Hey, gang!
I was wondering if any of you had advice on what the easiest and most cost-effective way to get a German Driver's License is? I'm a US Citizen here on a Work Visa and have been here since April. Anything I should know? Anything I should know to avoid? Thanks!
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Best ways to get a German driver's license
Advice for non-military U.S. citizens
Avoid driving on your US license after September, because you can only do so for six months max.
What state are you from? You have a roughly 50-50 shot of getting one just by showing up and showing it to the licencing authorities.
If you want to keep your US one, just ask them and they'll usually let you.
I think I've just summarized c. 100 pages of other posts on this.
What state are you from? You have a roughly 50-50 shot of getting one just by showing up and showing it to the licencing authorities.
If you want to keep your US one, just ask them and they'll usually let you.
I think I've just summarized c. 100 pages of other posts on this.
Expacticus was nice to you for sure! But it's right. First thing, where is your license from? If you're lucky, it's a 1:1 to exchange, partially lucky, then a half-exchange (like me, I only had to do theoretical exam), or you're an SOL, you will have to do the whole thing all over again.
Synfoola doesn't say that he has a U.S. driver's license. He might have no license at all and a transfer wouldn't be applicable here.
If he's a 33-year-old american without a valid driver's license, then that'd probably make him just about the only one on earth.
He's clearly been driving to a gym of some sort
He's clearly been driving to a gym of some sort
Well his profile says home state is maryland, so there might be just a wee, slim chance that's where his license is from.
LOL Thanks for all the info, gang. And yes, I've had a Maryland License forever.
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but Maryland does not have any reciprocity ... you have to take both a written and practical test.
This is so stupid. Why isn't CA a full reciprocity state?
How much is a new license, test and all? 1200 Euro?
How much is a new license, test and all? 1200 Euro?
QUOTE (slo007 @ Aug 20 2008, 6:18 pm) 
How much is a new license, test and all? 1200 Euro?
You'd be lucky. If you have to take full set driving lessons plus theory plus test you will be lucky to get away with under 2000 Euro.
But if you don't need the full driving lessons (e.g. you already know how to drive), and therefore only need the required 14 mandatory practical lessons (night, autobahn, etc.) - it'll should be ~1,400; assuming you pass on the first test.
You can also prepare for the test by searching for info on the internet or any other material (or if you have experience driving for the first 6 months). No need to take theory classes. Once you pass the test, you can take a couple of practical driving classes (which is useful coz those examiners want you to drive in their style and the driving school folks help you in giving those tips) and then take the practical test. That would make the total to be something around 400 to 600 Euros (For conversion).
QUOTE (slo007 @ Aug 20 2008, 6:18 pm)
This is so stupid. Why isn't CA a full reciprocity state?
I've received conflicting inputs on this:
1. One theory is that the full-reciprocity criteria had something to do with where most US military personnel historically came from. This doesn't appear to hold much water.
2. Note the big states (CA, NY, NJ) are not on the list, but other little ones are. This is either because of accident statistics or (conspiracy theory) they figure these are big immigrant states with lower standards. [Please don't shoot the messenger ... I actually heard this firsthand].
3. German precision was truly applied, and they actually sent people over to obtain drivers licenses in each state and evaluated which were easy and which were tough.
I have absolutely no idea ... other than to note that people from every state assume that out-of-state drivers are worse; "why is it that everyone driving in front of you is an idiot, and everyone behind you is a maniac?" -- George Carlin.
N.b. The US chamber of commerce is fighting to have all US state licenses recognized with full reciprocity.
I gotta tell ya...2000 Euro just to do something I already know how to do? Things like this make me wanna pack up and head back to the land of stores that don't close at 6PM. LOL
Hopefully I can find a way around this. Wish me lots of luck, gang!
Hopefully I can find a way around this. Wish me lots of luck, gang!
QUOTE (Expaticus @ Aug 20 2008, 7:18 pm)
I've received conflicting inputs on this:
No conflict at all, the answer is that each and every state has to make the deal with Germany. Many states don't want to because it means less money from the Germans moving there. Simple.
