The Rant

my international driver’s license

Today I went to pick up my international and my new EU driver’s license. There are several things about this experience that made me think. I mean, it all went rather smooth, but still. Most state epmloyees I’ve encountered are so caught up in their day to day stuff, that the very seldomly stop to think. That makes them rather hard to reason with.

So I went in with the notifiation and my old german driver’s license. This was my first mistake. I didn’t know what would happen with the old license – I should have checked beforhand. Instead, I asked the lady behind the counter wheather or not I might keep it. She asked my why I would want to keep it. There was my second mistake – I answerd honestly. To put it in a second wallet to give away to thieves and less-than-honest officals.

“Why would you do that?” – “Well, you know: There are border officials who might keep your stuff to put you in tight spot …”

“Why would they do that?” – “Ehh .. they might earn 100 € a month, if they are payed at all – the are looking for a bribe”

“But that is illegal!”  Continue reading →