, took many breaks (to shop, to drink etc.,) and quite impatient.

However my examiner was very gentle, on the day of practical test he was directing calmly and quite watchful only on my driving skills rather than making the test stressful. I drove for 40 minutes and drove in all possible roads (street, highway, freeways etc.,) of Karlsruhe.

Overall, three odd months, about 700 Euros, 4days to study theory (I’m lucky), 6 driving hours, 120KMS, zero incidents, two years of dream – conclude and paid off with the Fuehrerschein in hand. This entitles to ride all speedsters in the autobahns but I honestly think this is not as fun as driving in our national highways taking a break near a tamarind tree and stop for a tea in a dhaba. 

Which is more fun?

cheers | Jb

 

more at: Bala's Black Diary