How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, your driving licence is valid in Germany. However, you need to exchange it for one of a German licence within six months of moving into the country.
To do this, you must go to the Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will vary between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
The process of getting a German EU driving license can be costly. You'll have to pay for not just your lessons, but also a car of good quality and safety equipment. The price of these items could add up to thousands of euros. In addition, you will have to pay for the required documents and translations. Based on the type of license you need, you may require additional classes in theory. The total cost of obtaining an driving license can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The cost of obtaining a German driving licence is high however, it's worth it. If you want to learn to drive at a reasonable price look into an Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules and experienced instructors. They also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a certified driving instructor.
If you hold an official licence from an EU or EEA country you can exchange it for one from a German one after six months of residency in Germany. However, you'll need to take off your old license and pass a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist you'll require an e-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 typically takes about four weeks. It is best to set up an appointment to accelerate the process.
The local authority for driving licences is often part of a citizen's office or county courthouse (Landratsamt). Make an appointment as soon as your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You must bring your license along with a recent passport photo. You will then be notified when the new license is ready to pick up. Depending on your location, this could be as early as two weeks after you make an appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. You can also purchase the new license online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper than visiting the driving licence authority in person.
Requirements
If you're moving to Germany it is crucial to know that your current driver's permit might not be valid in the country. You may need to exchange it for an German license depending on where you're from and how long you've lived in Germany. This is due to the fact that various countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. For instance, if originate from Australia and Germany, you'll have full reciprocity. If you're from the US You will be able to enjoy partial or no reciprocity.
You must meet certain requirements before you can apply for your driving license in Germany. These include completing an exam in theory, taking an actual test, and passing a medical test. If you are unsure whether you're in compliance then you should visit your local driving academy and talk to the instructor. Ask about the preparation costs and the time it takes to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving license office to apply for a German driver's licence. This is usually part of the city or town hall. You'll need to bring proof of your identity and a photo. A fee is charged, which varies according to the location.
After completing the application, you'll be allowed to take a theory and practical driving test. After passing these tests, your driving license will be issued to you. It is recommended to learn driving before you move to the country if you're new to the country. This will save money and eliminate the hassle of transferring your driving license.
If you are a non-European you are able to swap your license for one German one in the event that you were issued it in an EU/EEA member country or a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This should be done within six months from the date of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to visit your local citizen’s office or town hall to obtain the driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). There's a fee to pay, which varies by local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign driver's license for a German driver's license without exams if you are a member of the EU or a nation with a reciprocal agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The process can take between two and six months and may require you to take additional driving classes.
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 and proof of residency to complete the process. You may also be required to provide certificates attesting to your eyesight and health.
After you've registered your address, the next step is to obtain your driving license. Based on where you're from, you'll either be required to pass the theory test or the practical exam. In certain instances, you might also be required to pass an examination for medical reasons and provide an official translation of your license from another country notarised.
The Fahrschule, the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written test, while the practical is a road test that takes place on the road. It normally lasts about 45 minutes, and you'll be told right afterward if you have passed or failed.
If you're a rider you'll need to pass the practical and theory test. You'll also need to buy an automobile and all the equipment that goes with it, such as a helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. Some driving schools rent these items, but it is usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practice tests, it's time to wait until your German driving license is delivered in the mail. In the meantime, you can use your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you get your German license.
Reciprocity
If you hold an official driving license issued by a member state of the EU the licence is automatically valid in Germany. However, you must renew it in the country from which it was originally issued. Alternately, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This process is usually completed within a period of four to five weeks and is absolutely free. You will need to present your original driving license, a written statement or report about the theft or loss of it and a proof of identity, and a passport-sized photo.
The procedure of transferring your license to Germany depends on your home country and whether it has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11", you can easily exchange your foreign driving license to an German driver's licence. You will have to pass a theory and a practical test to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany and some do not. For registrierten führerschein kaufen -reciprocal states, you will be required to complete an extensive process to obtain an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. It is recommended to begin the process prior to expiring your current driver's license.
You'll also need to pass the written test and a medical examination. It is recommended to take driving lessons at an Fahrschule to prepare for the test. Many drivers also choose to have a driving instructor accompany them during the road test.
In just a few weeks, after you have passed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be available to collect. Then, you can drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Keep your vehicle secure. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will protect you from damages caused by other drivers, or accidents you cause. You can modify your policy by adding add-ons such as personal accident coverage and roadside assistance.
