Is driving easy in Germany?

Question

I'm thinking about renting a car there so I can drive to all the tourist attractions. I speak German, so reading the road signs will not be a problem. I have never driven anywhere other than Canada, so I am a little concerned that I will panic.

Answer 1

Foreign drivers licenses are valid for one year. Technically a German translation of the license is required, but it's not likely you'll be asked for one. You can probably buy an International Driving Permit from your country's national auto club for a lot less before you go abroad. If you are staying more than a year, you may need to get a German license (Führerschein). Police are empowered to collect fines of up to 40 Euro on the spot. Foreigners, however, are often asked to place a bond or deposit, and face having their vehicle impounded if they refuse.

It can be rough in the big cities. I had a hard time getting used to driving in Berlin. I think the main thing in the city is that you can not make right on red unless there is a green arrow (metal circular sign) posted and these are rare. The traffic lights in cities do not have the pressure sensors so it can take a little extra time to get the turn signal. There are a lot of roads in the big cities and some of the busiest do not have turn signals. The city roads and autobahn are in very good shape. There are no holes and such.

The Autobahn is ok. Most rural areas have only two lanes. Just be aware that you can not pass on the right. Be sure to check all areas before you lane change to overtake because cars can come up very fast in the left lane. Be aware of the posted speed limits, when there is one and also be aware when it is allowed to drive faster (all areas are clearly marked). Also be sure to slow down for the speed on the posted signs when entering construction areas. You can not change lanes in construction areas. If you see white and yellow lines on the road, follow the yellow lines. The yellow construction lines can cause a lane to shift to the side or end. A lot of the autobahn does not have lights on at night so be aware if you do not like driving at night. The autobahn does not have signs posted like Regina in XXkm. You have to know what cities are along the autobahn to figure if you are going in the right direction. There are no east, west, north or south markers. Be sure to buy a good German road map before you drive. There are places like ADAC that are like AAA is in Canada that sell maps to non members. There are many rest stops along the highways. It is possible to purchase patrol late at night but the food service often stops around 8pm or 9pm. The license plates have some letters on the left side of the plate. The letters are the abbreviations for the cities. That will help to identify which city you are in. It is best to drive as much as possible during day light because the country is very beautiful.

There are speed cameras too. They take a nice photo of you and mail it to you. They have these cameras in cities, under bridges and also in cars parked on the side of the autobahn.

Traffic calming zones (Verkehrsberuhigungenzone), indicated by a sign showing a pedestrian and a child kicking a ball, are often found in residential areas. In them playing children may use the entire street and traffic must stop for pedestrians and move at no more than 7kph.

You must stop for anyone using, or preparing to use, a white-striped "zebra" pedestrian crossing.

Driving on snow-covered roads is permitted only if your car is equipped with winter tires. Use of regular tires can result in a fine and, much worse, loss of your insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

The basic speed limit is 50kph in built-up areas and 100kph elsewhere.

Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seat of a car and must use car seats certified by the German government. There is a 30 Euro on-the-spot fine for each person in a car not using a seat belt.

A solid white line usually marks the edge of the road. It is used to indicate that changing lanes is not allowed. Long, thin broken white lines separate traffic lanes.

Oh! Most important! Check out the sixt page. I always get good rates from them. Often they let me leave the rental in other countries and do not charge extra for the return. Get the insurance if you can afford it. It is a lot more relaxing.
http://www.e-sixt.de/

I wish you luck. I do not think you will panic if you are from a big town. My friends from Saskatoon do get a little jumpy watching the cars moving around kind of suddenly in Berlin.

Check out these links for additional info as well as descriptions of posted signs.
http://gettingaroundgermany.home.att.net/autobahn.htm
http://www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa/germany/chapter/index.html
http://www.howtogermany.com/images/roadsigns1.jpg
http://www.howtogermany.com/images/roadsigns2.jpg

Answer 2

Driving in Germany is much the same as anywhere else. There are however some things you should be aware of before you drive.

1. Most street signs in Germany and even most of Europe do not have writing on them.

2. When driving you will see signs with a yellow diamond on them. These mark the priority road which always has the right of way.

3. You can only legally make a right turn on red if there is a sign with a green arrow posted on the stop light.

4. Stop lights will light up red and yellow at the same time before going green.

5. When driving on the Autobahn or any other multiple lane road it is only legal to leave the right (slow) lane when passing. As soon as you have passed the traffic to your right you must get back over.

6. All intersections with blind spots will have a convex mirror mounted directly across the street from you so you can see oncoming traffic.

7. Watch your speed. German Police do not set up speed traps. They use cameras in cars parked alongside the road, store windows, bushes, stop lights, and anywhere else you won't see it until it flashes.

8. Contrary to popular belief the Autobahn does have speed limits. When you get close to areas of high congestion, such as Frankfurt speed limits will be posted. Also insurance does not have to pay if you are involved in an accident over a certain speed.

