How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of a nation within the EU or EEA your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you must exchange it for a German license within six months after moving to the country.
To complete this process, you need to visit the Burgeramt to register your address. The cost is between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
The process of getting the German EU driving license can be costly. Not only do you need to pay for your driving lessons, but you also need an excellent vehicle and other safety equipment. These items can cost a lot of money. In addition, you'll have to pay for the required paperwork and translations. Based on the type of license you require, you may require additional theoretical courses. In total, obtaining the driver's license can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The purchase of a German driving license is expensive but it's well worth the investment. If you're looking for a cheap method of learning to drive, look into a private driving school in Berlin. They offer flexible hours and professional instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
After six months of living in Germany, you can exchange your license for a German licence if you hold an EU/EEA nation. But, you have to give up your old licence and pass a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist, you'll require a new 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 about four weeks. To speed up the process, you must make an appointment.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). Make an appointment when your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You'll be required to bring both your license and an updated passport photo. Then, you will be informed when the new license is ready to take home. Depending on your location, this could be as early as two weeks after you have made your appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also required. Alternately, you can purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than going to the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
If you're planning to move to Germany it is important to be aware that your driver's license might not be valid in the country. It could be necessary to swap it to a German one depending on where you are from and how long you've lived here. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. For instance, if are from Australia, you will have full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will only have a partial or no reciprocity.
You must satisfy certain requirements before you can apply for your driving license in Germany. This includes passing a medical test, a practical test, and a test of theory. If you're not sure if you're in compliance, you should visit your local driving school and speak to the instructor. You should also ask 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 city hall or town government. You'll need to bring evidence of your identity and a photo. There is a fee, that varies based on the location.
After completing the application, you'll be able to take a theory and practical driving test. Once you've passed these tests, you'll receive your license to drive in the mail. If you're a newcomer in the country, it's best to start learning to drive before moving to the United States. This will help you save money and ease the burden of transferring your driving permit.
If you are a foreigner you are able to swap your license for one that is a German one when you were issued the license in an EU/EEA member country or a country 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 your local citizen’s office or townhall to get the 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 citizen of the EU or one of the countries that has an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you might be able to swap your driver's licence from another country for a German one without taking any exams. This process can 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 must complete this step. You'll need a valid passport and proof of residence to complete this procedure. You may also be required to present certificates attesting your eye health and good health.
Once you've registered your address, it's time for you to get your driving licence. Depending on fuhrerschein-kaufen-ohne-vorkasse 'll need to pass a theoretical test or a practical test. In some cases you may also be required to take an examination in the medical field and submit a translation of your foreign licence notarised.
Both tests are administered by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a test that is written, while the practical test is an on-road test. The test typically lasts 45 minutes and you will be informed within minutes whether you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcyclist you'll need to pass the practical and theory test. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle, along with the equipment required, including an appropriate helmet, jackets gloves and pants. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's usually cheaper to buy them yourself.
Once you've passed your theory and practical tests, you're now ready 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 already have a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state, it will be automatically valid in Germany. However, you must renew it in the country from which it was issued originally. You can also ask your local driving license authority to transfer the licence to Germany. This process is usually completed within four to five months and is free. You must bring your original driving licence along with a written report on 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 arrangement with Germany. If your home country appears on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence for the German driver's license. You must take a theory and a practice test to pass your German driving test.
Some states have reciprocity with Germany however, other states do not. If you live in a state that does not reciprocate, you'll need undergo a lengthy process to get a license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. To avoid this, it is best to start the process prior to when your current driving license expires.
You'll also need to pass the written test and an examination for medical reasons. To prepare for the tests, it is recommended that driving lessons are conducted at a Fahrschule. Many drivers prefer having an instructor accompany them on their road test.
In just a few weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your brand new German driving license will be ready to collect. Then, you can drive safely on the roads of Germany! Make sure that your vehicle is insured. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will protect you from damage caused by other drivers, or accidents you cause. You can customize your policy by adding additional features like personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.