QUOTE (Synfoola @ Aug 22 2008, 1:01 am)
Hopefully I can find a way around this. Wish me lots of luck, gang!
Move to Thuringen.
AmCham. on US DLs You can extend the time to one year.
Looks like more states of Germany are making things easier.
QUOTE
Simplified Procedures for the Conversion of US-Driver’s Licenses in five German states
The five German states of Hamburg, Hesse, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein have departed from the principle of reciprocity and have introduced new regulations, permitting an unbureaucratic conversion of US driver’s licenses. American citizens, regardless of which US state they are from, can now apply for the automatic conversion of their US driver’s license into a German driver’s license if they meet certain conditions. Applicants are exempt from having to take any theoretical test and practical exam. A deadline of three years beginning with the establishment of residence in Germany applies for the conversion.
Hamburg
Entry into force: February 2003
Requirements: Applicants must
* live and work in the state of Hamburg for a limited period (not defined);
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not have a negative driving record.
Hesse
Entry into force: June 13, 2005
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Hesse;
* work at an American company or have their own business in Hesse;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
Saxony-Anhalt
Entry into force: September 8, 2005
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Saxony-Anhalt;
* work or have their own business in Saxony-Anhalt;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
The new regulation in Saxony-Anhalt equally applies to spouses and partners living in the same household, even if they do not work in Saxony-Anhalt, as long as they meet the remaining conditions.
Schleswig-Holstein
Entry into force: January 16, 2006
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Schleswig-Holstein;
* work at an American company or have their own business in Schleswig-Holstein;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not have previously failed any practical driving exam in Germany;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
Saarland
Entry into force: April, 2006
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in Saarland;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* work at a company with headquarter or subsidiary in Saarland;
* not have caused any accident in Germany for at least six months;
* not be registered with more than seven points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg;
* have comparable traffic conditions in their home state.
The five German states of Hamburg, Hesse, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein have departed from the principle of reciprocity and have introduced new regulations, permitting an unbureaucratic conversion of US driver’s licenses. American citizens, regardless of which US state they are from, can now apply for the automatic conversion of their US driver’s license into a German driver’s license if they meet certain conditions. Applicants are exempt from having to take any theoretical test and practical exam. A deadline of three years beginning with the establishment of residence in Germany applies for the conversion.
Hamburg
Entry into force: February 2003
Requirements: Applicants must
* live and work in the state of Hamburg for a limited period (not defined);
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not have a negative driving record.
Hesse
Entry into force: June 13, 2005
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Hesse;
* work at an American company or have their own business in Hesse;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
Saxony-Anhalt
Entry into force: September 8, 2005
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Saxony-Anhalt;
* work or have their own business in Saxony-Anhalt;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
The new regulation in Saxony-Anhalt equally applies to spouses and partners living in the same household, even if they do not work in Saxony-Anhalt, as long as they meet the remaining conditions.
Schleswig-Holstein
Entry into force: January 16, 2006
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in the state of Schleswig-Holstein;
* work at an American company or have their own business in Schleswig-Holstein;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* not have previously failed any practical driving exam in Germany;
* not be registered with points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg for having seriously violated any traffic rule (such as having passed a red light);
* not have caused any accident in Germany.
Saarland
Entry into force: April, 2006
Requirements: Applicants must
* live in Saarland;
* have held their license for at least five years;
* work at a company with headquarter or subsidiary in Saarland;
* not have caused any accident in Germany for at least six months;
* not be registered with more than seven points at the Verkehrszentralregister in Flensburg;
* have comparable traffic conditions in their home state.
QUOTE (fRe4k @ Aug 20 2008, 7:11 pm)
You can also prepare for the test by searching for info on the internet or any other material (or if you have experience driving for the first 6 months). No need to take theory classes. Once you pass the test, you can take a couple of practical driving classes (which is useful coz those examiners want you to drive in their style and the driving school folks help you in giving those tips) and then take the practical test. That would make the total to be something around 400 to 600 Euros (For conversion).
Feel free to correct me someone, since I was able to do a straight swap and my info is second-hand.
