How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you are a resident of a country in the EU or EEA your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you have to exchange it to a German license within six months after moving to the country.
You must register your address at the Burgeramt. The cost is between EUR43 and 73 euros.
Cost
Getting an German EU driving license can be costly. You will need to pay for not just your lessons, but also an automobile of high-quality and safety equipment. The price of these items could add up to thousands of euros. You'll also have to pay for the necessary paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of license you require, you might be required to attend additional classes in theory. In total, obtaining a driver's licence can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The cost of a German driving licence is high however the investment is worth it. If you're looking to learn to drive at a reasonable price look into the possibility of attending a Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible schedules and have professional instructors. They also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a certified driving instructor.
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out for a German one after six months of living in Germany. However, you have to give up your previous licence and pass a written and practical test. If you're a motorcyclist you will need to get an updated motorcycle licence as well.
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 typically takes between four and six weeks. To speed up the process you must make an appointment.
Local driving license authorities are typically located in a county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). Set up an appointment when your driving license for foreign drivers expires.
You will be required to bring both your license and a recent passport photo. Then, you will be informed when the new license is ready to take home. Depending on where you live it could be as early as two weeks after you make an appointment. A fee of approximately 24 euros is also required. You can also purchase the new licence online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It'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 might not be valid in the country. You may need to exchange it for a German license depending on where you're from as well as how long you've lived in Germany. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. For example, if you come from Australia you'll enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US you will only have a partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driver's license in Germany, you must pass certain requirements. These include completing an exam in theory, taking an exam in the practical area and passing a medical examination. If you're not sure whether you meet these requirements, it's an excellent idea to go to your local driving school and talk with the instructor. It is also advisable to inquire about the cost of preparing for the test and the amount of time you'll need to spend on preparation.
Contact your local driving license office to apply for a German driving licence. This is usually part of the city or town hall. You'll need to present evidence of your identity and a photograph. A fee is charged, which varies according to the location.
After you've completed the application, you'll be allowed to take a theory and practical driving test. After having passed these tests, your driving license will be sent to you. If you're a newcomer in the country, it's recommended to learn to drive prior to moving to this country. This will save you money and ease the burden of transferring your driving licence.
If you're a non-EU citizen you can exchange your existing license for one that is a German one if it was issued in an EU/EEA member state, or in one of the countries that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. eu führerschein kaufen is required to do this within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll have to visit the driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at the local office of your citizen or town hall. There's a fee you must pay, which varies by local authority.
Time
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country that has an agreement of reciprocity with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), you may be able to exchange your foreign driver's license to one German one without having to take any exams. The process can take between two and six months, and could require you to attend additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with local authorities in Germany. This is a necessary step for anyone wanting to drive in Germany. You'll need a passport and proof of residency to complete this process. You may also be required to submit certificates attesting to your good health and eyesight.
Once you've registered your address, it's time for you to get your driving licence. Based on the country of origin, you will either need to pass a test of theory or a practical test. In certain instances, you might be required to pass a medical examination and provide an official translation of your passport notarised.
The Fahrschule, also known as the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written exam and the practical test is an on-road test. It typically lasts 45 minutes and you'll know directly afterward whether you passed or failed.
If you're a motorcycle rider you'll need to pass the practical and theory test. You'll also require a motorcycle and all of the equipment that goes with it, such as the helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. You can rent these items from certain driving schools, but it's typically cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After 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 to use your temporary driving permit to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German licence.
Reciprocity
If you already possess a valid driver's 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. Alternatively, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. The process usually takes within four to five weeks and is absolutely free. You will need to provide your original driving license, a copy of the report or statement about its loss or theft, a form or identification and a passport-sized photo.
The process of transferring your licence to Germany depends on the country you reside in and whether 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 license. However, you'll need to pass a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity agreements with Germany while others do not. If you live in a state that does not reciprocate, you'll need to go through a lengthy process to obtain a license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. It is best to begin the process before expiring your current driving license.
In addition to the driving test, you'll have to pass a written test and a medical check. It is recommended that you enroll in driving lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare for the test. Many drivers also opt to have an instructor driving with them during the road test.
In just a few weeks, once you have completed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be available to collect. After that, you'll be able to drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Keep your vehicle insured. Allianz Direct offers affordable vehicle insurance. This insurance will safeguard you from damage caused by other drivers, or accidents you cause. You can also personalize your insurance policy by adding a range of add-ons, including roadside assistance and personal accidents.