How to get a DRIVING LICENSE in GERMANY - A step-by-step guide for Expats

[@guntertv304]

Hey, german from Hesse here, i don't know what it's like in other federal states but here, if you don't have any prior experience you need to take at least 13 practical lessons but most students take more than that. Taking up to 30 lessons isn't something unusual. I live in a rural region where many of my peers came from farms. These kids usually had experience because they drove tractors on their private fields. Those kids usually only took 13-15 lessons. I had a friend who had both her licences for a car (B) and for trailer (BE) in just 2 months. While here i am a year later and I'm about to get mine soon.

[@Pobsta-de7hb]

Currently doing my German Theory lessons, well I have my test for that in a weeks time and most of that is extremely easy and 99% common sense and I think passing that will be very easy, so long as you do not rush as many questions have very tricky answers in that there are easy ones to miss when there are two answers but take your time and that will be easy, I think I will pass this test first time no problem. My driving will then start and this will be every single day with the hope of passing very fast, the problem is the driving test is in German only and so brushing up on German is important. I am hopping to do the needed 14 lessons and then be put in for my test and to obviously pass it but I am also prepared for failing my test or taking a little longer with the actual practical driving lessons and test here. I wish I had a license elsewhere I could simply swap for a German one but I never drove before moving to Germany and so am doing it all here. Luckily very much is similar to the UK with only minor changes and things in regard to signs and how things work. The first aid course was a nightmare lol, all day in German and I did not understand a word lol My German is a little better now. I had no idea this course was available in English lol. Great video, even though I did not need the information in regard to swapping a license for a German one, the video was interesting and had great things to learn that I did not know and it is good because I have many friends I can pass this information on to if they ever need to know it.

[@jossanin]

gosh, this is absolutely overwhelming ...

[@simplegermany]

welcome to German bureaucracy 😅

[@buellterrier3596]

And this is just for the drivers license, imagine all the other stuff.

[@muhammadsazzadhosen3226]

Kuttar gu khai asos

[@fadl999]

The prices here in Ingolstadt in March 2024 are insane compared to the video. the same exact process costs ~1500 euros instead of the ~900 euros in the video.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing! Did you have the same amount of driving lessons? Those are usually the moste expensive.

[@fadl999]

yes, indeed one hour costs 77 euros :(@@simplegermany

[@fadl999]

thank you so much for the video though@@simplegermany

[@mariepaule1753]

​@@simplegermany please I wish to know much did can it take a smart person to pass his driving license. For the theory a part and the practic apart ?

[@mikaenriquez5975]

Thank you. This helped a lot so I have subscribed to your channel. YAAAAY! I have an expired US DL. I had searched for info thru google before and the info I had gotten was confusing. I even tried calling the US Army (they told me they can only help with valid DL) and landratsamt. I can't speak German so talking to the landratsamt was pretty much useless. lol. Now I know where to start!

[@AdarshJayakanthan]

I would like to really thank you for this video for making me get the motivation to go ahead and convert my license here in Germany. While the process is exactly the same, it is a shame that it costs so much! I paid roughly €2.500 for being in relatively smaller city (in-spite of clearing theory and practical in the first attempt). I wonder how anyone and everyone in this country can afford this basic need.

[@simplegermany]

Congrats for nailing both exams!! 😊 How many driving lessons did you have, as these are the major cost?

[@spandana5432]

Thank you so much for explaining in so much detail.

[@austinjennings2309]

For those who may see this and are from Missouri, all we need is to take the theory test, valid Missouri DL, and vision test I believe.

[@rechtrecht]

Very Interesting. I'm german and my instructor told me to not talk to the one doing the test, unless they specifically addressed me. Also no Autobahn because i live in the area that is famed for being the only one without Autobahn Access

[@irinarosca5470]

You explained great all stuff. Thanks a lot!

[@Jamilkhan14]

thanks for the straight forward easy guide.

