How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a resident of a nation within the EU or EEA, your driving license is valid in Germany. You must change your driving licence for one in Germany. German one within six months after moving to Germany.
You need to sign up your address at an Burgeramt. It will cost between EUR43 and 73.
Cost
To get an German EU driving license can be costly. You'll have to pay for not only your lessons, but also an automobile of high-quality and safety equipment. These items can cost a lot of money. Additionally, you will need to pay for the required paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of license you need, you may also need to take more theory courses. Total, getting a driving licence 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're looking for a cheap method of learning to drive, check out a driving school for private students in Berlin. These schools offer flexible hours and have professional instructors. They will also show you how to pass your test and become a certified driving instructor.
After six months of residence in Germany You can exchange your license for one with a German licence if you hold a license from an EU/EEA country. However, you'll need to take off your old license and take a theoretical and practical test. If you're a motorcycle rider, you'll need a new 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. You should schedule an appointment to speed up the process.
The local driving license authority is often part of a citizen's bureau or county courthouse (Landratsamt). It's important to make an appointment prior to when your foreign licence expires.
You'll need to bring your license along with a recent passport photograph. Then, you will be informed as soon as the new license is available for pick-up. Depending on where you live it could take up to two weeks following your appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. Alternately, you can purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper than visiting the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is essential to be aware that your current driving license may not be valid in Germany. It may be necessary to change it to a German license, based on where you're from as well as how long you've lived in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. If you're from Australia, for example you'll be able to enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US You will be able to enjoy only partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driver's license in Germany, you must pass certain requirements. These include passing an exam in theory, taking an exam in the practical area and passing a medical examination. If you're not sure if you're in compliance to pass the test, you should go to your local driving academy and speak with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the tests and how long you'll have to devote to preparing.
Contact your local driving licence office to apply for a German driver's license. This is usually part of the town hall or city hall. You'll need evidence of your identity as well as a picture. There is a fee, that varies based on the location.
Once you've completed the application process, you'll take a theoretical test and a driving test. After passing these tests, you'll get your driving license in the mail. If you're new to the country, it's recommended to begin learning how to drive before you move to the United States. This will help you save money and eliminate the hassle of transferring a driving license.
If you're a foreigner you may swap your license for one German one when you were issued the license in an EU/EEA member country or a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months after your arrival in Germany. You'll need to visit your local citizen’s office or townhall to get the driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time is an important factor.
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country that has a special reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) you can sometimes swap your driver's licence from another country to one German one without taking any exams. This process can take up to six months, and may require additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with local authorities in Germany. This is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to drive in Germany. To be able to complete this process, you'll need to provide an identity card and proof of residency. You may be asked to submit certificates attesting your good health or eyesight.
After you've registered your address it's time for you to get your driving licence. Depending on the country you're from, either be required to pass the theory test or practical test. In some cases, you'll also need to pass a medical exam and provide a notarized translation of your driving licence.
The Fahrschule, which is the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written exam and the practical is a road test on the road. It typically lasts 45 minutes and you'll be informed immediately afterward if you passed or failed.
You'll need to pass a separate theory and practical test if you're a driver on a motorcycle. You'll also require a motorcycle and all of the equipment that goes with it, such as an appropriate helmet as well as gloves, jackets, and trousers. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's generally cheaper to buy them yourself.
Once you've passed your practical and theory tests, it's time to wait for your German driver's license to arrive 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 license.
Reciprocity
If you have a valid driving licence issued by a member state of EU the licence is automatically valid in Germany. However, you have to renew it in the country from which it was issued originally. You can also request your local driving license authority to transfer the licence to Germany. This procedure is free and typically completed within four weeks. You will need to present your original driving licence, a written statement or report of its loss or theft as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized photograph.
The procedure of transferring your license to Germany is dependent on the country you reside in and whether or not it has a reciprocity agreement with Germany. If Fuehrerscheinn is listed on Germany's "Annex 11" it is possible to swap your foreign driving licence to a German driver's license. However, you will need to pass a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Some states reciprocate with Germany but others do not. If you live in a state that does not reciprocate, you'll need go through a lengthy process to obtain an authorization. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. To avoid this, it is recommended to start the process before your current driving license expires.
In addition to the driving test, you will be required to pass a written examination as well as a medical examination. It is recommended to enroll in driving lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare for the exams. Many drivers prefer having an instructor accompany them on the road test.
In a few short weeks, once you have completed the theory and practice tests, your brand new German driving license will be ready for collection. Then, you can drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Be sure to keep your car insured, too. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies through Allianz Direct. The insurance will protect you from damages caused by other drivers or accidents that you may have caused. You can customize your policy by adding add-ons such as personal accident coverage and roadside assistance.