How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country your driving license is valid in Germany. You have to change your driving licence to one that is a German one within six months of moving to Germany.
You must register your address with a Burgeramt. The cost will range between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
Getting an German EU driving license can be costly. You will need to pay not only for your driving lessons, but also for an automobile of high-quality and safety equipment. These items can cost thousands of Euros. In addition, you'll be required to purchase the necessary paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of licence you require, you may be required to attend additional theoretical courses. The total cost of obtaining a driving licence can cost you around 4,000 euros.
Purchase a German driving license can be expensive but it's well worth the investment. If you want to learn how to drive for a reasonable cost, consider a Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible hours and experienced instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your test and become a certified driving instructor.
If you are a holder of an official licence from an EU or EEA country you can swap it out to one that is a German one after six months of residency in Germany. But, you have to take off your old license and take a theoretical and practical test. Motorcyclists also have to obtain 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. It is recommended to set up an appointment to accelerate the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). Schedule an appointment within the first day that your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You'll need to bring your licence and an updated passport photo. You will be notified when the new license is ready for pickup. Based on where you live it could take up to two weeks after the appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. Alternately, you can purchase the new licence 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 might not work in Germany. You may have to swap it to one that is a German one depending on where you're from and how long you have lived here. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you're from Australia for instance you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US You will be able to enjoy 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, a practical test, and a theory test. If you're not sure if you're able to meet these requirements It's a good idea to visit your local driving school and speak with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the test and the amount of time you'll need to prepare.
To apply for a driver's license in Germany make contact with your local driving licensing office. This is usually part of the town hall or city hall. You'll need to bring proof of identity as well as a picture. There is a fee to pay, which varies according to the location.
After you've completed the application process, you'll then take a test on theory and a practical driving test. Once you've passed these tests, you'll get your driving license via mail. It is recommended to learn to drive prior to moving to a new country if you're new to the country. This will help you save money and ease the burden of transferring your driving license.
If you're a foreign national 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. It is required to do this within six months of arriving in Germany. You'll need to go to the driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at your local citizen's office or town hall. The fee varies depending on the local authority.
Time
If you're a resident of the EU or a country with an agreement of reciprocity with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) You may be able to swap your driver's licence from another country for one that is a German one without taking any tests. This process could take as long as six months and may need additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with local authorities in Germany. This is a must for anyone who wants to drive in Germany. To get this done, you'll need to provide an identity card and proof of residency. You may also have to submit certificates attesting to your eye health and good health.
After you have registered your address then the next step is to obtain your driving license. Based on where you're from you'll either have to pass a theory test or a test in the practical. In certain cases, you'll also need to pass a medical exam and provide a notarized translation of your foreign driving license.
The Fahrschule, also known as the driving school, administers both tests. The theory test is a written test and the practical test is an on-road test. The test typically lasts 45 minutes and you will be informed within minutes whether you passed or not.
If you're a rider, you'll have to take a separate practical and theory test. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle, as well as all the necessary equipment, such an appropriate helmet, jackets gloves and trousers. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have passed the theory and practical tests, it's time to wait until your German driving licence arrives in the post. In the meantime, you'll be able to use your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already possess a valid driver's license issued by an EU member state it will automatically be valid in Germany. However, you must renew it in the country where it was issued. You may also contact your local driving license authority to transfer the license to Germany. The process usually takes within four to five weeks and is completely free. You will need to present your original driving license, a written report or statement of theft or loss and a form or identity, and a passport sized photo.
The procedure of transferring your license to Germany is dependent on the country you reside in and whether it has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11", you can easily change your driving license from abroad for a German driver's licence. You will need to take a theory and a practice test in order to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany however, other states do not. For states that are not reciprocal, you will be required to complete a lengthy process to obtain an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. To avoid this, it is best to start the process before your existing driving license expires.
You will also need to pass the written test and medical exam. It is recommended that you enroll in driving lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare for the exams. Many drivers also opt to have an instructor driving with them during the road test.
After you pass the theory and practical exams and pass the practical exams, your new German license will be ready to pick up in just a few weeks. You will then be able to drive safely in Germany! Make sure that you ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies at Allianz Direct. This insurance covers you from the damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you could have caused. You can also personalize your insurance policy by adding a range of add-ons, including personal accident and roadside assistance.