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 have to exchange it for the German license within six months after moving to the country.
To do this, you must visit the Burgeramt to register your address. This will cost between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
It can be costly to get an German EU driver's license. You will need to pay for not only your lessons but also for an automobile of high-quality and safety equipment. These could cost thousands of euros. You will also need to pay for the required paperwork and translations. Based on the type of licence you require, you might require additional theory courses. The total cost of obtaining the driver's license can cost you around 4,000 euros.
Buying a German driving license is expensive however it's a worthwhile investment. If you're looking for a cheap way to learn to drive, check out a private driving school in Berlin. These schools have flexible schedules, and they employ professional instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
If you have an official licence from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out for one that is a German one after six months of residence in Germany. But, you have to surrender your previous licence and pass a theoretical and practical test. Motorcyclists also have to get 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 takes around four weeks. It is best to schedule an appointment to accelerate the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). Make an appointment when your driving license from abroad expires.
You will need to bring your licence and a recent passport photograph. You will then be notified as soon as the new license is available for pickup. Depending on where you live, it could be two weeks after the appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. You can also apply for the new license online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper than visiting the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is important to be aware that your current driving license might not be valid in Germany. It may be necessary to exchange it for an German license based on where you're from and how long you've lived in Germany. This is because different countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. If you are from Australia for instance, you'll have full reciprocity. If you're from the US, you will have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driver's license in Germany you must meet certain requirements. This includes passing a theory test, taking an actual test, and passing a medical test. If you're not sure if you're meeting the requirements It's recommended to visit your local driving school and speak with the instructor. Ask about the cost of preparation and the time required to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving licence office to apply for a German driving licence. This usually falls under the town hall or city hall. You'll need to bring evidence of your identity as well as a picture. A fee is charged that varies based on the location.
Once you've completed the application process, you'll then take a theory test and a practical driving test. After you've passed these tests, you'll get your driving license in the mail. It's best to learn driving before you move to a new country if you're new to the country. This will help you save money and avoid the hassle of transferring a driving license.
If you're a foreigner, you can exchange your license for one that is a German one when you were issued the license in an EU/EEA country or a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. It is required to do this within six months of arriving in Germany. You'll have to visit the office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at your local citizen's office or town hall. The cost is based on the local authority.
Time is a major factor.
If you're a member of the EU or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you may be able to swap your driver's licence from another country for one German one without having to take any tests. The process can take between two and six months and could require extra driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to register with the authorities in your area with your address. Anyone who wants to drive in Germany must do this step. You'll need a valid passport along with proof of residency to complete the process. You might also be required to present certificates attesting your eye health and good health.
After you have registered your address then the next step is obtaining your driving license. Depending on the country you're from, either be required to pass the theory test or practical exam. In certain instances, you might also be required to pass a medical examination and provide a translation of your foreign licence notarized.
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 usually lasts around 45 minutes and you'll know right afterward if you have passed or failed.
If you're a motorcycle rider, you'll have to take a separate practical and theory test. You'll also require a motorcycle and all of the necessary equipment, including the helmet as well as gloves, jackets, and trousers. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's generally cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you've passed your practical and theory 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 get your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state the license will automatically valid in Germany. However, you have to renew it in the country where it was issued originally. You can also ask your local driving license authority to transfer it to Germany. The process usually takes within four to five weeks and is completely free. You'll need to bring your original driving license along with a written report of the theft or loss of it as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized picture.
The process to transfer your license to Germany depends on whether your home country has a reciprocity deal with Germany. If eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen appears on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence to the German driver's licence. You must pass a theory and practical test in order to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany but others do not. For non-reciprocal states, you will need to complete an extensive process to obtain the driving license. Some of these include New York, California, and Wisconsin. It is recommended to begin the process prior to expiring your current driving license.
In addition to the driving test, you will have to pass a written test and a medical check. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended that driving lessons are taken at an Fahrschule. Many drivers also opt to have a driving instructor accompany them on the road test.
After you have passed the theory and practical exams after which your new German license will be available for pick up in just a few weeks. You will then be able to drive safely in Germany! Be sure to ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will protect you against damages caused by other drivers or by accidents you cause. You can customize your policy by adding additional features like personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.