How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a resident of a country within the EU or EEA your driving license is valid in Germany. You have to exchange your driving license for a German one within six months after moving to Germany.
To complete this process, you need to go to a Burgeramt to register your address. The cost is between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
It can be costly to obtain an German EU driver's license. Not only do you have to pay for your lessons as well as an excellent vehicle and other safety equipment. These can cost thousands of Euros. Additionally, you will need to pay for documents and translations. Depending on the type of licence you need, you may be required to attend additional theory courses. Total, getting an driving license can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The cost of obtaining a German driving license is expensive, but the investment is worth it. If you want to learn to drive for a reasonable price look into a Berlin private driving school. These schools offer flexible hours and employ experienced instructors. They will also show you how to pass your test and become a qualified driving instructor.
After six months of living in Germany, you can exchange your license to one with a German licence if you hold an EU/EEA country. However, führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen must take off your old license and take a theoretical and practical test. Motorcyclists also have to get a new motorcycle licence.
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 about four weeks. To speed up the process, you should schedule an appointment.
The local authority for driving licences is usually part of a citizen's bureau, or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It is important to schedule an appointment prior to when your foreign license expires.
You will need to bring your license along with an updated passport photo. Then, you will be informed when the new license is available for pickup. Based on the location you live in it could be up to two weeks after you have made an appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. You can also apply for the new licence online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's less expensive than visiting 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 might not be valid in the country. You may have to swap it to one that is a German one depending on where you are from and the length of time you've lived here. 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 have only partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving licence in Germany, you must pass a number of requirements. This includes passing a medical test, a practical test, and a test of theory. If you're unsure if you're meeting the requirements it's a good idea 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.
To apply for a driving licence in Germany make contact with the local office for driving licenses. This usually falls under the town hall or city hall. You'll need to present evidence of your identity and a photo. There's also a cost to pay, which varies in accordance with the location.
After you've completed the application process, you'll then take a theory test and a driving test. After passing these tests, your driver's license will be sent to you. It's recommended to learn how to drive prior to moving to a different country if new to the country. This will save you money and avoid the hassle of transferring your driving license.
If you are a non-European you may swap your license for a German one when you were issued the license in an EU/EEA member country or a country that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll need to go to the local office of your citizen or townhall to obtain a driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country with an agreement of reciprocity with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), you can sometimes swap your driver's licence from another country to one that is a German one without taking any tests. This process can take as long as six months and may need additional driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to register with local authorities your address. This is a must for anyone who wishes to drive within Germany. You'll need a passport along with proof of residency to complete this process. You could be required to provide certificates that prove your health or eyesight.
Once you've registered your address, it's time to get your driving licence. Depending on the country you're from, you'll be required to pass the theory test or practical exam. In some instances you'll also have to pass a medical examination and submit a notarized translation of your foreign driving license.
Both tests are administered by the Fahrschule, or driving school. The theory test is a paper and the practical is a road test on the road. The test usually lasts for 45 minutes, and you will be informed right away if you passed or not.
If you're a rider, you'll have to take a separate practical and theory test. You'll also need to purchase a motorbike, along with the required equipment, like the helmet, jackets, gloves, and trousers. You can lease these items from certain driving schools, but it's typically cheaper to buy them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practice tests, you must wait until your German driving licence arrives in the mail. In the meantime, you'll be able to use your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you get your German licence.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state it will automatically be valid in Germany. However, you need to renew it in the country from which it was issued. You can also 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 will need to present your original driving license, a copy of the report or a statement regarding its loss or theft and a form or identity, and a passport sized photograph.
The process of transferring your license to Germany is dependent on whether your home country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your country of residence is on Germany's "Annex 11" list, you can exchange your foreign driver's license for one German one quite easily. However, you'll need to take a theoretical and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany however, other states do not. In the case of non-reciprocal states, you'll be required to complete a lengthy process to obtain an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are just a few. It is recommended to begin the process prior to expiring your current driver's license.
In addition to the driving test, you will need to pass a written examination and a medical check. To prepare for the exams it is recommended that driving lessons are taken at a Fahrschule. Many drivers opt to have an instructor accompany them on their road test.
In just a few weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be ready for collection. You can then drive safely in Germany! Make sure your car is secure. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance covers you from damage caused by other drivers or accidents that you could have caused. You can also tailor your policy with a variety of add-ons, including roadside assistance and personal accidents.