9. Speed limit signs are round white signs with a red border and a number in the middle.

10. Do not run out of gas on the Autobahn. This is a ticketable offense.

11. If German police pull you over it is not always because you did something wrong. They pull over whoever they want whenever they want for what ever reason they want. They will probably say it is a routine traffic check, and ask for your license, registration and proof of insurance. They will also ask you to take a breathalyzer test, do not refuse because they will arrest you for drinking and driving.

12. Signs that indicated the direction of travel are marked with the major city that direction, not with cardinal directions as in the US.

Other than those things everything else is standard in most countries.

Answer 3

No reason to panic if you're otherwise a somewhat
good driver. Driving is usually easy. The roads are
mostly in excellent condition and the rules are pretty
much the same. You might want to check on some
special rules that might be different from Canada.
Traffic circles and lowered sidewalks might be a
bit different. Other than that. Some cities are a bit
chaotic. But you won't be alone in the chaos. The
dangers of german autobahns are highly exaggerated.
They're crowded with trucks and usually things are
a bit faster but it's not like a car war zone. Just watch
your back mirror before you switch and guess the
speed. With a traffic limit of 75mph it's not unusual
that cars go over 100.

@john: Interesting. I always thought we drive on the
*right* side. Now either I've a problem with right and
left or you've been a hell of a wrong-way-driver.

Answer 4

You have a bunch of good answers already I will just add: On Autobahns always remeber to pass on the left lane and try to saty in the right. Always make sure the left lane is clear when passing. Some cars on the left lane are doing 300kph and can be up on you in no time. Be sure you can get in the lane without someone pushing your rear bumper up to your headlights. Road Signs!!!!!!! Learn the road Signs. If you are from the EU the signs are about the same just us Americans have problems. Germanys are very regulated people and the one place the just go nuts is driving. If they have the right a way they will use it. If you get lost or miss an exit do not turn around or back up on the Autobahn Go to the next exit and find out how to get to where you are wanting to go. Buy a navi if you can afford it. Stay calm, relax, don't get nervous. All teh best enjoy your trip.

Answer 5

Yes and No!

Driving in Germany is easy when you know the rules and pay attention to the road. Germans are notorious for driving under the rules (except for speeding). This makes driving easy. You know what they will be doing.

There are a lot of rules and some a bit strange. This makes it hard. Check out the sites below. Study the signs and right of way.

Most common issues:
1) On highway be on left lane only to pass. Move over immideately after passing.

2) In Germany if there is no sign stating the speed the speed is
a) on Autobahn Unlimited
b) On a road not in the city 100 KM/h "Countryside"
c) In city limits 50KM/h (this can be tricky, you will be driving along going 100KM/h then there will be a small yellow rectangle sign stating the city you are entering. There will be no speed limit sign, but you have to remember, aha I am entering a city so the speed limit decreases to 50.)
d) A White speed limit sign with a single cross "NO" dash means end of restriction on speed, you can now go the General speed for where you are (autobahn, countryside, city).
http://gettingaroundgermany.home.att.net/zeichen.htm#speed

3) Right of Way. Trickiest to learn. Not to worry on highways, not even in large citites because they have stop lights, but in small to mid cities. If there are no signs at all on the road, person on RIGHT has RIGHT of way.

4) Watch OUT for Bicyclist when you are coming out of parking lots, or you making a right turn.

Answer 6

you've got some good answers already I just want to mention that Germany's driver are quite skilled as there are loads of compulsory driving lessons with a registered driving school before you can go for a test and get your driving licence. Needless to stay its forbidden to drive without licence...driving is a much more relaxing experience than in countries without that regulation (if you've ever driven in UK or Ireland you know what I mean)

Answer 7

Johnocrea is wrong: in Germany, as in all continental Europe, we drive on the RIGHT side. Therefore, the driver's seat in your rented car will be on the left side. (But I believe in Canada and US it's the same so it will be no problem for you).

In Germany, we have much traffic, especially the number of trucks has increased very much over the last years. As mentioned by others, speed differences on the highways can be enormous so watch out. But on the whole, driving is safe and people are disciplined.

Enjoy your trip. (and don't panic :)

Answer 8

You already have a number of good answers I would just like to add a few points.
I would get a navigation system with my rental car and a quick class on how to use it. Study up on the road signs if possible.
The thing to remember is "DON"T PANIC" if you get stressed pull over get some air. The Autobahn is sometimes pretty stressy.
Safe driving and enjoy your trip.

Answer 9

It can be easy, but it also can be frightening for somebody who is used to the wide, open roads and parking. Consider that everything is more narrow (streets, parking) and that people drive fast. The first day you might feel a little nervous, but I am sure that once you had an hour behind the wheel you will be able to manage...Good Luck!!!

Answer 10

It shouldn't be a problem. If you can drive in Canada, you can drive in Germany. The cars are arranged the same way, they drive on the left side of the road, the Autobahn is well-maintained and clearly marked.

I drove in Germany on my last visit there, and as a US driver, had no difficulties.

Lovely place, Germany Have a nice visit.