"TikTok vs Education": GDR Driving Instructor Targets Pupils over Social Media Activity
Revamped Road Trip: Obtaining a Driver's License in East and West Germany Then and Now
Journey Down the Lane: East Germany's Driving License Adventure During the GDR Era
Stepping back in time, the process of snagging a driver's license in East Germany during the GDR era was an entirely unique journey. As revealed by published accounts on our site, the experience stirred a wave of emotions among East and West Germans alike.
GDR Embraced Driving Licenses with a Subtle State Subsidy
Bernhard Witt, a seasoned driving instructor with a career spanning four decades, secured his teaching license in 1979, set in the picturesque Harz region. In the GDR, the cost of obtaining a driver's license came with a concealed state subsidy, Witt recalls: "Driving instructors offering their services to the GST were compensated with ten marks for a trainee truck driver." Few would be so willing to take on the task today for such paltry sums.
Witt sees no issue with the affordability of acquiring a driver's license nowadays. However, he expresses concern over a "mindless debate" on pricing that could further deter potential driving instructors: "There's already a dearth of driving instructors today."
Students in the Driver's Seat: Lacking Ambition and Skills
Drawing upon his extensive experiences, Witt observes a trend among students: "A fair few lack the drive to swiftly pass the theory exam or even on the second attempt. In terms of practical skills, many struggle with coordination and handling."
As for costs, Witt counters arguments by comparing the acquisition of a driver's license to the operation of an auto repair shop: "Paying 184 euros for an hour of work or losing value when selling a vehicle is an expected part of life. After all, you keep a driver's license for much longer than a car."
Upgrade Your Phone Mode to 'Airplane': Norbert Rupp's Pro Tip
Our reader Norbert Rupp offers a practical suggestion for students to expedite their journey toward a driver's license: "Just put your phone away when riding in the car with the driver or instructor and pay attention to the traffic with them. By doing so, you unconsciously learn to identify potential hazards."
GDR's Smooth Path to a Driver's License: Tine Reichel's Experience
Tine Reichel, who received her driver's license in 1979, recalls her experience: "For the theory, I was provided ten two-hour sessions at the driving school. Then came the theory test, a robust exam with 75 questions. No more than two answers could be incorrect. After passing the theory, it was off to the driving simulator: a truck prototype with numerous driving positions within. Three attempts in the simulator followed, after which came on-road driving lessons. If everything checked out, the test followed. A three-point turn and proper parking maneuver were mandatory, along with hill driving. My driver's license with the test hour ticket cost 375 Marks of the GDR. Forty-six years later, I continue to confidently navigate our roads."
Andreas Haut: Cutting the Learning Curve on a G5
At 72, Andreas Haut, who obtained his truck license through the GST (Society for Sport and Technology), advises prospective drivers to dedicate a few days to learning: "Hit the road, hit the road, and hit the road some more after an hour behind the wheel. After spending a week driving a G5 (IFA long-nose truck) for 60 marks, I earned my license."
Harald Meier's Recipe for a First-Time Pass: Stick to the Books
According to Harald Meier, who aced his Class 3 exam on April 1, 1970, in the Soltau district, the key to achieving a first-time pass (as achieved by about half of all test-takers) is preparation: "Study, study, and study. Those who fail practically just had bad luck." In 1974, Meier also passed the Army's BCEF4 classes. "The MAN 630 with a six-speed all-clutch, unsynchronized transmission was a marvelous gearbox," he reminisces with enthusiasm.
Three years later, after a year of training, Meier snagged his driving instructor's license for classes A to D, equivalent to classes 1 to 3. These days, Meier bemoans the lack of seriousness and dedication among driving school trainees: "Either you've got what it takes to drive, or you'd be better off sticking to battery-free scooters."
In the realm of education-and-self-development, German driving instructors during the GDR era, such as Bernhard Witt, found the cost of obtaing a driver's license came with a subtle state subsidy. (From "GDR Embraced Driving Licenses with a Subtle State Subsidy")
Showing further emphasis on sports and education-and-self-development, Norbert Rupp suggests placing phone mode on 'Airplane' to boost students' attention and awareness while learning to drive, thereby expediting their journey toward a driver's license. (From "GDR's Smooth Path to a Driver's License: Tine Reichel's Experience")