[@nara7032]

Oh, without Ivonne it feels somewhat empty((( but still very useful!) Thanks

[@shashankkasar1]

Another super cool blog!!

[@tr3m1x]

Thank you so much for all these details, they're definitely helpful. ^-^

[@urgentdrivinglicense]

That's very accurate!

[@rauljgarcia2834]

Best video I found on the topic!

[@FindOutZimbabwe]

well detailed, thank you so much

[@marshal_pro6221]

I appreciate your guidelines very much. Many people are benefiting from your assistance. I would like to know if attending a driving license school in the city you live in is mandatory. I went to many driving schools in Bremen, where I live, and most do not know how to exchange foreign driving license process or are just ignorant. Therefore, if it is okay with you, you can suggest to us an international driving license school that would be very beneficial.

[@bashiralekozai5972]

So helpful videos thank you so much for the information wish you all the best weldone 😍💐

[@mubashirali6323]

Thanks a lot for the information Keep up the good work 👏

[@dineshr93]

We can get back, our home country's driving license but after some time may be 2 or 3 month. Place a Request that you need back the license to drive back in your home country

[@saeidvaygani]

Perfect explanation.

[@dhemakumar1594]

Awesome video! Very informative

[@vinodyoukumar]

Good . Very informative.

[@rajasen9903]

The video is really informative. Just one point, when you are talking about the costs, maybe it's better to mention the year when you took it and also this price differs highly from city to city. I am currently doing the driving license from the beginning in Frankfurt am Main in English and the whole package is 3k-3.5k.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks a lot for your feedback! That sounds a lot like you are doing the full license with all theoretical and practical lessons required. In our written guide, we give more details on our cost example: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/#Cost_example_for_German_driving_license_without_reciprocity 😊

[@angelacriales5985]

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude for you, you have helped me a lot with everything I need to live in Germany. An impeccable work, up to date, clear. You couldn't be better. I have a question: the exam as such, both the theoretical and the practical as well as the final exam with the examiner who grants the license are in German? You say it takes you 6 months, but how much time of your life have all? I don't have much time because of my job, but I don't want my 6 months here to expire (October) and I can't do the short process and I have to do the long one, which I think is more expensive. Another question, can I rent a car during the process, i.e., do they take away my country license until the end or at the beginning? Thank you, greetings...

[@simplegermany]

Yes you can rent a car. We talk about it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2jPiZlops6naq8si=Mb48uoZD3GIZRLoM and there are also driving schools that do express licenses with the whole program in 2 weeks. It’s best if you talk to driving schools in your area to see what’s possible.

[@angelacriales5985]

@@simplegermany and my question about the language? You said some material to study is available in many languages, but te simulations and the final text with the official examiner who actually give you the license ?

[@libGODFATHER]

Nice video but which there was more information on the various types of driving license ... I'm watching this video because I'm interested in getting a automatic driving license

[@simplegermany]

There is no difference between the car license for automatic vs manual, only the car type you learn with is the difference. 😊 Only if you want to drive manual cars afterward, will you need to include manual driving lessons and a manual test drive in your driving school.

[@libGODFATHER]

@@simplegermany thank you so much for your videos can you please do one that talks about the different types of linces and how to get them in Germany 🙏🙏🙏

[@MedRedha93]

Thank you so much 🙏 I love all your videos and actually learn A LOT!! It's such a rare altruism quality you have because I'm almost certain that you went through HELL before actually explaining everything point by point to everyone so for that and all your efforts... Thank you ❤ #BigFan

[@fishman1244]

Thanks for the sharing, very comprehensive! And question comes, why so much more expensive in Dresden? Registration fee is 345 euro, and don't mention others :(

[@vishalv7289]

Very detailed and structured work, thank you for the video!

[@teymurrustamov7146]

Very helpfull channel. Do U have the video advice for property buy? Thanks for this videos.

