How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you must exchange it for the German license within six months of moving to the country.
To complete this process, you need to go to an Burgeramt to register your address. The cost will range between EUR43-73.
Cost
It can be costly to get a 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. The cost of these things can add up to thousands of euros. Additionally, you will need to pay for the required documents and translations. Based on the type of license you need, you may also need to take more theory courses. In all, getting a driver's licence can cost you about 4,000 euros.
The cost of obtaining a German driving licence is high however it's worth it. If you're looking for an affordable method of learning to drive, consider a private driving school in Berlin. These schools offer flexible schedules and experienced instructors. They also help you pass your exam and become a qualified driver.
If you are a holder of a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can exchange it to one that is a German one after six months of residency in Germany. You must, however, give up your previous licence and pass a theory and practical exam. Motorcyclists will also need to get 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 takes about four weeks. To speed up www.fuehrerscheinn.com must make an appointment.
The local driving license authority is often 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 must bring both your license and a recent passport photo. You will then be notified when the new license is ready for pickup. Depending on your location, this could be up to two weeks after you make an appointment. You will also need to pay a fee, which is typically around 24 euros. Alternately, you can purchase the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper to order online than to visit the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is essential to be aware that your current driving license might not be valid in Germany. You may need to exchange it for one that is a German one based on where you are from and how long you have been in Germany for. Different countries have different levels of reciprocity. For instance, if you originate from Australia and Germany, you'll have full reciprocity. If you are from the US you'll only have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving licence in Germany you must satisfy several requirements. This includes passing a medical examination as well as a practical test and a theory test. If you're unsure if you're in compliance to pass the test, you should go to your local driving school and talk to the instructor. You should also inquire about the cost of preparing for the tests and the amount of time you'll need to prepare.
To apply for a driver's license in Germany make contact with the local office for driving licenses. This is usually a part of the town hall or city government. You must provide evidence of your identity and a photograph. A fee is charged which is based on the location.
After you've submitted your application, you'll be eligible to take a theoretical and practical driving test. Once you've passed these tests, you'll receive your driving license via mail. It is recommended to learn to drive prior to moving to a new country if you're new to the country. This will save you money and eliminate the hassle of transferring your driving licence.
If you are a non-European, you can exchange your license to one German one when you were issued the license in a country that is part of the EU/EEA or a country which has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be completed within six months from the date of your arrival in Germany. You'll have to visit the office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at the local office of your citizen or town hall. The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time is a 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 may be able to swap your driver's licence from another country to one that is a German one without having to take any tests. This process could take up to six months and may need additional driving lessons.
In Germany the first step is to register with the local authorities your address. Anyone who wishes to drive in Germany must take this step. You'll need a valid passport along with proof of residence to complete this procedure. You could be asked to submit certificates attesting your good health or eyesight.
After you've registered your address, it's time to get your driving licence. Based on where you're from, you will either need to pass a theory test or a practical exam. In some instances, you'll also need to pass a medical exam and submit a notarized translation of your driving license.
Both tests are conducted by the Fahrschule or driving school. The theory test is a written exam, while 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 failed.
You'll need to pass a separate theory as well as practical test if your a driver on a motorcycle. You'll also have to purchase a motorcycle, and all the equipment required, including a helmet, jackets, gloves and trousers. You can lease these items from some driving schools, but it's generally cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have completed the theory and practice tests, you must wait until your German driving license is delivered in the mail. In the meantime, you can 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 be automatically valid in Germany. You will need to renew your license in the country that issued it. Alternately, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This is done free of charge and usually completed within four weeks. You will need to present your original driving licence as well as a written report about its loss or theft as well as a form of identification and a passport-sized picture.
The process for transferring your license to Germany is dependent on whether your home country has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany. If your home country is listed in Germany's "Annex 11" list you can swap your driver's license from another country to a German one fairly easily. You will need to pass a theory and a practical test in order to pass your German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity agreements with Germany and some do not. In the case of states that are not reciprocal, you will have to go through an extensive process to get an driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. It is best to begin the process before expiring your current driving license.
You'll also need to pass the written test and a medical examination. It is recommended that you learn to drive at an Fahrschule to prepare for the exams. Many drivers prefer to have an instructor driving with them on the road test.
After you have passed the theory and practical exams after which your new German license will be ready to be picked up within a few weeks. You can then drive safely on the roads of Germany! Keep your vehicle secure. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies at Allianz Direct. The insurance will guard you against damages caused by other drivers or by accidents you cause. You can tailor your policy by adding add-ons like personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.