Getting A Drivers License

On your 16th birthday in the United States, every teenager can not wait to get their driver's permit. It is awesome to be able to drive and the freedom that comes with it; once you pass the drivers test.

The problem is to many young lives are cut short because of not taking driving seriously. To try an avoid that in Germany, they make the license way more difficult then in the United States. 

In Germany, you must be 18 to apply for a driver's license. You then do 45 hours approximately with trained professional and 12 hours of theory in a classroom. You must then take a driving test with a professional and prove you meet driving standards. 

If you pass, you must pay around $2000 to get your license. However, the license is good for life. The strict driving standards in Germany cut down on the number of accidents, even though they are known to be faster drivers.

I believe we in America should make driving test harder because some people should just not be allowed to drive. 

Booklet in german for driving test. (Non-orginal photo)

Autobahn vs Interstate

When we think of Germany, a lot of people think of the beer and the Autobahn. It is famous for not having any speed limit. The thing that we often fail to see, however, is the Autobahn is smooth as silk. The road is for the most part straight as well.

The roads in Germany are so much better maintained then here in the U.S. Granted, the United States has a lot more roadways to maintain due to the shire size of the United States vs Germany.

Driving on the Autobahn

A misunderstanding I want to point out: the Autobahn is not all no speed-limit. Near towns and cities, there is restrictions on how fast you can go.

Despite the high speeds on the Autobahn, there is less wrecks then on the Interstates in America.

Church (Kirche oft Deutsch)

Today in America, it seems that people are going to church less and less; for whatever reason. Compared to Europe, however, many more Americans go to church then in Europe.

America is the exception, in fact, of democratic countries that have a majority of which regularly attend church.

Just to back up my point, take a look at the chart below. It is clear that Europeans are moving away from the church, compared to previous generations. I am not saying either is good or bad, I am only stating the facts and what I observed while in Europe.

Another point I want to make, is the churches in Europe are very fascinating. Most of them are ancient buildings and they are just marvels to walk through. I went to the Notre Damn in Paris to attend mass and it was just amazing how enormous the church was.

Front of Notre Damn Cathedral in Paris, France.

Me standing in front of the church Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis to, in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany.

A 2000 study by the Swedish-based World Values Survey shows nearly half — or more — don't regularly attend church in several Western European countries. percentage of people who "never" or "practically never" attend church in 14 democracies: Country 1981 2000 France 59% 60% Britain 48% 55% Netherlands 41% 48% Belgium 35% 46% Sweden 38% 46% Denmark 45% 43% Norway 38% 42% Spain 26% 33% West Germany 23% 30% Finland 15% 28% Canada 22% 26% Italy 22% 17% United States 18% 16% Ireland 4% 8% Mean 31% 36% Source: World Values Survey