[@simplegermany]

We have a guide on our website that explains how to buy property in Germany 😊 www.simplegermany.com/buying-a-house-in-germany/

[@teymurrustamov7146]

@@simplegermany Great Thanks Wish U all the Best

[@anitaanita7162]

Excellent review, thank you from the United States 🥳

[@harrieth710]

Thank you very much 🥰🥰💗💗 I need this now 🥰🥰🥰 Keep it up💗🥰🥹🥹

[@mumumar]

Can you Please also guide me about what type of car transmission like (auto or manual) we can use in the test?

[@simplegermany]

If you do your license with an automatic car, you are only allowed to drive automatic cars. If you do you license on a manual car, you can drive all cars (manual and automatic). Hope that helps! 😊

[@gerdpapenburg7050]

I have just watched a report on German-TV that due to the current health situation it may take up to six months to get a TÜV appointment for a practical driving exam.

[@simplegermany]

The waiting period highly depends on the city you are in. A driving school will be able to tell you more precise timeframes, depending on your individual case.

[@nessy1303]

@@simplegermany true

[@thestoryteller12345]

That's how you should make an informative video. Dankeee 🏁🏁🏁

[@emorider6804]

yup.. i had probationary driving license in malaysia.. it don allow to drive with alcohol .. must be 0.00% alcohol in blood to drive with probationary license and must be display the P sticker front an rear car

[@AmeyMogare]

Wow! That was quite elaborate and helpful! Is it absolutely necessary to tell them that you have a driving license in home country? Because my license is over 25 years old and is in very bad condition. And it will expire anyway in next 10 months.

[@simplegermany]

In that case you can also just do a complete new German driving license 😊

[@AmeyMogare]

@@simplegermany thank you! I will stay move to Düsseldorf in May 2022. You had those mandatory theory sessions near ibis hotel (Hbf) in English?

[@simplegermany]

I had the first aid course at the Ibis Hotel in English. I didn’t have to take theoretical classes because I already knew how to drive. I just had to study the online material the driving school gave to me to be able to take the theoretical exam.

[@tantefee3968]

@@AmeyMogare hey, if you don't have a drivers licence of your home country you will have to do the complete set of driving hours ... the whole tthing will definetly cost you then min. 2000 euros ... so apply for the german licence before your old one expires

[@ashikuzzamanabir2171]

Thank you so much for clarifying all the necessary steps. Really helpful and informative video.

[@NN-jp3fs]

Hey Jen, great content! Who did you take the first aid course with? I would appreciate your advice. Thanks!

[@vimbayimatunga4101]

Thank you so much stay blessed

[@mohamedhegab7566]

Thanks a lot for the video, really helpful content, and the breakdown is brilliant!, quick question here, how many years of driving experience in my license so I can have fewer lessons hours? or even my license was issued yesterday from my home country the instructor would decide on the number of hours I need?

[@simplegermany]

The number of hours depend on your nationality. Best speak to a local driving school and they will let you know.

[@bintasillah6558]

Thank u for the info 🎉

[@thisisthisnow]

I was wondering this as a UK licence holder. I went to the office and was not asked for a first aid or eye test. Paid the fee and got the receipt. I'll report back if they ask for it later.

[@buellterrier3596]

The fact that there’s a reciprocity with Australia is mind boggling. Over there people just learn from their parents and passing a theoretical exam is easier than buying cereals!

[@simplegermany]

Oh, that’s interesting!

[@buellterrier3596]

@@simplegermany I recommend to watch Dash Cam Owners Australia and you’ll get the picture as to how people drive there. The scary thing is that they also get to drive in Germany. PS. I have 5 drivers licenses including German so I know

[@idrismouji1863]

youre the best I swear ...

[@james275102]

my friend got his license online, is there a way to know if it is fake or not? thank you very much. I learned so much in your videos

[@inspiredbyyou2day698]

Thanks for the useful information- Is the age limit to get German Drivers License? Driver from California, USA with 40 years experience age 67 ....can swap drivers License in Germany? You did a great job

[@simplegermany]

As far as we know she should not play a role as long as the license is valid. 😊

[@vemuchandricktjipetekera1244]

Hey Jen. Hope you’re good. My enquiry is a bit more specific, as a national from one of the “easy countries” that can convert their licenses to a German one. Can a Truck License be converted as well??

