How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country your driving license is valid in Germany. You have to exchange your driving license to one that is a German one within six months after moving to Germany.
You must register your address with the Burgeramt. The cost will vary between EUR43-73.
Cost
To get an German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you need to pay for your lessons as well as a good quality car and additional safety equipment. These items could cost thousands of euros. In addition, you'll be required to purchase the required paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of license you require, you may also need to take more classes in theory. Total, getting a driving licence can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The cost of a German driving license is expensive however it's worth it. If you're looking to learn how to drive for a reasonable price, consider a Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible hours and experienced instructors. They will also show you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out for a German one after six months of residency in Germany. However, you must give up your previous licence and pass a theory and practical exam. If you're a motorcycle rider, 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 takes around 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 office or county courthouse (Landratsamt). Make an appointment when your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You must bring both your license and an updated passport photo. Then, you will be informed when the new license is ready to take home. Based on the location you live in this could happen up to two weeks after you make an appointment. You will also need to pay a fee which is typically around 24 euros. You can also purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than visiting the driving licence authority in person.
Requirements
It is important to be aware that your current driving licence may not be valid in Germany. It may be necessary to change it to one that is a German license based on where you're from as well as the length of time you've been in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you are from Australia, for example you'll enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US you will only have partial or no reciprocity.
You must meet certain requirements before you can apply for a driving license in Germany. This includes passing a medical exam and a practical test and a test of theory. If you're unsure if you meet these requirements it's a good idea to visit your local driving school and talk with the instructor. You should also ask about the cost of preparing for the tests and the amount of time you'll have to devote to preparing.
Contact echten deutschen führerschein kaufen driving license office to apply for a German driving license. This usually falls under the city or town hall. You must provide proof of your identification and a photo. A fee is charged, which is based on the location.
After you've completed the application process, you can then take a test on theory and a driving test. After passing these tests, your driving licence will be sent to you. It's best to learn driving before you move to the country if you're new to the country. This will save you money and ease the burden of transferring your driving permit.
If you're a non-EU citizen, you can exchange your license to one German one if it was issued in an EU/EEA member state, or in a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. You must do this within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll have to visit the driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at your local citizen's office or town hall. The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time is a major factor.
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country that has an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you might be able to exchange your foreign driver's license for a German one without having to take any tests. The process can take between two and six months, and could require you to attend extra driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to give the local authorities your address. This is a must for anyone who wants to drive in the country. You'll require a passport along with proof of residency to complete this procedure. You may be asked to provide a certificate attesting your health and eyesight.
After you've registered your address, the next step is to obtain your driving license. Depending on the country you're from, you'll either have to pass the theory test or the practical test. In some cases you may also be required to pass an examination for medical reasons and provide a translation of your license from another country notarised.
The Fahrschule, which is the driving school, is responsible for administering both tests. The theory test is a written exam, while the practical test is an on-road test. It typically lasts 45 minutes and you'll know immediately afterward if you passed or failed.
You'll need to pass a separate theory as well as practical test if you are a driver on a motorcycle. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle and all of the necessary equipment, including a helmet or jacket, gloves, and trousers. You can lease these items from some driving schools, but it's generally cheaper to buy them yourself.
After 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 are able to legally drive in Germany with your temporary driving licence until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already possess a valid driver's license issued by an EU member state, it will be automatically valid in Germany. You must renew your driving license in the country that issued it. Alternatively, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This process usually happens within four to five weeks and is absolutely free. You must present your original driving license, a copy of the report or a statement regarding its theft or loss along with a form or ID, and a passport sized photo.
The process of transferring your driver's license to Germany depends on your home country and whether or not it has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. If your country of residence is included in Germany's "Annex 11" list you can swap your driver's license from another country to one German one fairly quickly. However, you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany, but other states do not. For non-reciprocal states, you'll need to complete an extensive process to get the driving license. Some of these include New York, California, and Wisconsin. To avoid this, it's recommended to begin the process prior to when your current driving license expires.
In addition to the driving test, you will be required to pass a written examination and a medical check. It is recommended that you learn to drive at a Fahrschule to prepare for the tests. Many drivers also opt to have a driving instructor accompany them on the road test.
In just a few weeks, after you've passed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be ready to collect. You can then drive safely on the roads of Germany! Keep your vehicle secure. You can find affordable vehicle insurance policies through Allianz Direct. The insurance will protect you from the damages caused by other motorists or accidents that you could have caused. You can also tailor your insurance policy by adding a range of add-ons, including roadside assistance and personal accident coverage.