How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country the driving licence you have is valid in Germany. You must change your driving licence to one that is a German one within six months after you move to Germany.
You need to register your address at an Burgeramt. The cost will range between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
To get the German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you need to pay for your driving lessons, but you also need a good quality vehicle and other safety equipment. The cost of these things can amount to thousands of euros. You'll also have to pay for paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of license you require, you might also need to take more theoretical courses. Total, getting the driving license could cost around 4,000 euro.
Purchase the German driving license can be costly however it's a worthwhile investment. If you want to learn to drive for a reasonable cost, consider an Berlin private driving school. These schools offer flexible schedules and professional instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your test and become a qualified driving instructor.
If you are a holder of an official licence from an EU or EEA country, you can exchange it to a German one after six months of living in Germany. However, you have to surrender your previous license and pass a theory and practical exam. Motorcyclists will also need to 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 should schedule an appointment.
The local driving license authority is usually part of a citizen's office or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It is essential to schedule an appointment prior to when your license expires.
You will need to bring your licence and an updated passport photo. You will then be notified as soon as the new license is ready for pick-up. Depending on where you live this could happen as early as two weeks after making an appointment. You'll also need to pay a fee, which is usually around 24 euros. You can also order the new license online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper than visiting the driving licence authority in person.
Requirements
It is essential to be aware that your current driving license may not be valid in Germany. You may have to change it to one that is a German license, based on the country you're from and how long your have lived in Germany. This is because different countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. If resource for this article are from Australia for instance you'll enjoy full reciprocity. If you are 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. These include passing an exam in theory, taking an actual test, and passing a medical examination. If you're not sure if you meet the requirements, you should visit your local driving school and talk to the instructor. Find out about the costs for preparation and the time required to prepare for the test.
To apply for a driving licence in Germany make contact with the local driving licensing office. This is usually a part of the city hall or town government. You'll need to present proof of your identification and a photo. There is also a fee to pay, which varies in accordance with the location.
After you've completed the application, you'll be allowed 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 new to the country, it's recommended to learn to drive prior to moving to the United States. This will help you save money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving permit.
If you are a non-European, you can exchange your license for one German one when you were issued the license in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This should be completed within six months 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 is based on the local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign driver's license in exchange for the German driver's license without exams if you are 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 local authorities your address. This is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to drive in the country. You'll require a passport along with proof of residence to complete the procedure. You may also be required to submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health.
Once you've registered your address and have registered your address, the next step is to get your driving license. Depending on the country you're from, either be required to pass the theory test or practical test. In certain cases, you'll also need to pass a medical test and provide a notarised translation of your driving license.
Both tests are conducted by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a written test while the practical test is an on-road test. It typically lasts 45 minutes and you'll know immediately afterward if you passed or failed.
You'll have to pass a separate theory and practical test if you are a motorcyclist. You will also need to purchase a motorbike, as well as all the equipment required, including the helmet, jackets, gloves and pants. Some driving schools rent these items, but it is usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have passed the theory and practical tests, it's time to wait until your German driving license is delivered in the mail. You can drive legally in Germany with a temporary driving license until you get your German license.
Reciprocity
If you possess an official driving license issued by a member state of the EU, it is automatically valid in Germany. You need to renew your driving licence in the country that issued it. You can also request your local driving license authority to transfer your license to Germany. This process is free and usually completed within four weeks. You'll need to bring your original driving license along with a written report on the theft or loss of it as well as a form of identification, and a passport-sized photo.
The process of transferring your licence to Germany is contingent on the country you reside in and whether it has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your home country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence to obtain an German driver's license. However, you'll need to take a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany Some states have reciprocity with Germany, while other states do not. In states that don't reciprocate, you'll need go through a long process to get a license. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. To avoid this, it is best to start the process before your current driving license expires.
You'll also have to pass the written test as well as an examination for medical reasons. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that driving lessons are conducted at an Fahrschule. Many drivers prefer having an instructor accompany them on the road test.
In a few short weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be ready to collect. After that, you'll be able to drive safely on the roads of Germany! Be sure to ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance protects you from damages caused by other motorists or accidents you might have caused. You can also tailor your insurance policy by adding a range of extras, such as roadside assistance and personal accidents.