English Driving School Cologne
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- English theory lessons
- Free English theory app
- Free English Theory Book
- Free Eye Test for driving license
- Translate your driver’s license into German
First Aid Course Cologne in English
- First Aid Course for Driver’s License
- First Aid instruction in English in Cologne
- Free Eye Test for Driving license
Driving License Conversion (Umschreibung)
Which rule applies to which US state.
Driving with a foreign driving license in Germany
For 185 days following your move to Germany, if you already possess a licence, you may lawfully drive any type of car there.
Which countries have a driver's license exchange agreement with Germany?
Countries with driving license swap
Albania |
Andorra |
Australia |
Bosnien & Herzegowina |
Canada |
Faroe Islands |
Gibraltar |
Guernsey |
Isle of Man |
Israel |
Japan |
Jersey |
Kosovo |
Moldova |
Monaco |
Namiba |
New Zealand |
San Marino |
Serbia |
Singapore |
South Africa |
South Korea |
Switzerland |
United Kingdom |
USA (See individual state) |
Information about Driver's Licences for US Citizens in Germany
No Test
Alabama |
Arizona |
Arkansas |
Colorado |
Delaware |
Idaho |
Illinois |
Iowa |
Kansas |
Kentucky |
Lousiana |
Maryland |
Massachussetts |
Michigan |
New Mexico |
Ohio |
Oklahoma |
Pennsylvania |
South Carolina |
South Dakota |
Texas |
Utah |
Virginia |
Washington State |
West Virginia |
Wisconsin |
Wyoming |
Puerto Rico |
Theory Test
Connecticut |
Florida |
Indiana |
Minnesota |
Missouri |
Nebraska |
North Carolina |
Oregon |
Tennessee |
Washington DC |
Theory Test & Driving Test
Alaska |
American Samoa |
California |
Georgia |
Guam |
Hawaii |
Maine |
Montana |
Nevada |
New Hampshire |
New Jersey |
New York |
North Dakota |
Rhode Island |
US Virgin Islands |
Vermont |
Collect the necessary paperwork to exchange your foreign driver's license.
Register with Driving School
The driving school must stamp the application form (from the local driving licence authority).
Biometric photo 35mm x 45mm
Eye test certificate
Foreign Driver’s Licence
Passport
Application fee (normally around €40-60)
Meldebestätigung: Your first registration in Germany (including the date of entry and the country of origin, obtain this from the Ausländerbehörde.
All the required documents must be taken to the local driving licensing office.
German Driving Licence
In Germany, a driving license is required to operate any type of vehicle. Where you come from affects the requirements for obtaining a German driver’s license. Obtaining a German driving license can be challenging for foreigners. If you have a valid driving license, you may use it legally in Germany for at least six months after moving there if you own a car. German driving license applications typically take four to six weeks to process, and before taking the test, you must enroll in an English Speaking Driving School.
Introduction To Getting a German Driving Licence
A license from a non-EU member state has the same legal standing as one issued in Germany. You should think about how long you plan to stay in Germany if you have a grant from a non-EU member state.
- If your stay is less than six months, you may use your foreign driver’s license.
- If you intend to stay in Germany for six to twelve months, you must apply for an extension of your international permit at the local Driver’s License Department after six months.
- If you plan to stay in Germany for more than a year, you will need a German driver’s license.
B Class Driving License
People with a B class driving license may drive small trucks up to 3.5 tonnes in weight and passenger cars. A B class driving license in Germany has the following main restrictions:
Maximum Weight Limit:Â 3.5 tonnes.Â
Maximum Passenger Capacity: 8 people plus the driver (8+1 rule).
Maximum Towing Limits: 750 kg. To tow more, a BE or B96 is required.
Maximum speed limits: Autobahns normally 130 km/h (if not limitless) and 50 km/h on urban highways.
Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old. (Not including Begleitetes Fahren ab 17 BF17 )
Licence Exchanges
Find out if you must pass a written exam, an English theory exam, and a practical road test if you are applying for or in need of a German driving license. You may not need to pass any of these exams at all. Your country of origin will have an entirely different set of requirements for applying for a German driving license.
B197 Driving License
The B197 Driving License program combines manual training with automatic driving instruction so that even if you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle, you can still operate a manual vehicle without any limitations.
Eye Test for Driving license
Visual acuity testing and peripheral vision testing are the two main components of the eye exam required for a driving license in Germany. The visual acuity test gauges an applicant’s capacity to distinguish between objects at a range of distances. The candidate must read the letters or numbers on a chart that is placed in front of them at a specific distance. The Snellen chart, a standardized chart used to assess visual acuity, serves as the basis for the test’s chart.
The applicant’s capacity to recognize objects outside of the central field of vision is assessed by a peripheral vision test. This is crucial for spotting road hazards, like pedestrians or other vehicles coming from the sides. The applicant must recognize objects in this test that are close to the edges of their visual field.
Further Requirements
Due to the numerous required classes that applicants must take, applying for a German driver’s license can be expensive. If you already drive but need practice for the theoretical test, you might ask your instructor if he or she can offer any specialized sessions or English driving lessons for experienced drivers. Additionally, there are some extra licensing requirements for motorcycle, truck, and bus drivers.
Once you become able to exchange your old permit for a German driving license, you need some important following documents.
- An official translation of your foreign driving permit
- An application form for a German driving vehicle license
- A passport or any ID card (and two photos)
- Your German residence permit
- A statement you received from your driving instructor that you passed the theoretical exam or the road test.
