The difference in driver's licensing requirements between North America and Europe never ceases to amaze me. Here it's much less expensive, the extra requirements (like CPR training) are much less stringent, and, whereas I understand that licenses in Europe (or Germany at least) are valid for life once issued, licenses here generally need to be renewed every 5 years or so (but the total lifetime cost is still cheaper than getting your one lifetime license in Germany).
Well, its also a bit different in Germany compared to Europe... its Germany, after all.
The lifetime license is one part I would love to change instantly, because there are many older people, which sensible people would not even let cross the road unmonitored, but those are still allowed to drive without limitations. Which is pretty bad - the more complicated the situation gets, the more you notice how older people are getting problems understanding the situation and deciding properly. And there is no big flashing "OLD PERSON DRIVING" shield on top of their cars to warn you.
Young male drivers and old male drivers ... thats the worst that can happen to you here.
But then: Theory is tougher in germany because we have more laws about road traffic. Ask Uber, they thought they are in the USA and suddenly found out that you can't let anybody transport passengers here. And the traffic sign density and diversity is much higher here than in any other place of the world.
And you need to know a lot of it. Maybe it is a bit futile to teach you driving with a trailer, if you are then not practicing it for the next decade. It is maybe also not necessary to know about modern car technology - but it sure helps. But all the rest is pretty mandatory here, I could not remember any situation in the theory and practical exams, that I did not encounter at least once per month later.
Alone teaching you how to swap a tire is often worth the money.
that.