[@edgarventura2071]

Gracias ❤ Jenn

[@hamzoo46]

Well done to the point thanks

[@entaroadum]

Hello! Thank you for your videos, they've been a great help in my journey to Germany :D Does this process have to be completed within the first 6 months of living in Germany or can it be done at anytime? (Non-reciprocity country)

[@simplegermany]

It can be done any time :)

[@hasnaintonight]

Hi Jen, Fantastic video, really really helpful and love your puns lol. I have a few questions that I'd like to ask. So I am actually doing my German drivers license at the moment, just today I registered at Fahrerlaubnis after waiting 6 months for driver school to be available to give me the (pink paper) from which I can legally register at Fahrerlaubnis. Today I am registered and next step for me is Theory exam and then lastly Practical Lessons/Exam. So I would like to know the following, if you get time please respond to it. 1. Where was your theory exam taken? the actual theory exam? Is it taken at the driving school basically (on a computer of course) 2. When you did your practical lessons, did you speak completely German to the teacher? or English? or just a mix combination (I am at A2 level in German language, I do understand things, but I can't speak fluently) 3. In your practical exam, did you speak German completely to the examiner? Or does examiner speak little bit of English as well? 4. In your practical exam, what type of mistake can be ignored by the examiner? (I know it depends on his mood etc...) but really, like do you need to drive 100% correct to the rules or let's say if you just missed one "right before left" and took one wrong turn (example: examiner wanted you to turn right, but you went straight) if these 2 mistakes are made, is the exam over? Or do examiners give some sort of exception? 5. Did you make any tiny mistake in your practical exam, which you've passed? If yes, please share as well?

[@simplegermany]

Good luck with your license. Here are my answers: 1. I did it at the TÜV examination center at a computer. 2. All was in German, my teacher was not very friendly or open to speak English. But sometimes when I didn't understand at all, he would explain in English. 3. My examiner actually spoke Spanish and after seeing my passport immediately switched to Spanish. Only the driving instructions stayed in German. 🤗 - It really depends on the individual examiner. 4. Yes, you need to drive 100% correct. One small but significant mistake can make you fail. This is why driving lessons in Germany are super important and taken very seriously. 5. Not that I remember 😅

[@hasnaintonight]

@@simplegermany Thank you so much for your detailed answer, love your channel and all your videos.

[@amitprajapati9229]

Thank you this amazing video. Really helped to understand the process. I wanted to know if we get our original home country license back in the exchange of German license jn future if we are moving back to home country?

[@simplegermany]

That is a very good question, which we are not 100% sure how to answer. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The local Straßenverkehrsamt will be able to tell you 😇

[@tantefee3968]

mostly they stamp or punch your old license invalid.... your german führerschein is accepted in ALL countries worldwide ..- if its stated in your licence that you have to where glasses, never forget them ... driving without might become expensive ...good luck

[@samsas3551]

When did you do your license in Germany. Currently, the rates are way higher. Right now just the first aid without the eyetest and pics cost me 60 euros.

[@simplegermany]

Of course prices increase with time. As we state in the video and our guide, I did my license in 2018 in Düsseldorf.

[@shamsularifeen166]

Thanks for the very informative video Jen. In 2 months I'm also moving to Essen from Copenhagen and have to apply for German license. I have UAE driving license since 2013 so I have a quick question, can I still drive for 6 months on my UAE driving license while continue my German license process? And can I buy my car on that license or I have to wait for German license?

