How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country, your driving licence is valid in Germany. However, you must exchange it to a German licence within six months of moving into the country.
To complete this process, you need to visit an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost is between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
It can be expensive to obtain an German EU driver's license. Not only do you have to pay for your lessons, but you also need a good quality vehicle and other safety equipment. The cost of these things can add up to thousands of euros. Additionally, you will need to pay for documents and translations. You may also need to attend additional theory courses depending on the type of driver you want. In all, getting a driver's licence can cost you around 4000 euros.
The cost of a German driving license is expensive however the investment is worth it. If kann man den führerschein kaufen looking for an affordable way to learn to drive, check out a private driving school in Berlin. These schools have flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They will also show you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
After six months of residing in Germany You are able to exchange your license for one with a German licence if you hold an EU/EEA nation. However, you must surrender your previous license and pass a theoretical and practical exam. Motorcyclists also have to obtain 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 can take about four weeks. To speed up the process, you must make an appointment.
The local driving license authority is often part of a citizen's office or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It's important to make an appointment before your foreign licence expires.
You must bring both your license and an updated passport photo. Then you will be notified when the new license is ready for take home. Depending on where you reside it could take up to two weeks after your appointment. You'll also need to pay a fee which is typically around 24 euros. You can also purchase the new licence online via the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper to buy online than visiting the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
If you're moving to Germany it is important to be aware that your current driver's license might not be valid in the country. You may need to exchange it for one that is a German license, based on the country you're from and how long you've lived in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you're from Australia for instance you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you are from the US you'll only have partial or no reciprocity.
There are certain requirements to meet before you can apply for a driving license in Germany. This includes passing a medical examination, a practical test, and a test of theory. If you're not sure whether you're able to meet these requirements it's a good idea to visit your local driving school and talk with the instructor. Ask about the preparation costs and the time required to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving license office to apply for a German driving license. It is usually a part of the town hall or city government. You'll need to bring proof of identity and a photo. A fee is charged, which varies according to the location.
After you've completed the application, you will be able to take a theory and practical driving test. After passing these tests, you'll get your license to drive in the mail. If you're a newcomer in the country, it's recommended to begin learning how to drive prior to moving here. This will help you save money and eliminate the hassle of transferring your driving permit.
If you're a national of another country you can exchange your license to 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. This must be completed within six months after your arrival in Germany. You'll need to go to the driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at the local office of your citizen or town hall. There's a fee you must pay, which is different based on the local authority.
Time
If you're a member of the EU or one of the countries that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you may be able to exchange your driver's license from a foreign country for a German one without taking any tests. 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 local authorities in Germany. This is a must for anyone who wishes to drive in the country. You'll require a passport along with proof of residence to complete the process. You might also be required to submit certificates attesting to your eye health and good health.
Once you've registered your address then the next step is to get your driving license. Based on the country of origin you'll need to pass a theoretical test or a test in the practical. In certain cases, you could also be required to pass an examination in the medical field and submit the translation of your license from another country notarised.
The Fahrschule, which is the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a paper and the practical is a road test that takes place on the road. It normally lasts about 45 minutes, and you'll be told directly afterward whether you passed or failed.
You'll have to pass a separate theory and practical test if you are a motorcyclist. You'll also need to buy the motorcycle and all the equipment that goes with it, such as a helmet as well as gloves, jackets, and trousers. Some driving schools offer these items on rent, however it's usually cheaper to purchase them yourself.
Once you've passed your practical and theory tests, you're now able to wait for your German driver's license to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, you'll be able use your temporary driving license to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German license.
Reciprocity
If you already have a valid driving license issued by an EU member state, it will be automatically valid in Germany. However, you have to renew it in the country from which it was issued originally. Alternately, you can ask your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This process is free and can usually be completed in four weeks. You will need to present your original driving license along with a written report on the loss or theft of your licence as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized photograph.
The process to transfer your license to Germany depends on whether or not your home country has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If your country is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to exchange your foreign driving license for a German driver's licence. You will need to take a theory and a practice test to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany, but others do not. In states that do not reciprocate, you'll have to go through a long process to get an authorization. Some of these include New York, California, and Wisconsin. To avoid this, it's best to start the process before your existing driving license expires.
In addition to the driving test, you will be required to pass a written test as well as a medical examination. To prepare for the tests, it is recommended that driving lessons be taken at an Fahrschule. Many drivers opt to have an instructor accompany them during the road test.
After you have passed the theory and practical tests and pass the practical exams, 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! Make sure that your vehicle is insured. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. The insurance will guard you from damages caused by other drivers or by accidents you cause. You can also personalize your insurance policy by adding a range of add-ons, including roadside assistance and personal accidents.