Driving in Germany is one of the most rewarding driving experiences. Miles and miles (kilometers and kilometers) of smooth pavement with no speed limit. It is any lead foot’s dream. There is a trend today of Autobahn Tourists. People, mostly Chinese, come to Germany to rent a luxury car and drive fast for an entire week or two.
Before you decide on renting a car or diving in Germany, make sure you review the German road signs. They are different. It is also recommended that you go through the German driving course book to learn about priority roads, when is it right before left, and speed limits when there is nothing posted.
Watch out for speed traps! Germans use camera technology and speed sensors on the roads to determine who is speeding. If you are, you get a nice photograph taken. Later you will get the picture and a hefty bill in the mail. Watch the people around you, the locals know where the permanent speed sensors are.
On the Autobahns watch your rearview mirror! You can only pass on the left on the German Autobahns. The really fast cars will stay on the left and speed by as the slower cars stay in the middle lane or the left lane and only venture into the left to pass a slower car. Stay on the right as much as possible. When you are passing or driving on the left watch for the cars behind you. The car that is 1000 meters back may be on your butt, flashing their lights within fractions of a second.
There is a great story circulating in the American community. There was this American who was driving his Porsche from Frankfurt back to Stuttgart. It was three in the morning and the roads were empty. He was able to drive in excess of 120 miles per hour. All of a sudden he saw lights in his rearview mirror. Some guy was trying to pass him! He carefully (it isn’t easy at such high speeds) moved into the right lane to let the guy pass. Next thing you know a Lamborghini flys right by!
Parking Tips and Parking Garages:
Watch the size of your car. If you are bringing your car or renting, opt for a smaller car. Vans often are too high to fit into the parking garages found in the city. Most garages have 1.8 meter clearance.
Pay for parking before going back to your car. When you get your parking ticket in the parking garage, don’t leave it in the car and take off. Bring your parking ticket with you. When you get back to the garage, pay for your parking in one of the vending machines near the stairwell or entrance. Most German parking garages are completely automated and you have to pay for your parking before you get back into your car. After paying you still have a few minutes to get back to your car and leave the garage.