[@simplegermany]

Glad you found it helpful! :) Yes, your driving license will be valid in Germany for 6 months, during which you can attend a German driving school to get a German license. And yes you can also already purchase and register a car in your first 6 months in Essen. Funny enough, you don't need a driver's license to buy and own a car, you only need one to drive a car. Take a look at our Driving in Germany playlist for further information on buying a car etc. kzbin.info/aero/PLnp3hGZLHcOWJQA3NHjG8OnF3ozFdvk7h

[@tumiepowe2033]

Thank you

[@AmeyMogare]

I just now cleared my practical test and now have below question. During application submission, they did not ask me for copy of Indian driving license. So, I haven't submitted it. And then with my Fahrschule, I did all 14 theory classes and practical classes. So, now it leads to some questions: 1. Can I submit my Indian driving license while picking up German driving license? 2. Do I need to get it re-written in Germany? (Indian driving license is in English) 3. Is the probation period of 2 years applicable no matter if you submit your home country's license or not?

[@simplegermany]

It depends whether you applied for a brand new German license or whether you applied for changing your Indian license to a German one. Since you haven't submitted your Indian license it rather sounds like a brand new German one. Speak to your Fahrschule, as they should know.

[@mohammadaliebrahimi-nik9486]

Great like always! A serious question. is it possible to change the school during the process? I mean, there is a conflict of interests for the driving school. more practical classes, more money they receive! maybe one or 2 is enogh, but the school needs money and say hey, you must pass 20 session!

[@simplegermany]

You can of course consult several driving schools before you start your training. Whether you can swap in between depends on the individual schools and their terms and conditions we would say.

[@isaachatilima]

Can I do the TÜV practical part in English? I am meant to believe it is only in German.

[@simplegermany]

Theoretical is possible in many languages, practical only in German as far as we know.

[@josefinadoorish7316]

Did you have a drivers license from the US? If so , why didn’t you swap it from the German one ? I would really appreciate an answer 🙏🙏 thanks for the video

[@simplegermany]

Hey Josefina, no I didn't have a driver license from the US. I am from Guatemala and had a Guatemalan driving license. I did exchange it for the German driving license, but still have to follow all the mentioned steps, since there is no reciprocity with Guatemala (by the way also not for all US states). You can see the rules for the US states in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/

[@harshikashokeen3148]

I love that ✨sMooOoOooothlyy✨

[@nagarajaneswaran990]

Very nice and understandable video, may I know what is the total cost to get a Drivers license if I already have USA state license with 'Full Reciprocity'

[@simplegermany]

You will need to get your US license translated and pay the fee at the Straßenverkehrsamt. That varies from city to city, but you can estimate a total of about 100-150 euros.

[@nagarajaneswaran990]

@@simplegermany wow, its less compare to 1500 - 2000 euros

[@koolkhanism]

Difference between Automatic/ Manual/ B197? If we will pass the Manual practical Test. Is this means we can not drive Automatic Cars after passing on Manually ? vice versa for Automatic ?

[@simplegermany]

Since last year you can drive any type of transmission, regardless with what type of car you did your exam. The only condition is that if you do the exam with an automatic car, you need to have taken a certain amount of driving lessons. Here is the change of law: www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Artikel/StV/Strassenverkehr/regelungen-fahrzeuge-automatikgetriebe.html

[@lajoyalobos2009]

Couldn't you go back to the DMV in Guatemala and ask for a duplicate of your old driver's license? I know at least here in Arizona you can get duplicates for being "lost" or "stolen" which is a very simple process. Not sure how it works in Guatemala but might be worth checking out if you still wanted it.

[@simplegermany]

Yeah that’s a really good point! At this point, that would not be worth it for me anymore since I’ve passed the one year of “probation” on my German license. But thanks for the tip 🙂

[@forfeitsarim]

Super awesome Video. Just one question, in the first year of license can you rent a car in other EU countries?

[@simplegermany]

I have been able to - but it depends on the terms and conditions of the rental company.

