How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country, your driving licence is valid in Germany. However, you have to exchange it to a German licence within six months of moving into 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
Getting the German EU driving license can be expensive. Not only do you have to pay for your lessons, but you also need an excellent vehicle and other safety equipment. These can cost a lot of money. Additionally, you will need to pay for documents and translations. Based on the type of licence you need, you may also need to take more classes in theory. In all, getting an driver's license could cost you about 4,000 euros.
kann man den führerschein kaufen of a German driving license is expensive, but it's worth it. If you're looking to learn how to drive for a reasonable price, consider a Berlin private driving school. They offer flexible schedules and employ experienced instructors. They also teach you how to pass your test and become a qualified driving instructor.
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can swap it out for one from a German one after six months of living in Germany. You must, however, surrender your previous license and pass a written and practical exam. If you're a motorcyclist, you'll require a new 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 can take about four weeks. To speed up the process you should schedule an appointment.
Local driving license offices are usually located in a citizen bureau or county courthouses (Landratsamt). It is important to schedule an appointment before your foreign license expires.
You will need to bring your license and a recent passport photo. Then, you will be informed as soon as the new license is available to pick up. Depending on your location this could happen as early as two weeks after making an appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also needed. You can also apply for the new license online through the Automobile Club ADAC. It's cheaper to order online than visit the authority responsible for driving licences in person.
Requirements
It is important to be aware that your current driving license may not work in Germany. You may have to change it to an German license depending on the country you're from and how long your have lived in Germany. This is because various countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. If you're from Australia for instance you'll enjoy full reciprocity. If you are from the US you will have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driving license in Germany you must satisfy certain requirements. This includes passing a medical test and a practical test and a theory exam. If you are unsure whether you're in compliance, you should visit your local driving academy and talk with the instructor. Ask about the preparation costs and the time it takes to prepare for the test.
To apply for a driver's license in Germany make contact with your local driving licensing office. This is usually a part of the city hall or town government. You must provide evidence of your identity and a photo. A fee is charged, that varies based on the location.
After you've completed your application process, you can take a theoretical test and a practical driving test. After passing these tests, you'll receive your driving license via mail. It's recommended to learn how driving before you move to a new country if you're new to the country. This will help you save money and prevent the hassle of transferring a driving license.
If you're a non-EU citizen you can exchange your license to one 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. This must be done within six months of your arrival in Germany. You'll have to visit the office for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) at the office of your local citizen or town hall. The cost varies based on the local authority.
Time
You can exchange your foreign licence to the German driver's licence without any examinations if you're a member of the EU or a country that has a reciprocal agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. This process could take up to six months and may need additional driving lessons.
The first step is to register your address with local authorities in Germany. This is a necessary step for anyone who wants to drive within Germany. You'll need a passport as well as proof of residency to complete this process. You might be asked to submit certificates attesting your health and eyesight.
After you've registered your address, it's time to obtain your driving licence. Depending on the country you're from, either have to pass the theory test or practical exam. In certain cases you'll also need to pass a medical test and provide a notarised translation of your driving license.
The Fahrschule, also known as the driving school, administers both tests. The theory test is a test that is written, while the practical test is an on-road test. It normally lasts about 45 minutes and you'll know directly afterward whether you passed or failed.
If you're a rider you'll need to pass a separate practical and theory test. You'll also need to buy the motorcycle and all the associated equipment, including the helmet or jacket, gloves, and trousers. Some driving schools provide these items for rent, but it's generally cheaper to buy them yourself.
Once you've passed your theory and practical tests, it's time to wait for your German driver's license to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, you can use your temporary driving permit to legally drive in Germany until you receive your German licence.
Reciprocity

If you possess an official driving license issued by a member state of the EU it will automatically be valid in Germany. You will need to renew your driving licence in the country that issued it. Alternately, you can ask your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This process usually happens within four to five months and is completely free. You must provide your original driving license, a copy of the report or statement of loss or theft along with a form or ID, and a passport sized photograph.
The process to transfer your license to Germany depends on whether or not your home country has a reciprocity deal with Germany. If your home country appears on Germany's "Annex 11", you can easily change your driving license from abroad to a German driver's licence. However, you'll have to take a theoretical and practical test to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany, but others do not. For states that are not reciprocal, you will need to complete an extensive process to get a driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are a few of them. To avoid this, it is best to start the process before your existing driving license expires.
You'll also have to pass the written test as well as medical exam. It is recommended that you take driving lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare for the tests. Many drivers prefer to have an instructor driving with them on the road test.
In just a few weeks, after you've completed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be available to collect. Then, you can drive with confidence on the roads of Germany! Be sure to ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. You can find low-cost vehicle insurance policies at Allianz Direct. The insurance will protect you from damage caused by other drivers or accidents you might have caused. You can tailor your insurance policy by adding extra features such as personal accident coverage and roadside assistance.