How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country the driving licence you have is valid in Germany. You must exchange your driving license to one that is a German one within six months of moving to Germany.
To complete this process, you need to visit an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will range between EUR43-73.
Cost
To get a German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you need to pay for your driving lessons and driving lessons, but you also require a high-quality vehicle and other safety equipment. The price of these items could amount to thousands of euros. Additionally, you'll be required to purchase the necessary paperwork and translations. Based on the type of licence you require, you may require additional theory courses. The total cost of obtaining an driving license can cost as much as 4,000 euros.
The purchase of a German driving license can be expensive however it's a worthwhile investment. If you're looking to learn to drive at a reasonable price look into an Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible hours and highly skilled instructors. They also help you pass your exam and become a licensed driver.
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country you can exchange it for a German one after six months of residency in Germany. However, you'll need to surrender your previous licence and pass a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcycle rider, you'll require an updated motorcycle licence too.
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 between four and six weeks. You should set up an appointment to speed up the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in a citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). It's important to make an appointment prior to when your foreign license expires.
You'll need your license along with a recent passport photo. You will be notified as soon as the new license is available for pick-up. Depending on where you live this could happen as early as two weeks after you have made your appointment. A fee of around 24 euros is also required. You can also apply for the new licence online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive to purchase online than visit the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is important 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 where you're from and the length of time you've been in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you are from Australia for instance you'll enjoy full reciprocity. However, if you're in the US You will be able to enjoy only partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving license in Germany you must meet a number of requirements. This includes passing a medical examination and a practical test and a theory test. If you're not sure if you're meeting the requirements, you should visit your local driving school and talk with the instructor. Ask about the cost of preparation and the time needed to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving licence office to apply for a German driving license. This is usually part of the town hall or city hall. You'll need proof of identity and a photograph. There's also a cost to pay, which is different according to the location.
Once you've completed the application process, you can then take a test on theory and a driving test. After passing these tests, your driving license will be sent to you. It's recommended to learn how to drive before moving to a different country if new to the country. This will save you money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving licence.
If you're a foreigner you are able to swap your license for one that is a German one if you were issued it in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. It is required to do this within six months from the date of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to visit the driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at your local citizen's office or town hall. The fee varies depending on the local authority.
Time
If you're a member of the EU or one of the countries that has 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. The process could take anywhere from two to six months and may require you to take additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with the local authorities in Germany. This is a requirement for anyone who wants to drive in Germany. To be able to do this, you'll need to provide an identity card and proof of residency. You might be asked to submit certificates attesting your health and eyesight.
Once you've registered your address, it's time to obtain your driving licence. Based on where you're from, you will either need to pass a test of theory or a practical test. In certain cases you'll also have to pass a medical examination and provide a notarized translation of your driving licence.
The Fahrschule, which is the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written exam and the practical is a road test on the road. führerschein kaufen lasts for 45 minutes, and you will be informed immediately whether you passed or not.
If you're a rider will need to pass an additional theory and practical test. You'll also have to purchase a motorbike, and all the required equipment, like a helmet, jackets, gloves and pants. Some driving schools offer these items on rent, however it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
Once you've passed the practical and theory tests, you're now able to wait for your German driver's license to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, you'll be able to take advantage of your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German licence.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving license issued by an EU member state the license will automatically valid in Germany. You need to renew your driving licence in the country which issued it. You may also contact the local authority for driving licenses to transfer the licence to Germany. This process is free and usually completed within four weeks. You will need to provide your original driver's license, a written report or statement of theft or loss and a form or identity, and a passport sized photograph.
The process of transferring your driver's license to Germany depends on the country you reside in and whether or not there is a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your home country is on Germany's "Annex 11" list you can exchange your foreign driver's license to a German one quite quickly. You will need to take a theory and a practice test in order to pass your German driving test.
Some states reciprocate with Germany but others do not. If you live in non-reciprocal states, you'll be required to complete an extensive process to obtain an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. To avoid this, it's best to start the process before your existing driving license expires.
You will also need to pass the written test as well as a medical examination. To prepare for the tests, it is recommended that driving lessons are conducted at a Fahrschule. Many drivers opt to have an instructor accompany them on the road test.
In a few short weeks, after you've passed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be ready to collect. You can then drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Make sure your car is insured. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies through Allianz Direct. This insurance covers you from the damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you could have caused. You can customize your insurance policy by adding extra features such as personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.