[@forfeitsarim]

@@simplegermany thanks for the response. Just FYI, I am in this process right now, my Fahrschule told me to goto Führerscheinstelle before they could register me, so that's what I did. Other than that everything is going as you explained in the video, good luck to me now

[@AAhmed79]

Dear Colleagues, can you please simplify by making steps please? 1)... 2)... 3)... 4).... (start to end) many thanks, seems kidish question but will help a lot of people to fully understand, many thanks

[@simplegermany]

Hey Ahmed, the video is already in steps 😇. If you want to follow a written step-by-step guide, here is ours: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/

[@tantefee3968]

i'ld recommend to watch the video again .... you'll find out that jen explained it step by step ... may it will be helpful to take some notes ?

[@ali_soleimani_r]

Hi thanks for the guide and tips. I have 2 questions. Was your theoretical exam completely in English? Was the practical examiner able to communicate with you in English? Thanks 😊

[@oaw_manofnorse]

Well .... first of all: We even have states in Germany, where the local Indians are not able to speak Standard German at all, let alone English ... Secondly: The theoretical part is available in English, French, Greek, High-Arabic, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. That's just a localization of a software, so more languages might follow. The practical examination is always in German. The Examiner might stop the examination, if he understands that you are not fluent enough.

[@sanyamaggarwal6965]

Hello, I have come to Germany last month. I am addicted to your content. These are so informative. I have a query on driving licence. I currently have long term visa valid till next 6 months. I have already applied for Blue card. Can I start this process to get the driving licence without the residence permit (blue card)? Is long term visa fine for applying for driving licence? Asking because I think it will take time to get the blue card.

[@GrigTech]

Hey thanx for video, how I can know which steps I Needed for Armenian driving license to replace with German one, and which schools do you suggested? Also do i need go to Burgeramt for receiving permission for obtaining German driver license?

[@elhammirzaei9684]

Thank you so much for the fruitful information. just one question, do we need to have the residency permit or the passport is enough? I am a newcommer and still am here with my 6 month visa. I haven't applied for the residency permit yet.

[@simplegermany]

I remember I only had to show my passport. It's worth for you to give it a try that way ☺️

[@elhammirzaei9684]

@@simplegermany Thank you so much for your help ❤

[@utkarshchapatwala4531]

Thanks a lot.

[@elchefesin]

Muchas gracias!!! Super ayuda, pero si va a ser bastante tedioso el proceso

[@simplegermany]

De nada 🍻 y si, puede ser bastante tedioso pero posible! La mejor de la suerte 🎉

[@DanuponNanongkai]

Does anyone knows this: if one exchanges from an EU driving licence to a German one, does it count is the trial period (probezeit) too?

[@simplegermany]

Your EU license is fully valid in Germany, so no need to change. We think it should not count as Probezeit but can’t confirm.

[@AriShojaei-qi5wi]

Is there any good quality and English KZbin channel for learning driving in Germany?

[@HelmuthUrcuyo]

Hola! Yo soy mitad Guaatemalteco y aleman, tenia miedo que mi licencia no fuera aceptada y que tocara hacer el proceso desde 0. Parece que ese sera el caso que es muy caro en alemania... mi pregunta seria cuanto duro todo tu proceso, dices que 6 meses pero incluido lo teorico o solo practico? y tienes alguna recomendación para mi? muy buen video y gracias por adelantado! La casualidad que dos guatemaltecos haciendo videos en alemania hahaha

[@simplegermany]

Hola! Si, fueron 6 meses en total ☺️

[@lichen938]

thanks a lot for your vedio, It's clear. I am wondering what's fahrstunde and what's sonderfahrten? Do i must do both of these practice course?

[@simplegermany]

Glad it is helpful :). So Fahrstunden are regular driving lessons and Sonderfahrten are specialized driving lessons, for example at night or on the Autobahn. In the end you need to complete a set of both and I assume they have different names as the Sonderfahrten are usually more expensive.

[@allik1168]

Great info! I just want to ask if you drove a manual or automatic transmission? I heard from a colleague that if you use an automatic transmission during actual driving exam, you will get a license that is for automatic transmission cars only. Is this true? Thank you in advance. God bless..

