How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of a nation within the EU or EEA the driving license is valid in Germany. However, you must exchange it to a German license within six months after moving to the country.
To do this, you must go to a Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will range between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
It can be costly to get the German EU driver's license. Not only do you have to pay for your driving lessons as well as an excellent car and additional safety equipment. The price of these items could add up to thousands of euros. In addition, you will need to spend money on the required paperwork and translations. Based on the type of license you require, you may require additional theory courses. In total, getting the driving license could cost as much as 4,000 euros.
Buying a German driving license is expensive however it's a worthwhile investment. If you're looking for an affordable method of learning to drive, consider a private driving school in Berlin. They offer flexible hours and highly skilled instructors. In addition, they will teach you to pass your test and become a licensed driver.
If you are a holder of an official licence from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out for one from a German one after six months of living in Germany. However, you'll need to surrender your previous licence and take a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist, 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 typically takes four weeks. It is best to set up an appointment to speed up the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). Schedule an appointment within the first day that your driving license from abroad expires.
You must bring your license along with an updated passport photo. Then you will be notified when the new license is ready to take home. Based on where you live it could take up to two weeks after the appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also required. You can also purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive to purchase online than visiting the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is essential to be aware that your current driving license might not work in Germany. such a good point may need to exchange it for 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 enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US you'll only have a partial or no reciprocity.
You must meet certain requirements before you can apply for your driving license in Germany. These include passing a theory test, taking an actual test, and passing a medical exam. If you're not sure if you meet these requirements It's a good idea to visit your local driving school and speak with the instructor. Ask about the preparation costs and the time required to prepare for the test.
To apply for a driving licence in Germany make contact with the local driving licensing office. This is usually part of the town hall or city hall. You'll need to bring evidence of your identity and a photograph. There is also a fee to pay, which is different according to the location.
After you've completed the application process, you can take a theoretical test and a practical driving test. After having passed these tests, your driving licence will be sent to you. It's recommended to learn how driving before you move to a different country if new to the country. This will save money and avoid the hassle of having to transfer a driving license.
If you are a non-European, you can swap your license to a German one in the event that you were issued it in an EU/EEA member country or a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. It is required to do this within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to go to the local office of your citizen or townhall to get the driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There is a cost to pay, which varies by local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign licence to a German driver's license with no exams if you are a member of the EU or a nation that has a reciprocal agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. This process, however, could take anywhere from two to six months, and it may require you to take additional driving classes.
The first step is to register your address with local authorities in Germany. Anyone who wants to drive in Germany has to do this step. To be able to do this you'll need an identity card and proof of residency. You may also have to present certificates attesting your eyesight and 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 have to pass the theory test or practical exam. In certain instances, you might also be required to pass an examination for medical reasons and provide the 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. It normally lasts about 45 minutes and you'll be informed directly afterward whether you passed or failed.
You'll need to take a separate theory and practical test if you are a driver on a motorcycle. You'll also require the motorcycle and all the equipment that goes with it, such as a helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. Some driving schools offer these items on rent, however it's usually cheaper to buy them yourself.
Once you've passed the practical and theory 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 your temporary driving license 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. You need to renew your driving licence in the country which issued it. You may also contact your local driving license authority to transfer the license to Germany. The process usually takes within a period of four to five weeks and is free. You must bring your original driving license along with a written report on the loss or theft of your licence, a form of identification, and a passport-sized photo.
The procedure of transferring your license to Germany is dependent on the country you reside in and whether or not it has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. If your country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence to a German driver's license. However, you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Some states have reciprocity with Germany Some states have reciprocity with Germany, while other states do not. In states that do not reciprocate, you'll need to go through a lengthy process to obtain a license. Some of them include New York, California, and Wisconsin. To avoid this, it is best to start the process before your current driving license expires.
You'll also need to pass the written test and an examination for medical reasons. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that driving lessons be taken at a Fahrschule. Many drivers choose to have an instructor accompany them on their road test.
In a few short weeks, once you have completed the theory and practice tests, your new German driving license will be ready for collection. You'll be able to drive legally in Germany! Be sure to keep your car insured, too. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies through Allianz Direct. This insurance protects you from damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you may have caused. You can also tailor your policy by adding a variety of extras, such as roadside assistance and personal accidents.