People who must take both the theory and practical test must first complete a certain number of hours of theory and practical lesson time, plus a first aid course. Afaik you cannot take the practical test unless you have been approved for it by a driving instructor. If the driving instructer believes that you aren't ready for it, then he won't sign you up for the final test. Unscrupulous driving schools can get a few extra hours' worth of fees by insisting a student needs a few more hours of instruction. So shop around and buyer beware.
QUOTE
People who must take both the theory and practical test must first complete a certain number of hours of theory and practical lesson time, plus a first aid course. Afaik you cannot take the practical test unless you have been approved for it by a driving instructor. If the driving instructer believes that you aren't ready for it, then he won't sign you up for the final test. Unscrupulous driving schools can get a few extra hours' worth of fees by insisting a student needs a few more hours of instruction. So shop around and buyer beware.
Not really. I didn't take any theory classes. Just read some stuff, took the theory test and passed it without any mistakes. After that, I took a couple of driving lessons (3), took the practical test and got my 'converted' license. After all this stuff, it costed me something around 500/600 Euros (including the base price for the driving school, tests, etc).
QUOTE (eurovol @ Aug 22 2008, 1:15 am)
No conflict at all, the answer is that each and every state has to make the deal with Germany. Many states don't want to because it means less money from the Germans moving there. Simple.
Let's say I'm a German moving to the US. a) If the state has reciprocity, I walk into the local DMV, surrender my German license and pay for that state's license in full. b) If the state doesn't have reciprocity, then I have to act like I'm 15 1/2 and start from scratch, get a learners' permit, take the written and road test and pay all the licensing fees a native resident would.
It appears to me as though the difference in DMV revenues between the a and b is c. $5 for the learner's permit. There's miniscule impact of the local economy (one has to obtain a doctor's note, but there's no real need to go to a driving school or anything ... especially if you paid €5,000 to learn to drive in Germany :))
But if I were a rational German, there'd be now way I'd ever surrender a lifetime driving license given how relatively easy it is to obtain any state's driver's license from scratch. My wife did exactly that in New York State. Therefore, there's likely no revenue differential whatsoever.
What am I missing?
Synfoola - when did you arrive in Germany. And most importantly, have you officially registered? (Angemeldet).
If not, you can go back to a US state which does have reciprocity, get that driver's license and then you can have it converted into a German license. This must all be done before you officially register here in GY.
If not, you can go back to a US state which does have reciprocity, get that driver's license and then you can have it converted into a German license. This must all be done before you officially register here in GY.
Wow, this topic took off! Thanks for all the helpful info, gang.
I'm on a work visa and registered...er...Kleinenhunteneimer or something like that (Small Business) so I'm not sure how that affects my Driver's License status.
I'm on a work visa and registered...er...Kleinenhunteneimer or something like that (Small Business) so I'm not sure how that affects my Driver's License status.
QUOTE (fRe4k @ Aug 22 2008, 11:42 am)
Not really. I didn't take any theory classes. Just read some stuff, took the theory test and passed it without any mistakes. After that, I took a couple of driving lessons (3), took the practical test and got my 'converted' license. After all this stuff, it costed me something around 500/600 Euros (including the base price for the driving school, tests, etc).
That really depends on what your driving teacher reported back on you. There are a number of schools that don't exactly conform to the letter of the law all that much, and just report "yes, has taken the mandatory lessons full-stop". Same schools usually have a relatively high failure rate on the theoretical test too btw.
Usually at least the mandatory number of theoretical lessons are included in the base price - at 500-600 total for 3 driving lessons and no theoretical lessons, they did make some good money on this too.
Will Hamburg exchange a US license for a German one for a retiree?
Did it ever occur to anyone that there is a conflict of interest with the driving schools giving the driver's license exam, which is legitimately a function of the government? Perhaps this is why 26% of Americans who take the German driver's test fail. Most of these people are experienced drivers and have had their licenses for several years; they are not new drivers.
Did it ever occur to anyone that there is a conflict of interest with the driving schools giving the driver's license exam, which is legitimately a function of the government? Perhaps this is why 26% of Americans who take the German driver's test fail. Most of these people are experienced drivers and have had their licenses for several years; they are not new drivers.