[@simplegermany]

Yes, that is true!

[@jonathanpereira6618]

thanks a lot!!!

[@eniyuningsih2382]

how if hongkong driving licence? is need exam and school? thank you

[@MdHossain-wr1tc]

Could You please tell me how much Age limit to take work permit visa for foreign drivers? Please.

[@varunbhati7428]

But you did not talk about the classes or categories of license.... moped license particularly interests me.... new video recommendation maybe....

[@FardinAlam2000]

Hey Jen, thanks for the video you put up; was very helpful for me at least. But I had an asking, I already have a driver's license from the country where I come from, do I get any benefits for this? My country isn't in the 22 country's list that was shown at the start of the video though.

[@simplegermany]

Our guide tells you the steps if your country does not have reciprocity: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/

[@paolaguatibonza2316]

Great video ! Do I need a first aid course if I’m a physician ?

[@simplegermany]

We don't think so, but double check with your driving school or the Straßenverkehrsamt in your area 😊

[@yurykhartanovich2301]

Thanks for the video, please keep it going! How did you manage to register with Straßenverkehrsamt? I tried for one month, everyday day, no Termins available !!🥴..

[@simplegermany]

Thanks! Glad it is helpful. Mmh we had plenty of appointments available online 🤷‍♀️ Maybe with Covid your city is giving out less appointments?!

[@yurykhartanovich2301]

@@simplegermany my city is the same as yours :) also as a side more - lingoking is not doing translation for Duesseldorf strassenverkehrsampt - only ADAC

[@simplegermany]

@@yurykhartanovich2301 Oh no, it seems that the Straßenverkehrsamt in Dusseldorf has massively reduced their number of available online appointments. According to their website: "Due to the pandemic effects of the Covid-19 virus, we were urged to significantly reduce the number of services for services with a large audience. We ask for your understanding that we need time to create protected counters for processing applications, as you and the employees of the Road Traffic Office need to be protected." And also, Dusseldorf is the only city in Germany where lingoking is not accepted 🤯. It seems to have something to do with the fact that the Dusseldorf Straßenverkehrsamt office only accepts an official translation where the translator had the real document in hand. What a bummer 😕. I (Jen), did the translation with ADAC and they were super friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, they are currently closed. It seems this whole driver's license stuff will need to wait until after the lockdown is over...

[@KHALIDMEHMOOD-qc2wn]

Hi! Hope doing well I have Pakistani driving license and also international driving license from Pakistan so holding international driving license is it beneficial or bit easier process or same just normal and holding international driving license I can drive here or not? I am newly in Germany Your Video are really helpful for me Very detailed information Thank you so much 😊

[@simplegermany]

Usually any foreigner can drive up to 6 months with their national or international license. After this time, if you want to keep on driving in Germany you should consider getting the German driver's license. It's best to consult with your local Strassenverkehrsamt

[@MohammedAli-ic2wt]

Do I need to go to the Führersheinstelle immediately after getting all those documents or need to do it when I am ready to take part in my Theory exam? Thanks in advance

[@simplegermany]

You need to go before you can take your theory exam, as they need to approve you first. Here are all the steps listed again: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/#9_Steps_for_exchanging_your_foreign_driving_license_without_reciprocity

[@king-ff3ih]

So for instance, if you have international driving permit/ licence what is the process and requirements to get Germany driving licence.

[@simplegermany]

As far as we know international drivers licenses cannot be changed into a German one. Instead you need to hold a local license from a foreign country. But double check with your traffic office (Straßenverkehrsamt) in your city to make sure.

[@nantumeshanny7536]

Thank yu

[@SG-yb5tz]

Hii.. I have a question, if I did a first aid course in Berlin and want to do the next steps (for example registration in a Driving School) in another state, is it a problem?

[@simplegermany]

It should not be a problem. But just double check with the driving school. They need to accept the first aid course. In the end it depends on how long ago you did it.

