How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of a country in the EU or EEA your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you have to exchange it for a German licence within six months of moving to the country.
You have to register your address with the Burgeramt. The cost will range between EUR43-73.
Cost
The process of getting the German EU driving license can be expensive. You'll need to pay not only for your driving lessons, but also for an automobile of a good quality and safety equipment. These could cost thousands of euros. You'll also have to pay for the necessary paperwork and translations. Based on the type of license you require, you might be required to attend additional classes in theory. The total cost of obtaining a driver's licence can cost around 4,000 euros.
The cost of a German driving licence is high, but the investment is worth it. If you want to learn to drive at a reasonable price, consider a Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules and experienced instructors. They will also show you how to pass your driving test and become a licensed driving instructor.
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country you can swap it out to one from a German one after six months of residency in Germany. 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. You should set up an appointment to accelerate the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in a citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). Set up an appointment as soon as your foreign driving license expires.
You will need to bring your license and a recent passport photograph. Then you will be notified when the new license is ready for pick up. Depending on your location it could be as early as two weeks after you make your appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also needed. You can also purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper to order online than to visit the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is important to be aware that your current driving licence may not be valid in Germany. You may have to change it to an German license, based on where you're from as well as how long your have lived in Germany. This is because different countries have varying levels of reciprocity with Germany. If you are from Australia for instance, you'll have full reciprocity. If fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse from the US you will have a partial or no reciprocity.
You must satisfy certain requirements before you can apply for a driving license in Germany. This includes passing a medical test as well as a practical test and a test of theory. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements to pass the test, you should go to your local driving academy and talk with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the tests and how much time you'll need to spend on preparation.
To apply for a driver's license in Germany make contact with the local office for driving licenses. It is usually a part of the city council or town hall. You'll need to bring evidence of your identity and a photograph. There is also a fee to pay, which varies depending on the location.
After completing the application, you'll be allowed to take a theory and practical driving test. After you've passed these tests, you'll get your license to drive in the mail. It's best to learn to drive before moving to the country if you're new to the country. This will save you money and ease the burden of transferring your driving licence.
If you're a foreigner you may exchange your license for a German one if you were issued it in an EU/EEA country or a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This should be completed within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to go to the office of your local citizen or townhall to obtain an driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There's a fee you must pay, which is different based on the local authority.
Time
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) You can sometimes exchange your driver's license from a foreign country to one German one without having to take any tests. The process could take anywhere from two to six months and could require additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with the local authorities in Germany. This is a requirement for anyone wanting to drive in the country. In order to get this done you'll need an identity card and proof of residency. You might be required to provide certificates that prove your health or eyesight.
After you've registered your address and have registered your address, the next step is to obtain your driving license. Based on where you're from you'll need to pass a theory test or a practical test. In certain instances, you might also be required to take an examination in the medical field and submit a translation of your foreign licence notarised.
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. The test typically lasts for 45 minutes, and you will be informed within minutes whether you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcycle rider, you'll have to take the practical and theory test. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle, along with the necessary equipment, such an appropriate helmet, jackets gloves, and trousers. resource for this article can lease these items from some driving schools, but it's usually cheaper to buy them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practical tests, it's time to wait until your German driving license is delivered in the mail. You are able to legally drive in Germany with your temporary driving license until you get your German license.
Reciprocity
If you hold a valid driving licence issued by a member state of the EU the licence is automatically valid in Germany. However, you have to renew it in the country where it was originally issued. Alternatively, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This procedure is free of charge and can usually be completed in four weeks. You'll need to bring your original driving licence as well as a written report of its loss or theft, a form of identification, and a passport-sized photo.
The process of transferring your driver's license to Germany is contingent on your home country and whether or not there is an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. If your home country appears on Germany's "Annex 11" You can easily swap your foreign driving licence for the German driver's licence. However, you will need to pass a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany however, other states do not. In the case of non-reciprocal states, you'll have to go through a lengthy process to obtain a driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. To avoid this, it is best to start the process prior to when your current driving license expires.
In addition to the driving test, you will need to pass a written examination and a medical check. To prepare for the exams it is recommended that you take driving lessons conducted at an Fahrschule. Many drivers also choose to have an instructor with 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 safely in Germany! Make sure you ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. The insurance will guard you against damages caused by other drivers or by accidents you cause. You can also personalize your insurance policy by adding a range of extras, such as roadside assistance and personal accidents.