How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a resident of a country in the EU or EEA your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you have to exchange it to a German license within six months of moving to the country.
To complete this process, you need to visit the Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will vary between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
It can be costly to obtain an German EU driver's license. You'll need to pay for not just your driving lessons, but also for an automobile of high-quality and safety equipment. The cost of these things can amount to thousands of euros. You will also need to pay for paperwork and translations. You may also need to attend additional courses in theory, based on the type of driver you want. The total cost of obtaining a driver's licence can cost you about 4,000 euros.
The purchase of an German driving license is expensive however it's a worthwhile investment. If you're looking for an affordable method to learn how to drive, consider a driving school that is privately run in Berlin. They offer flexible schedules and have professional instructors. Additionally, they teach you to pass your test and become a qualified driver.
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out to a German one after six months of residency in Germany. However, you must take off your previous licence and pass a written and practical exam. Motorcyclists must also get a new motorcycle licence.
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 usually takes four weeks. To speed up the process you should make an appointment.
Local driving license offices are usually located in the citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). Make an appointment within the first day that your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You must bring along your license and a recent passport photograph. You will then be informed when the new license is ready for pick up. Depending on where you live, it could be two weeks after your appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also required. You can also apply for the new license online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper to order online than visiting the driving license authority in person.
Requirements
If you're planning to move to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your current driver's permit might not be valid in the country. You may need to change it to a German license, based on where you're from and how long you've lived in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you're from Australia, for example, you'll have full reciprocity. If you're from the US you'll only have partial or no reciprocity.
You must meet certain requirements before you can apply for a driving license in Germany. This includes passing the theory test, passing an exam in the practical area and passing a medical test. If you're not sure if you meet the requirements then you should visit your local driving school and speak to the instructor. Find out about the costs for preparation and the time it takes to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving licence office to apply for a German driving licence. It's usually part of the city hall or town government. You'll need proof of identity and a photo. There is also a fee to pay, which varies in accordance with the location.
After completing the application, you'll be allowed to take a theory and practical driving test. After having passed these tests, your driving licence will be sent to you. If you're new to the country, it's best to start learning to drive prior to moving to the United States. This will help you save money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving licence.
If you are a non-European, you can exchange your license to a German one when you were issued the license in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months from the date of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to visit the driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at the office of your local citizen or town hall. There's a fee you must pay, which is different based on the local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign licence for a German driver's license without examinations if you're a member of the EU or a nation with a reciprocal agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The process can take between two and six months, and it may require you to take additional driving lessons.
In Germany the first step is to give the authorities in your area with your address. This is a must for anyone wanting to drive in the country. You'll require a passport along with proof of residence to complete the procedure. You may also have to provide certificates attesting to your eyesight and health.
After you have registered your address, the next step is to obtain your driving license. Depending on your origin you'll need to pass a theory test or a practical exam. In certain instances, you might also be required to take an examination for medical reasons and provide the translation of your license from another country notarized.
Both tests are administered by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a written exam and the practical test is a road test on the road. The test typically takes 45 minutes. You will be informed within minutes whether you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcyclist will need to pass an additional theory and practical test. You'll also need to buy a motorcycle and all of the equipment that goes with it, such as an appropriate helmet as well as gloves, jackets, and trousers. You can rent these items from a few driving schools, but it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practice tests, it's time to wait until your German driving license is delivered in the post. You can drive legally in Germany with a temporary driving licence until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you possess valid driving license issued by one of the member states of the EU, it is automatically valid in Germany. You will need to renew your driving licence in the country which issued it. You can also request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This is done free of charge and can usually be completed in four weeks. You will need to present your original driving license along with a written report of the theft or loss of it and a proof of identity and a passport-sized photograph.
The process of transferring your license to Germany depends on whether or not your home country has a reciprocity deal with Germany. If your home country is listed in Germany's "Annex 11" list and you wish to swap your driver's license from another country to one German one quite easily. However, you'll have to take a theoretical and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany and some do not. If you live in a state that does not reciprocate, you'll have to go through a long process to get an authorization. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. To avoid this, it is recommended to begin the process before your existing driving license expires.
You'll also have to pass the written test and an examination for medical reasons. It is recommended to take driving lessons at an Fahrschule to prepare for the tests. Many drivers opt to have an instructor accompany them on the road test.
In a matter of weeks, once you have completed the theory and practical tests, your brand new German driving license will be read y for collection. You will then be able to drive safely in Germany! Make sure that your vehicle is secure. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will safeguard you against damages caused by other drivers, or accidents you cause. You can modify your policy by adding add-ons such as personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.
