Here in America it is normal to at some point after your 16th birthday get your permit and half a year later take the license test for 30 bucks. This opens up way more freedom for the teenager and is the first step towards adulthood for most people.

In Germany it is very different. First off the drivers test is extremely hard. It consists of multiple pages of theory and a practical part with a critical tester. To manage this challenge it is mandatory to take weekly courses that include classroom work but also driving practice with an instructor. On top of that every student needs to complete a bunch of online courses.

But all of this preparation of course isn’t free. All of this depending on your state can range from 2.700$ to 3.600$. That’s why almost nobody gets their license before they finish college.

Now you might wonder if so few people drive, how do Germans get around? We have a wide ranging tram system, which can bring you to the smallest towns and is a huge help in all cities for only 20$ a month. In combination with the walkableness of most cities It allows everybody at every age to move freely.