To get in the driver’s seat in Munich can cost over $900

Q

I’ve been meaning to get to this letter since the end of April when I returned to Munich after a month in the Bay Area. Where to start?

— Ralph Durham,

Munich

A

Today it’s a journey overseas with the one-time Sunnyvale resident.

Q

I have gotten my German driver’s license. I was spared 10 extra driving lessons that would have been mandatory if I were a beginner. The license cost isn’t so bad. Under $58. Good for 15 years. The rest, not so much fun.

• Eye test: $7

• First aid course: $40

• Driving school: $225. If you are new, it’s $350.

• Driving manual, English translation: $100

• Each driving lesson, 90 minutes: $100

• Written test: $125

• Driving test: $175, plus one hour paid to the school for the car and teacher. Take it as often as you can afford. Pay each time.

I got by with the minimum cost of about $900. Beginning students pay about $2,500.

A

Keep going.

Q

Driving here is slower with the exception of the autobahn. Drivers pay much more attention to the road, other vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. Interior streets are 18 mph, usually with no signs for priority. Vehicle on the right has priority with no signs, always, bikes included. When you turn from a priority road, you must look for bikes and pedestrians, both of which may be going straight. They have priority. Residential streets are narrow with parking restricting lane width. Drivers negotiate to decide who goes first if too narrow for both cars.

— Ralph Durham

A

How about the autobahn?

Q

Autobahn driving is interesting. Stay to the right except to pass, then pull back in. I have passed trucks going 60 mph while going 90 myself. Then a car comes up from behind doing 140. Vrooom. It is also illegal to pass on the right unless in a traffic jam.

Munich has over 1.5 million people in an area smaller than San Jose. Much nicer to get around. Trams, underground and suburban train systems. We don’t own a car here. I bike and use transit. Rent a car for trips if it isn’t practical to take a train.

One other point. There are two soccer teams here. When you buy a ticket, transit to and from the game is built into the cost. Means less parking sprawl at the stadiums. Easier to drive away. Transit is beefed up for the games. They serve beer right up to the end of matches and beyond because most people come by transit. Oh, you aren’t gouged for food and drink at the stadium either.

That is all for now. If you and Mrs. Roadshow get over here, don’t be a stranger. I am getting really good as a tour guide.

— Ralph Durham

A

I bet you are.

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