Drivers Licences

What is involved in obtaining a drivers licence in Germany, Italy or other European country?
Do you have to undergo professional training, testing etc, at your expense? Are you happy with your countries licencing system?

We really need something like that here....absolutely no professinal training required here at all. Just logged hours behind the wheel, sit a simple test (in language of your choice) and your ready to go and show off all your bad habits. The number of moronic drivers is becoming ridiculous. I could go on and on about this topic but was just curious what is involved elsewhere.

A friend said to me recently - "Owning a licence should be seen as a privilege, not a right, to have".

 

Most European countries are similar. There is a written theory test (multiple choice) to show you understand the basic rules of the road and there is a driven exam with an examiner in the passenger seat. Lesson are your choice, a paid professional or a relative for free. Some countries now demand a minimum number of hours behind the wheel but that is relatively new. If you can't drive you will soon be found out in the driven exam.

IMHO it is a privilege hence the authorities ability to remove your license if you don't obey the rules.

 

One of my friends in Zurich had his license taken away while driving his R8 a bit to fast. Swiss road regulations are the strictest but it is the best roads in the world.

 

Very extensive (and expensive!) education here - 13x 1.5 hours of theory, multiple choice theory test, a couple of practice hours on the road (5-10 mostly), then 13 hours of "special lessons" like driving at night or on the Autobahn. Then, as Simon said, a driving test with an examiner.
In Germany, all is done by professional instructors, no lessons from relatives allowed. A very time and money consuming education, but very worth it. When you finally get your license, you most likely can safely operate a car under most conditions.