How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a citizen of a country in the EU or EEA, your driving license is valid in Germany. You have to change your driving licence for one that is a German one within six months after you move to Germany.
To do this, you must visit an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost is between EUR43-73.
Cost
It can be expensive to get a German EU driver's license. You'll have to pay for not only your lessons, but also a car of good quality and safety equipment. These items can cost a lot of money. You'll also have to pay for the required documents and translations. Based on the type of licence you need, you may require additional classes in theory. In all, getting the driver's license can cost you around 4000 euros.
Purchase an German driving license is expensive however it's a worthwhile investment. If you're looking to learn to drive for a reasonable cost, consider the possibility of attending a Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a licensed driving instructor.
If you have a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can exchange it to one that is 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 motorcyclist you will need to get an updated 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 takes about four weeks. To speed up the process you must make an appointment.
The local authority for driving licences is often part of a citizen's bureau or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It is essential to schedule an appointment before your foreign license expires.
You will be required to bring your license along with an updated passport photo. You will then be notified as soon as the new license is ready for pickup. Depending on where you reside, it could be two weeks after your appointment. A fee of about 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 visiting the driving license authority in person.
Requirements
If you're moving to Germany it is crucial to be aware that your current driver's license may not be valid in the country. It may be necessary to exchange it for an German license depending on the country you're from and the length of time you've been in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you're from Australia, for example, you'll have full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will have a partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving license in Germany you must satisfy a number of requirements. This includes passing a medical exam as well as a practical test and a theory test. If you're unsure if you meet these requirements it's an excellent idea to go to your local driving school and speak with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the test and how long you'll have to devote to preparing.
To apply for a driving licence in Germany make contact with the local driving licensing office. This usually falls under the town hall or city hall. You must provide evidence of your identity and a photo. There is a fee, that varies based on the location.
After you've submitted your application, you'll be allowed to take a theory and practical driving test. After passing these tests, your driving licence will be issued to you. It's recommended to learn how driving before you move to a different country if new to the country. This will help you save money and ease the burden of transferring your driving licence.
If you're a national of another country you may swap your current license for a German one if it was issued in 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 from the date of your arrival in Germany. You will need to visit the office of your local citizen or town hall to obtain an driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There is a cost to pay, and it varies based on local authority.
Time is a major factor.
If you're a member of the EU or a country that has an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you can sometimes exchange your foreign driver's license for one German one without having to take any exams. This process can take as long as six months and may require additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with the local authorities in Germany. Anyone who plans to drive in Germany has to do this step. You'll need a valid passport along with proof of residence to complete this process. You might also be required to provide certificates attesting to your eye health and good health.
Once you've registered your address it's time to get your driving licence. Depending on the country you're from, either have to pass the theory test or practical exam. In some cases you'll also need to pass a medical examination and provide a notarized translation of your foreign driving licence.
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. The test typically takes 45 minutes. You will be informed within minutes whether you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcyclist, you'll have to take the practical and theory test. You'll also need to purchase a motorbike, and all the equipment required, including an appropriate helmet, jackets gloves and pants. You can rent these items from some driving schools, but it's usually cheaper to buy them yourself.
Once you've passed your 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 use your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving license issued by an EU member state it will automatically be valid in Germany. You need to renew your driving license in the country that issued it. You can also ask your local driving license authority to transfer it to Germany. This process usually happens within four to five months and is absolutely free. You will need to present your original driving license along with a written report about its loss or theft as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized picture.
The process of transferring your license to Germany is dependent on whether your home country has a reciprocity deal with Germany. If your home country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence to obtain the German driver's licence. You must pass a theory and a practical test to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany Some states have reciprocity with Germany, while others do not. In states that do not reciprocate, you'll need go through a lengthy process to get a license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. To avoid this, it is recommended to begin the process prior to when your current driving license expires.
In legalen führerschein kaufen to the driving test, you'll be required to pass a written examination and a medical check. It is recommended to enroll in driving lessons at an Fahrschule to prepare for the tests. Many drivers prefer to have an instructor driving with them during the road test.
In a few short weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your brand new German driving license will be available to collect. Then, you can drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Make sure that your vehicle is insured. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will protect you against damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you cause. You can also tailor your policy with a variety of additional options, such as roadside assistance and personal accidents.