A Glimpse at the Past: Class 3 Driving Licenses - A License to Rule the Roads
- by Gernot Kramper
- 4 Min
Obtaining a Class 3 Driver's License: Achieve 2000 Points and Gain the Ability to Operate Everything. - Obtaining a Driving License Score of 3,000 Points Grants You Unrestricted Driving Privileges
In the good old days, a car driver's license was more of a golden ticket, granting a wider range of driving privileges - at least for the Baby Boomers. Today, the same license costs between 2100 and 4400 euros, according to ADAC, and only allows for limited vehicle driving. But back in the day, with class 3, you could drive nearly everything - a true license to rule the roads!
A More Affordable and Powerful Past
The author spent around 2000 German Marks (DM) in 1980, while school friends got away with 1200 DM. Today, a car driver's license would set you back significantly more. Class 3 wasn't only cheaper, it was more versatile. With it, you could drive a variety of vehicles with a permissible total weight of up to 7500 kilograms, which includes heavy-duty pickups, box vans, and light trucks. Only the truly massive ones were off-limits. Today, this permission corresponds to a combination of classes B, A1, and C1 or C1E.
The King of the Road - Class 3 Trailer Permissions
Class 3 was also lenient when it came to trailers: The combination of towing vehicle and trailer could weigh up to 18.75 tons. This freedom has come at a cost, as you now require a regular health check if the weight exceeds 12 tons and the holder is over 50 years old.
Comparing the Costs - Apples to Oranges?
Comparing the driver's license costs only to B is misleading. The full picture involves the small motorcycle driver's license A1, the truck class C1, and the C1E extension. Mixing these factors up, we get an average total of 9250 euros for a Class 3-equivalent license. Even if we convert the aforementioned 2000 DM at the time directly into euros, the cost has inflated almost 4.5 times - making driving more expensive for the younger generation.
More Costs, But Also More Safety?
Practicing and gradually getting used to driving bigger and heavier vehicles was the standard before. The state relied more on the insight and self-responsibility of citizens, compared to today's binding regulations. However, it is hard to say whether this increase in expensive training has actually resulted in fewer accidents. While many factors play a role in the decrease in traffic fatalities since 1970, stricter license issuance may be one of them.
Lifetime Validity
As for the old class 3 holders like the author, they can still drive trucks up to 7.5 tonnes - with a trailer even 12 tonnes. However, for the small motorcycle license, they arrived a little too late.
- ** vintage cars**
- vehicle
- driver's licensing
Historical Context and Changes Over Time
Throughout history, driver's licenses have evolved and undergone significant changes, reflecting advancements in technology, safety regulations, and legal requirements. Here's a comparison between old Class 3 licenses and the current classes B, A1, and C1 or C1E:
- Early Beginnings: The first driver's licenses were introduced in the late 19th century, with the first country to introduce licensing laws being France in 1893.
- Evolution: Over the decades, driver's licenses have become more specialized, offering various categories and endorsements for motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
- Old Class 3 License: This class typically allowed drivers to operate standard passenger vehicles but was simpler compared to today's multiple categories. The cost of obtaining a driver's license was generally lower in the past due to fewer requirements for documentation and testing.
- Current License Classes:
- Class B (or equivalent): This class grants drivers the ability to operate cars, buses, and smaller trucks, and is the standard license for the majority of drivers.
- Class A1 (Motorcycle): This class is for motorcycle drivers and often requires separate testing and documentation, sometimes resulting in lower costs compared to full vehicle licenses.
- Class C1/C1E: These classes enable drivers to operate commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 3,500 and 7,500 kg, and towing a trailer up to 12,000 kg when combined, depending on the extension.
- Changes Over Time:
- Increased Categories: The differentiation into more specific categories reflects a focus on safety and ensuring drivers are qualified for the vehicles they operate.
- Enhanced Testing: Modern licensing involves more rigorous testing, including both theoretical and practical components, to ensure better road safety.
- Technology Integration: Driver's licenses now incorporate advanced security features and electronic systems for tracking and verification.
- Cost Adjustments: The cost of obtaining a driver's license has increased over time to cover these enhancements and administrative costs.
In summary, while old Class 3 licenses were simpler and less expensive, current licenses offer more specialization and safety measures, including a focus on the appropriate qualifications of drivers for the vehicles they operate. This is reflected in their scope and cost.
- The author suggests that the increased cost of obtaining various modern driver's licenses such as Class B, A1, and C1 or C1E now nearly equates to the cost of the old Class 3 license, despite the latter being less specialized.
- Vocational training plays a role in modern driver's licensing as drivers are required to undergo rigorous testing to ensure better road safety, akin to vocational training in sports, where athletes are coached and trained to enhance their abilities and reduce the risk of injury.