[@monicapacheco2904]

Do you know if you can apply if you have a lenguage course visa? I have that one cause I'm studying german for a master degree that i want to study next year

[@rohitjogewar]

Hi guys you are doing amazing jobs for expats. I'm having UAE licence, In UAE it is left hand drive country. Can I get any benefit of this licence.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks! Whether your license is for left hand or right hand drive is not important. You can check your country in the linked list in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/german-driving-license/

[@Sophie-td8nr]

Hi JenY, do we need a driving license or special permit and registration for a Vespa Scooter for example, I viewed videos without getting a straight answer :(

[@simplegermany]

Hey Sophie, for motor scooters a regular class B driving license for cars is enough. However, for any stronger engined motorcycle you would need a specific class A motorcycle license. The border is whether the scooter has a small license plate (max 45 km/h), which is not allowed on the highway or a big license plate (like a car) which is allowed on the highway,

[@nuahtransit5858]

I’m my understanding you are talking about cars driving license, I have a US CDL Class A license truck driving license I have 8 years truck driving experience and graduated from a school and paid $5000 for license issuance 4 months loads securement training as well My question: can I convert my US CDL class A license to German truck license? I need that coz I’m moving my job from US to Europe. Any reply, please

[@arymdelrosario855]

Hi new to you channel how about if you liscense is about to expire like for example will be expiring on april 2024 or how about 1 month expired liscense.

[@simplegermany]

You need to have a valid license to convert it to a German license.

[@nessy1303]

My instructor is also sooooo hard on me he swears and all.. Mind you I have driven in the Cayman Islands, Seychelles and Kenya.. But I have to take some classes but oh he makes me so nervous that I make mistakes but this is also manual as opposed to the Automatic that I am used to. Hopefully I don't have to take so many classes because the more you take the more €€ 🔝 you pay.

[@morid0]

There is a new law, you can take practical test with automatic and you can arrange with your fahrschule for some extra hours driving with manual so you will be allowed also to drive it afterwards, I had no chance of passing the exam if I had to also think about driving manual, they will fail you for very tiny mistakes, automatic is great help since it lets you focus only on the road, if you dont have many years experience driving manual its a real nightmare since its another thing your brain needs to focus.

[@nessy1303]

@@morid0 I actually changed to Automatic since this new law🤗 so I look forward to doing well like you👏

[@FirasHanafi]

It seems that you can’t get it on a long term visa stamped on your passport, you have to get the plastic card version of the Residence Permit first Problem is, depending on the status you have when you first get to Germany, you get the plastic version of the Residence Permit after 1 year of residency And by then I think you lose the perks of being able to exchange the drivings license the first 6 months

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Just to clarify, that there is no time pressure that you have to do the exchange the drivers license within 6 months. The non-EU drivers license is just valid for 6 months after someone registers in Germany. If your country has reciprocity, you can exchange the drivers license without any extra lessons or tests at whatever timeframe ☺️

[@FirasHanafi]

@@simplegermany Thanks for clarifying!

[@praspall]

Hi Jen, Need your help to clarify, what exactly is the eye test? If someone has color identification difficulty, but valid driver license for more than 20 years would there be exemptions for it? Should there be any specific permission.

[@simplegermany]

The eye test specifies whether you need to wear glasses when driving a car not.

[@praspall]

@@simplegermany thank you

[@fanwu6399]

Hi! Thank you so much for your wonderful video! I also live in Düsseldorf. Hopefully we are still in the same city! Haha I am looking to register myself in a Fahrschule within a few days. Do you have any recommendations ? Like any of them has got English coaches? Any recommendations would really help me out a ton! Thanks a lot!

[@simplegermany]

Hey Fran! I wouldn’t recommend the driving school I went to because the teacher I had was quite rude. You can try your luck, maybe you get a nice one 😉. Their name is Fahrschule Krupp.

[@rezaaria524]

very great video, just 1 question, are you able to work as a driver in the first year?

[@simplegermany]

That highly depends on the company you want to drive for. So better check their policies on that.