How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of a country in the EU or EEA the driving license 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.
To accomplish this, you must visit an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will vary between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
Getting the German EU driving license can be costly. Not only do you need to pay for your driving lessons and driving lessons, but you also require a good quality vehicle and other safety equipment. These can cost a lot of money. Additionally, you will need to pay for paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of license you require, you may also need to take more theoretical courses. The total cost of obtaining a driving licence can cost around 4,000 euro.
Buying the German driving license can be costly however it's a worthwhile investment. If you want to learn to drive for a reasonable price you should consider an Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They will also show you how to pass your driving test and become a certified driving instructor.
If you are a holder of a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out to one from a German one after six months of living in Germany. However, you must take off your old license and pass a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist you'll require a new motorcycle licence as well.
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. It is recommended to set up an appointment to speed up the process.
The local driving license authority is usually part of a citizen's office or county courthouse (Landratsamt). Make an appointment as soon as your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You'll need to bring your licence and a recent passport photograph. You will be notified when the new license is ready for pick-up. Based on where you live it could take up to two weeks after your appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also required. You can also purchase the new licence online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than visiting the driving licence authority in person.
Requirements
It is crucial to be aware that your current driving licence may not work in Germany. You may have 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 are from Australia for instance you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving licence in Germany you must satisfy several requirements. These include completing the theory test, passing a practical test and passing a medical test. If you're not sure whether you're meeting the requirements It's a good idea to visit your local driving school and talk with the instructor. You should also inquire about the cost of preparing for the tests and how long you'll need to spend on preparation.
Contact your local driving license office to apply for a German driver's license. It's usually part of the town hall or city government. You must provide proof of identity as well as a picture. There is a fee, that varies based on the location.
After you've completed the application, you'll be able to take a theory and practical driving test. After you've passed these tests, you'll get your driving license via mail. If you're a newcomer in the country, it's best to learn to drive prior to moving here. This will save you money and prevent the hassle of having to transfer a driving license.
If you're a national of another country you can exchange your existing license for one that is a German one when it was issued by one of the EU/EEA member states or in one of the countries which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months of arriving in Germany. You'll need to go to your local citizen’s office or town hall to obtain an driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There's a fee to pay, which is different based on the local authority.
Time is a major factor.
If you're a resident of the EU or one of the countries that has an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) You may be able to exchange your driver's license from a foreign country for a German one without taking any exams. This process could take up to six months and may require additional driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to give the authorities in your area with your address. Anyone who wishes to drive in Germany must take this step. To be able to get this done, you'll need to provide your passport along with proof of residency. You may also be required to submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health.
Once you've registered your address, the next step is to obtain your driving license. Depending on where you're from, you'll be required to pass the theory test or the practical exam. In certain cases, you could also be required to take an examination for medical reasons and provide an official translation of your passport notarised.
The Fahrschule, also known as the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written test and the practical test is an on-road test. It usually lasts around 45 minutes, and you'll be told directly afterward whether you passed or failed.
If you're a rider, you'll have to take the practical and theory test. You'll also need to buy a motorcycle and all of the associated equipment, including a helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's generally cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you've passed your theory and practical tests, it's time to wait for your German driver's license to arrive in the mail. You are able to legally drive in Germany with a temporary driving license until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you possess a valid driving licence issued by a member state of 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 licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This process is free of charge and can usually be completed in four weeks. You must provide your original driving license, a written report or statement about its loss or theft and a form or identity as well as a passport size photo.
The process to transfer your license to Germany is dependent on whether 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 a German one fairly quickly. You must pass a theory and a practical test in order to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany and some do not. If you live in non-reciprocal states, you'll need to complete an extensive process to get the driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. It is recommended to begin the process prior to expiring your current driving license.
You'll also have to pass the written test and a medical examination. To prepare for the exam it is recommended that you take driving lessons conducted at an Fahrschule. Many drivers also choose to have an instructor driving with them on the road test.
In a matter of weeks, after you've completed the theory and practice tests, your brand new German driving license will be ready for collection. 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. fuhrerschein kaufen covers you from damage caused by other motorists or accidents you might have caused. You can tailor your policy by adding additional features such as personal accident coverage and roadside assistance.