How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, your driving licence is valid in Germany. You must change your driving licence for one that is a German one within six months after moving to Germany.
You have to register your address with an Burgeramt. This will cost between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
To get the German EU driving license can be expensive. You'll need to pay for not just your lessons but also for an automobile of a good quality and safety equipment. The cost of these things can amount to thousands of euros. Additionally, you'll have to pay for the necessary paperwork and translations. You may need to take additional courses in theory, based on the type of driver you want. In all, getting a driver's licence can cost you around 4000 euros.
The cost of obtaining a German driving license is costly however, the investment is worth it. If you're looking to learn how to drive for a reasonable price, consider the possibility of attending a Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a licensed driving instructor.
After six months of residence in Germany, you can exchange your license for a German licence if you hold an EU/EEA member country. However, you have to surrender your previous license and pass a theoretical and practical exam. Motorcyclists must also get a new motorcycle license.
To exchange a non-EU driving licence for a German one, you must go to the local road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The process typically takes about four weeks. To speed up the process, you must make an appointment.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). Schedule an appointment when your foreign driving license expires.
You must bring along your license and a recent passport photograph. Then you will be notified when the new license is available for pick up. Depending on your location this could happen up to two weeks after making your appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also needed. Alternatively, you can order the new licence online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than going to the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
If you're moving to Germany it is important to be aware that your driver's license might not be valid in the country. You may have to exchange it for an German license depending on where you're from as well as how long your have lived in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you are from Australia, for example you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US you will have a partial or no reciprocity.
You must satisfy certain requirements before you can apply for your driving license in Germany. This includes passing a medical examination as well as a practical test and a theory exam. If you're unsure if you meet these requirements it's an excellent idea to go to your local driving school and talk with the instructor. You should also ask about the cost of preparing for the test and how long you'll need to prepare.
To apply for a driving license in Germany make contact with the local office for driving licenses. It's usually part of the town hall or city government. You'll need to bring evidence of your identity as well as a picture. A fee is charged that varies based on the location.
After you've submitted your application, you'll be able to take a theory and practical driving test. Once you've passed these tests, you'll receive your driving license in the mail. If you're a newcomer to the country, it's best to begin learning how to drive before moving here. This will save you money and prevent the hassle of transferring a driving license.
If you're a national of another country, you can swap your current license for one that is a German one if it was issued in an EU/EEA member state or in a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This should be completed within six months from the date of your arrival in Germany. You will need to visit the office of your local citizen or townhall to obtain the driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time is a factor.
You can exchange your foreign driver's license in exchange for a German driver's license with no examinations if you're an EU member EU or a country that has a reciprocal agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. This process could take as long as six months and may require additional driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to give the authorities in your area with your address. Anyone who plans to drive in Germany has to take this step. To complete this process you'll need a passport and proof of residency. You could be asked to provide a certificate attesting your health and eyesight.
After you've registered your address then the next step is obtaining your driving license. Depending on where you're from, you'll have to pass the theory test or practical exam. In certain instances, you might also be required to take a medical examination and provide the translation of your foreign licence notarised.
Both tests are administered by the Fahrschule, or driving school. The theory test is a written exam while the practical test is an on-road test. The test usually takes 45 minutes. You will be informed right away if you have passed or not.
You will need to pass a separate theory as well as practical test if you are a motorcycle driver. You'll also need to buy the motorcycle and all the necessary equipment, including an appropriate helmet as well as gloves, jackets, and trousers. You can lease these items from certain driving schools, but it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practical tests it is time to wait until your German driving licence arrives in the post. In the meantime, you can take advantage of your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you get your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving license issued by an EU member state it will automatically be valid in Germany. You must renew your license in the country that issued it. Alternatively, you can ask your local driving license authority to transfer it to Germany. This is done free and can usually be completed within four weeks. You will need to present your original driving licence along with a written report on the loss or theft of your licence as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized picture.
The process of transferring your licence to Germany depends on the country you reside in and whether it has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your home country appears on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to exchange your foreign driving license to obtain a German driver's license. You must pass a theory and practical test to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity agreements with Germany and some do not. If you live in non-reciprocal states, you will need to complete an extensive process to obtain an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. It is best to begin the process prior to expiring your current driving license.
In führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland to the driving test, you'll be required to pass a written examination and a medical check. It is recommended that you take driving lessons at an Fahrschule to prepare for the tests. Many drivers also opt to have an instructor with them during the road test.
Once you've passed the theory and practical tests after which your new German license will be ready to be picked up in a few weeks. You can then drive safely on the roads of Germany! Make sure that you keep your vehicle insured, too. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will safeguard you against damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you cause. You can also customize your policy by adding a variety of extras, such as personal accident and roadside assistance.