How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country the driving licence you have is valid in Germany. However, you have to exchange it for the German license within six months after moving to the country.
You must sign up your address at an Burgeramt. The cost is between EUR43-73.
Cost
The process of getting an German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you have to pay for your lessons, but you also need a good quality vehicle and other safety equipment. The price of these items could be thousands of euros. Additionally, you'll need to spend money on the necessary paperwork and translations. You may need to take additional theory classes based on the type of license you require. Total, getting a driving licence can cost around 4,000 euro.
The cost of a German driving license is costly however it's worth it. If you're looking to learn to drive for a reasonable cost look into the possibility of attending a Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules and highly skilled instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a certified driving instructor.
After six months of living in Germany, you can exchange your license for a German licence if you hold a license from an EU/EEA member country. You must, however, surrender your previous license and pass a theory and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist, 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 should schedule an appointment.
The driving license authority in your area is usually part of a citizen's bureau, or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It is essential to schedule an appointment before your foreign license expires.
You'll need your licence and a recent passport photograph. You will then be notified when the new license is ready for pick-up. Depending on where you live it could take two weeks after the appointment. You will also need to pay a fee, which is usually around 24 euros. You can also apply for the new license online via the Automobile Club ADAC. führerschein kaufen für 500 euro '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 crucial to know that your current driver's license may not be valid in the country. You may have to change it to a German license based on where you're from and how long your have lived in Germany. This is because various countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. If you're from Australia, for example you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving licence in Germany you must meet a number of requirements. This includes passing a medical exam and a practical test and a theory exam. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, you should visit your local driving academy and talk with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the tests and how much time you'll have to devote to preparing.
To apply for a driver's license in Germany you must contact your local driving licensing office. It is usually located in the town hall or city hall. You must provide evidence of your identity as well as a picture. A fee is charged which is based on the location.
After completing the application, you'll be eligible to take a theoretical and practical driving test. After you've passed these tests, you'll receive your driving license in the mail. If you're a newcomer in the country, it's advisable to start learning to drive before moving to the United States. This will help you save money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving license.
If you're a foreign national, you can exchange your existing license for a German one when it was issued by an EU/EEA member state, or in a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. It is required to do this within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to visit your local citizen’s office or town hall to obtain the driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The fee varies depending on the local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign driver's license for an German driver's license without tests if you're an EU member EU, or a country with a reciprocal arrangement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. This process, however, can take between two and six months and could require you to attend additional driving classes.
The first step is to register your address with the local authorities in Germany. This is a necessary step for anyone wanting to drive in the country. You'll require a passport as well as proof of residence to complete this procedure. You could be asked to provide a certificate attesting your good health or eyesight.
After you've registered your address, the next step is obtaining your driving license. Based on where you're from you'll either have to pass a theoretical test or a practical exam. In some instances you'll also need to pass a medical exam and provide a notarized translation of your foreign driving licence.
Both tests are conducted by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a written test, while the practical is an on-road road test. It usually lasts around 45 minutes and you'll be informed immediately afterward if you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcyclist you'll need to pass an additional theory and practical test. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle, as well as all the necessary equipment, such a helmet, jackets, gloves and pants. 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 able 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 have a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state it will automatically be valid in Germany. You need to renew your driving license in the country which issued it. Alternately, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This procedure is free of charge and typically completed within four weeks. You will need to present your original driving license, a written statement or report of the theft or loss of it, a form of identification, and a passport-sized photo.
The process of transferring your driver's license to Germany is contingent on your home country and whether or not it has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany. If your home country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" You can easily change your driving license from abroad for a German driver's licence. However, you'll have to take a theoretical and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Some states have reciprocity with Germany however, other states do not. In the case of states that are not reciprocal, you will be required to complete an extensive process to get an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. To avoid this, it is best to start the process before your current driving license expires.
You'll also have to pass the written test and a medical examination. It is recommended that you enroll in driving lessons at an Fahrschule to prepare for the test. Many drivers also choose to have an instructor with them during the road test.
Once you've passed the theory and practical exams and pass the practical exams, your new German license will be ready to take possession within a few weeks. You will then be able to drive safely in Germany! Make sure that you keep your car insured, too. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. The insurance will guard you against 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.