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. You must change your driving licence to a German one within six months after you move to Germany.
You need to register your address at the Burgeramt. The cost will range between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
The process of getting the German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you have to pay for your driving lessons and driving lessons, but you also require an excellent vehicle and other safety equipment. The cost of these things can be thousands of euros. In addition, you will have to pay for the necessary paperwork and translations. Based on the type of license you require, you might be required to attend additional theory courses. The total cost of obtaining the driver's license can cost you about 4000 euros.
The cost of a German driving license is expensive, but the investment is worth it. If you're looking for a low-cost method to learn how to drive, check out a driving school that is privately run in Berlin. They offer flexible hours and highly skilled instructors. They will also show you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
After six months of residing in Germany, you can exchange your license for a German licence if you hold a license from an EU/EEA nation. You must, however, take off your previous licence and pass a written and practical test. Motorcyclists also have to 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 usually takes four weeks. To speed up review should schedule an appointment.
The local authority for driving licences is usually part of a citizen's bureau, or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It's important to make an appointment before your foreign license expires.
You'll need your license along with a recent passport photo. Then you will be notified when the new license is ready for take home. Depending on your location, this could be up to two weeks after making an 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 than going to 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. You may have to swap it to a German one depending on where you are from and how long you have been in Germany for. This is due to the fact that different countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. For instance, if are from Australia and Germany, you'll have full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will only have partial or no reciprocity.
You must satisfy certain requirements before you can apply for a driving license in Germany. These include completing an exam in theory, taking an actual test, and passing a medical examination. If you're unsure if you're able to meet these requirements it's a good idea to visit your local driving school and speak with the instructor. You should also ask about the cost of preparing for the tests and how long you'll have to devote to preparing.
Contact your local driving licence office to apply for a German driving licence. This is usually a part of the town hall or city government. You'll need to present evidence of your identity as well as a picture. There is a fee, that varies based on the location.
After you've submitted your application, you'll be able to take a theory and practical driving test. After passing these tests, you'll receive your license to drive in the mail. If you're new to the country, it's advisable to begin learning how to drive before you move to the United States. This will help you save money and prevent the hassle of having to transfer a driving license.
If you're a non-EU citizen you may swap your current license for one German one when it was issued by an EU/EEA member state or in one of the countries that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months of arriving in Germany. You'll need to visit the office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at your local citizen's office or town hall. The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time
If you're a resident of the EU or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) You can sometimes swap your driver's licence from another country to one that is a German one without having to take any exams. This process could take up to six months and may require additional driving lessons.
The first step is to make sure that your address is registered with the local authorities in Germany. Anyone who wants to drive in Germany has to take this step. To do this, you'll need to provide an identity card and proof of residency. You might also be required to submit certificates attesting to your good health and eyesight.
Once you've registered your address it's time to get your driving license. Based on where you're from you'll either have to pass a test of theory or a practical exam. In some cases you'll also have to pass a medical examination and provide a notarized translation of your foreign driving licence.
Both tests are conducted by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a test that is written and 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.
If you're a rider, you'll have to take the practical and theory test. You'll also have to purchase the motorcycle and all the equipment that goes with it, such as a helmet or jacket, gloves, and trousers. Some driving schools rent these items, but it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
Once 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 can drive legally in Germany with your temporary driving license until you receive your German license.
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 license in the country that issued it. You can also ask your local driving license authority to transfer your license to Germany. This procedure is free of charge and usually completed within four weeks. You will need to present your original driving licence along with a written report on the loss or theft of your licence and a proof of identity and a passport-sized photograph.
The process of transferring your license to Germany depends on whether or not your home country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence for the German driver's license. However, you'll need to pass a theory and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Some states have reciprocity with Germany however, others do not. In states that don't reciprocate, you'll have to undergo a lengthy process to obtain an authorization. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. It is recommended to start the process prior to expiring your current driver's license.
You'll also have to pass the written test as well as a medical examination. It is recommended to learn to drive at an Fahrschule to prepare for the exams. Many drivers also opt to have an instructor with them on the road test.
In a matter of weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be ready to collect. You'll be able to drive legally in Germany! Make sure that your vehicle is insured. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will safeguard you from damages caused by other drivers or by accidents that you cause. You can also personalize your policy with a variety of extras, such as personal accident and roadside assistance.