- Proof that you have already taken a first-aid class recently
- Proof that you have passed a medical vision test
In essence, a German driver’s license is valid for 15 years after it is issued. To renew your driver’s license, you must schedule an appointment. In Germany, it is challenging to renew a foreign driver’s license. You must apply for a German driving license if you are an expat with a foreign license that is about to expire.
Checklist for getting German Driving Licence
- Driving Licence Application form (from the School)
- First Aid class certifcate
- Biometric photo 35mm x 45mm
- Eyesight test results
- Translation of your licence to German
- Original Driving Licence
- Passport
€68,50 processing fee - Meldebestätigung: Your first registeration in Germany (including date of entry and country of origin, obtain this from the Ausländerbehörde
Driving School Classes in English
Personal requirements / risk factor human
- Physical abilities
- Limitations of physical abilities
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs and medication
- Emotions
- Self-image; driving ideals and driving roles
Legal framework
- Driving motor vehicles, driving license
- Registration of vehicles, vehicle documents
- Vehicle inspections
- Insurances, loss of insurance coverage
Traffic signs and traffic facilities
- Basic rule § 1 (StVO)
- Traffic signs
- Danger sign
- Regulatory sign
- Directional sign
- Traffic facilities
- Symbols
Road transport system and its use
- Traffic routes and their meaning
- Road markings
- Road use
Right of way
- Definition
- Left turn / priority of oncoming traffic
- Right before left
- Traffic signs regulating the right of way
- Turning right of way
- Traffic circle
Traffic regulations/ Railroad crossings
- Traffic control by traffic lights
- Green arrow sign
- Permanent light sign
- Traffic regulation by police officers
- Interconnections right of way / traffic regulations
- Special traffic situations
- Railroad crossings
Speed, distance and environmentally friendly driving
- Speed – Meaning
- Choice of speed
- Speed regulations
- Stopping distance
- Safety distances
- Environmentally conscious driving at intersections and junctions
Other participants in road traffic: characteristics and behavior
- Road users – overview
- Public transport
- Passenger cars
- Motorcycles
- Large and heavy vehicles
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
- Children
- Elderly and disabled people
- Traffic calming measures
Traffic behavior
- during driving maneuvers, traffic observation
- Driving in, starting
- Side-by-side driving
- Passing
- Overtaking
- Turning
- Reversing
- Turning
- Swerving
Stationary traffic
- Stopping and parking
- Stopping bans
- Parking bans
- Parking time monitoring devices
- Getting in and out
Behavior in special situations
- Lighting
- Tunnel
- Behavior towards special vehicles
- Behavior after a traffic accident
- Towing, towing and towing to a vehicle
- Warning signs
Lifelong learning / Consequences of violations against traffic regulations
- Numbers, data, facts
- Older drivers
- Middle-aged drivers
- Novice and young drivers
- Young drivers – measures taken by the legislator
- Punishment of misconduct
Technical conditions environmentally conscious handling with motor vehicles
- operational safety
- Road safety
- Other vehicle technology
- Electronic aids
- Driving physics
- Use of the brakes
- Environmentally friendly handling of the motor vehicle / traffic bans
Driving with solo vehicles and trains, passenger and freight transportation
- Assembling trains
- Connecting and disconnecting
- Driving with trains
- Passenger transport
- Freight transport
- Vehicle dimensions
- Social regulations
FAQ Getting a German Driving Licence
Under the B197 program, which went into effect in April 2021, you can take your driving test in an automated vehicle and also qualify to drive a manual vehicle by completing an additional 10 manual driving courses.
B197 expedites students’ passing of their driving tests (passing in an automatic vehicle is simpler). You can drive a manual car without any limitations anywhere in the world if you pass the B197 exam.
No, you cannot take the German driving test in English. English, French, Greek, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, or Turkish are the languages in which the theoretical test is offered. The theory sessions are also offered in a variety of languages.
Manual cars are more common in Gemany, however most luxury vehicles and many new vehicles are available as automatic,
Driving a car with a weight limit of up to 3,500 kilograms and/or a seating capacity of up to eight people is permitted in Germany with the Class B license. The “8+1 rule” refers to a total of 9 seats, including the driver.
BA is the owner of the automatic driver’s license. Only after passing their practical driving test in an automated vehicle is someone allowed to operate one. Students can now take their driving test in an automatic vehicle under the B197 program, and after taking an additional 10 manual driving lessons, they will be able to drive an automatic vehicle.
You can take your driving test in an automated vehicle in Germany. If you pass the test in an automatic vehicle, you can drive a manual car with the B197.
The number of attempts at the test is unrestricted. Only the test cost has to be paid each time.
Drivers with Class B licenses are permitted to operate vehicles up to 3.5 metric tons (3500 kg) in weight, including automobiles and/or lorries. You need to have a BE driving license if you intend to tow trailers weighing more than 750 kg. Moreover, additional driving instruction and a unique test are needed for this.
Depending on the license type you are seeking for, a road test in Germany normally lasts between 30 and 75 minutes. After passing your theoretical test, you have a full year to take your practical test. As your teacher rides along in the passenger seat, your examiner, who will be testing your driving skills, will be in the backseat.
Germany charges €116.93 for the practical test at the testing facility and €22.49 for the theory test. If you don’t pass a test, you have to pay the exam cost again.
Your license can be obtained in 4 to 12 months. Individuals without a license from another country must do 14 90-minute theoretical lessons.
Yes, in addition to German, you may also take the driving theory test in any of the following languages: English, French, Greek, Italian, Croatian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and of course, German.
English Driving School
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