How to Buy a German EU Driving License
If you're a citizen of an EU or EEA country your driving license is valid in Germany. However, you need to exchange it for the German license within six months of moving to the country.
You need to sign up your address at the Burgeramt. The cost is between EUR43 and 73 euros.
Cost
The process of getting the German EU driving license can be costly. Not only do you have to pay for your driving lessons as well as a high-quality vehicle and other safety equipment. These items could cost thousands of euros. Additionally, you will need to pay for the necessary paperwork and translations. Depending on the type of licence you require, you may be required to attend additional theory courses. In all, getting the driver's license can cost you around 4,000 euros.
The purchase of the German driving license can be expensive but it's well worth the investment. If you're looking to learn how to drive at a reasonable price look into a Berlin private driving school. These schools have flexible schedules, and they employ professional instructors. They will also teach you how to pass your driving test and become a qualified driving instructor.
After six months of living in Germany, you can exchange your license for one with a German license if you have an EU/EEA country. But, you have to surrender your previous licence and take a theoretical and practical test. Motorcyclists must also get a new motorcycle licence.
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 usually takes about four weeks. It is best to make an appointment to accelerate the process.
Local driving license authorities are often located in the county courthouse or a citizen bureau (Landratsamt). It's important to make an appointment prior to when your license expires.
You will need to bring your licence and an updated passport photo. You will be notified as soon as the new license is ready to pick up. Depending on where you reside it could take up to two weeks after your appointment. A fee of about 24 euros is also needed. You can also order the new license online through 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 permit may not be valid in the country. It may be necessary to exchange it for one that is a German license, based on where you're from and the length of time you've been in Germany. This is because different countries have different levels of reciprocity with Germany. For instance, if you are from Australia you'll enjoy full reciprocity. If you're from the US you will only have partial or no reciprocity.
Before you can apply for a driver's license in Germany you must satisfy a number of requirements. These include completing an exam in theory, taking a practical test and passing a medical test. If you're not sure if you're in compliance then you should visit your local driving academy and talk to the instructor. Ask about the cost of preparation and the time needed to prepare for the test.
Contact your local driving license office to apply for a German driving license. This usually falls under the town hall or city hall. You'll need to present proof of identity and a photograph. There is also a fee to pay, and it varies according to the location.
Once you've completed the application process, you'll then take a theory test and a driving test. Once you've passed these tests, you'll get your driving license in the mail. If you're a newcomer to the country, it's best to start learning to drive prior to moving to the United States. This will help you save money and eliminate the hassle of transferring a driving license.
If you're a foreign national, you can exchange your existing license for one German one if it was issued in one of the EU/EEA member states or in one of the countries that has signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. This must be done within six months of arriving in Germany. You will need to visit your local citizen’s office or town hall to obtain an driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The fee varies depending on the local authority.
Time
If you're a citizen of the EU or a country with an exclusive reciprocal agreement with Germany (and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), you may be able to exchange your foreign driver's license to a German one without having to take any exams. The process can take as long as six months and may require additional driving lessons.
In Germany, the first step is to register with authorities in your area with your address. This is a necessary step for anyone wanting to drive within Germany. In order to complete this process you'll need your passport along with proof of residency. You might also be required to present certificates attesting your eye health and good health.
Once you've registered your address, it's time to obtain your driving licence. Depending on your origin you'll need to pass a theory test or a test in the practical. In some cases you may also be required to pass an examination in the medical field and submit an official translation of your foreign licence notarized.
The Fahrschule, the driving school, conducts both tests. The theory test is a written test and the practical is an on-road road test. The test usually takes 45 minutes. You will be informed within minutes whether you passed or failed.
You'll need to pass a separate theory and practical test if you are a driver on a motorcycle. You'll also require the motorcycle and all the associated equipment, including a helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. You can lease these items from some driving schools, but it's typically cheaper to purchase them yourself.
After you have passed the theory and practical tests, you must wait until your German driving license arrives in the post. In the meantime, you'll be able to take advantage of 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 automatically be valid in Germany. You must renew your license in the country which issued it. Alternatively, you can request your local driving licence authority to transfer it to Germany. This procedure is free of charge and can usually be completed in four weeks. You will need to present your original driving license, a copy of the report or a statement regarding its theft or loss along with a form or ID and a passport-sized photograph.
The process of transferring your license to Germany depends on whether or not your home country has a reciprocity deal with Germany. If your home country is on Germany's "Annex 11" list you can exchange your foreign driver's licence for a German one fairly quickly. However, you will need to take a theoretical and practical exam in order to pass the German driving test.
Certain states have reciprocity with Germany however, others do not. In the case of states that are not reciprocal, you will be required to complete an extensive process to obtain the driving license. New York, California and Wisconsin are some of them. To avoid this, it's recommended to begin the process before your current driving license expires.
You'll also have to pass the written test and medical exam. It is recommended to enroll in driving lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare for the test. Many drivers choose to have an instructor accompany them on their road test.
In a few short weeks, after you've passed the theory and practical tests, your new German driving license will be available to collect. You'll be able to drive legally in Germany! Make sure you ensure that your vehicle is insured, too. eu-führerschein kaufen can find affordable car insurance policies at Allianz Direct. This insurance will safeguard you against damages caused by other drivers, or accidents you cause. You can customize your insurance policy by adding extra features such as personal accident insurance and roadside assistance.