QUOTE (Bumpy @ Aug 22 2008, 12:11 pm)
Synfoola - when did you arrive in Germany. And most importantly, have you officially registered? (Angemeldet).
If not, you can go back to a US state which does have reciprocity, get that driver's license and then you can have it converted into a German license. This must all be done before you officially register here in GY.
If not, you can go back to a US state which does have reciprocity, get that driver's license and then you can have it converted into a German license. This must all be done before you officially register here in GY.
I just found out that this only works once you have kept your new license for two years, though this probably depends on which state in Germany you live in. I had a colleague who went back to the states (she's from California) and then had a family member say she lived in Arizona so she got an Arizona license only to come back and be denied a German one. Now she's gotta keep the AZ one for another two years.
QUOTE (Synfoola @ Aug 23 2008, 10:04 am)
Wow, this topic took off! Thanks for all the helpful info, gang.
I'm on a work visa and registered...er...Kleinenhunteneimer or something like that (Small Business) so I'm not sure how that affects my Driver's License status.
I'm on a work visa and registered...er...Kleinenhunteneimer or something like that (Small Business) so I'm not sure how that affects my Driver's License status.
If your company is an American company, you may be able to exchange it without problems in some German states. You may want to look into this a bit more!
Good luck!
QUOTE (whatsjenupto @ Sep 6 2008, 11:40 pm)
I just found out that this only works once you have kept your new license for two years, though this probably depends on which state in Germany you live in. I had a colleague who went back to the states (she's from California) and then had a family member say she lived in Arizona so she got an Arizona license only to come back and be denied a German one. Now she's gotta keep the AZ one for another two years.
FYI, I just did exactly the same thing and had no problem whatsoever here in NRW.
I'm from California and learned AFTER arriving that my license would not convert. I made some inquiries and discovered Arizona has a full license exchange agreement.
Luckily I have family in Phoenix and so I was able to get an AZ license on my last trip back in July.
I was afraid because of multiple reports I have read here on Toytown of people getting rejected because of this so called 2 year requirement but decided to try anyways.
After returning to Germany, we had the ADAC translate the license as required which took 2 weeks. Then we went over to the Fuhrscheinstelle.
There the administrator simply looked in a book and confirmed AZ was on the list of states with full exchange agreements. The only question I was asked was what year I started driving since the license was 2 months old. I told here the new license was just renewed and that I have been driving for 20+ years. My German wife made the calls and did all of the talking at the Fuhrscheinstelle and after 10 mins I had my temp Fuhrschein and 7 days later the permanent one came. They kept the AZ license (good riddance)
It was really no problem at all. The worst part was having to drive from LA to Phoenix and back in 1 day.
I am sure there are many possible reasons to be rejected by the almighty officials at the Fuhrscheinstelle and I have read some real horror stories. I can definitely say, it is better to let your native German-speaking spouse/gf/bf/whatever, do ALL of the important talking for you. YOU must do everything in your power NOT to appear to be the smug, presumptive, arrogant typical American that many natives perceive us to be or you will surely be rejected on any number of technicalities.
I suppose it is more of an issue in big cities where the officials may be more aware of this loophole/workaround.
So I recommend you go to an office like ours out in the sticks. I'm positive I'm the first American this official ever saw in person and the 1st time she ever had to perform a license exchange.
QUOTE (Expaticus @ Aug 22 2008, 11:55 am)
But if I were a rational German, there'd be now way I'd ever surrender a lifetime driving license given how relatively easy it is to obtain any state's driver's license from scratch. My wife did exactly that in New York State. Therefore, there's likely no revenue differential whatsoever.
What am I missing?
What am I missing?
I never had to surrender mine. In Kansas I was able to get a KS license just by showing my German one but I got to keep the German one as well.
I only spent the first two weeks in KS, then I moved to OK and exchanged the KS license for a OK license. Oklahoma doesn't have an agreement with Germany but I didn't have to take any tests because it was the KS license I swapped for the OK one, not the German license.
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