I have graduated to actually driving in Vienna. After spending months walking on the streets, using the public transportation, and observing how this madness works, I felt ready to give it a try.
It was frighteningly easy to get a driver’s license. I went to the DMV over here, showed them my American driver’s license, and I was granted an Austrian driver’s license. No schooling, nothing.
My husband Paul and I decided it was a good idea to drive together for my first few rounds. I needed to get comfortable. I would drive and point to different street signs and ask, “What does that one mean again?” In typical husband style, Paul would mutter, “Oh Jesus,” and bury his face in his hands. In defense I would call out, “Hey, I haven’t killed anyone yet, so cut that out!”
When Paul didn’t have his face buried in his hands he would periodically ask me if I knew how fast I was driving. I would sigh. “Paul, there is way too much craziness on the street for me to take my eyes off the road long enough to see how fast I am going. I am keeping up with traffic, obviously it’s fine.” I would pause then ask, “What’s the speed limit in a residential zone again?”
Personally, I think it would be good if the Austrian government would insist that people at least take a course on what all the street signs mean and what the speed limits are. Then again, since I have been driving awhile, I can see why they don’t. The Viennese shamelessly ignore all the rules any way. You have to, otherwise you wouldn’t survive against the pedestrians, the bikes, the buses, the streetcars and the other cars. It’s like go-cart racing; you don’t know what’s going to get thrown your way!
The Viennese zip here and spin there. U-turns at any point in the street, sharp last-minute-turns with no blinkers, tailgaiting, double parking on the street, you name it, it’s unofficially allowed. To be honest, it makes the whole experience fun. I feel like I’m getting away with something every time I drive around here. I’m right there with the Viennese doing things I’m not supposed to. It’s gleeful madness! The best thing is, whenever you pull one of these stunts, no one honks at you with outrage. It’s the norm. They’re just happy you go out of their way!
So far I haven’t gotten a single ticket. We’ll see how long that lasts!
(Above image is of traffic in the inner city. Only taxis and the truly insane dare to drive in the inner city.)
what side of the road do you drive on there?
In Austria, we drive on the same side of the road as they do in the U.S.
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