How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a resident of a country within the EU or EEA the driving license is valid in Germany. You have to exchange your driving license to one in Germany. German one within six months of moving to Germany.
To do this, you must visit an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost is between EUR43 and 73 euros.
Cost
The process of getting a German EU driving license can be costly. Not only do you have to pay for your lessons, but you also need a good quality car and additional safety equipment. These items can cost 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 might require additional classes in theory. The total cost of obtaining a driver's licence can cost you about 4,000 euros.
Buying an German driving license is expensive but it's well worth the investment. If you want to learn to drive for a reasonable price look into an Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a certified driving instructor.
After six months of residence in Germany You can exchange your license to an German licence if you hold a license from an EU/EEA country. But, you have to give up your old licence and take a theoretical and practical test. Motorcyclists will also need to obtain 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. It is recommended to make an appointment to accelerate the process.
Local driving license offices are usually located in the county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). It is important to schedule an appointment before your foreign license expires.
You'll need your licence and an updated passport photo. You will then be informed when the new license is ready for take home. Based on the location you live in this could happen up to two weeks after you make your appointment. You'll also need to pay a fee, which is typically around 24 euros. You can also order the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than going to the driving licence authority in person.
Requirements
If you're planning to move to Germany it is important to know that your current driver's license may not be valid in the country. You may have to swap it for one that is a German one based on the country you're from and how long you have resided in Germany for. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you are from Australia for instance you'll enjoy full reciprocity. However, if you're from the US, you will have partial or no reciprocity.
There are certain requirements to meet before you can apply for your driving license in Germany. These include completing an exam in theory, taking an exam in the practical area and passing a medical exam. If you're unsure if you're meeting the requirements to pass the test, you should go to your local driving academy and talk to the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the test and the amount of time you'll have to devote to preparing.
To apply for a driving licence in Germany make contact with your local driving licensing office. This usually falls under the town hall or city hall. You must provide proof of identity as well as a picture. There is a fee, which is based on the location.
After you've completed your application process, you'll then take a theory test and a practical driving test. After passing these tests, your driving licence will be issued to you. It's best to learn to drive prior to moving to a new country if you're new to the country. This will save you money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving license.
If you are a foreigner you are able to exchange your license to one that is a German one if you were issued it in a country that is part of the EU/EEA 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'll need to visit the office of your local citizen or town hall to obtain an driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time
If you're a member of the EU or a country that has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you might be able to exchange your driver's license from a foreign country for one that is a German one without taking any exams. The process can take between two and six months, and it could require additional driving lessons.
In Germany the first step is to give the authorities in your area with your address. This is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to drive in the country. You'll require a passport along with proof of residence to complete this process. You might be asked to provide a certificate that prove your health or eyesight.
After you've registered your address, it's time to obtain your driving licence. Depending on where you're from, you'll need to pass the theory test or the practical exam. In some cases you may also be required to pass an examination in the medical field and submit an official translation of your passport notarized.
The Fahrschule, the driving school, administers both tests. The theory test is a written test and the practical test is an on-road test. The test typically lasts for 45 minutes, and you will be informed immediately whether you have passed or not.
If you're a motorcyclist will need to pass a separate practical and theory test. You will also need to purchase a motorcycle, and all the equipment required, including an appropriate helmet, jackets gloves and trousers. You can lease these items from some driving schools, but it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
Once you've passed the theory and practical tests, you're now ready 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 possess valid driving license issued by a member state of EU the licence is automatically valid in Germany. You must 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 typically completed within four weeks. You will need to provide your original driver's license, a copy of the report or statement about its theft or loss along with a form or ID as well as a passport size photo.
The process of transferring your driver's license to Germany is dependent on the country you reside in and whether or not there is an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. If your home country appears on Germany's "Annex 11" You can easily exchange your foreign driving license to obtain the German driver's license. You will have to pass a theory and a practical test to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity agreements with Germany but others do not. For non-reciprocal states, you will be required to complete an extensive process to get an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. It is recommended to start the process before you expire your current driver's license.
In addition to the driving test, you will have to pass a written examination and a medical exam. To prepare for the tests it is recommended that you take driving lessons conducted at a Fahrschule. Many drivers also choose to have an instructor driving with them during the road test.
In a few short weeks, after you have completed the theory and practical tests, your brand new German driving license will be ready to collect. You will then be able to drive safely in Germany! Make sure that you keep your vehicle insured, too. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies through Allianz Direct. Web Site will protect you from damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you could have caused. You can customize your policy by adding add-ons like personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.