Just arrived in Germany and eager to try out those autobahns? Our guide to driving in Germany tells you everything you need to get mobile, from driving licences to buying a car.

Driving licences

If you are a citizen of a European Union or European Economic Area member state your driving licence is valid in Germany. Others essentially have six months to get a German licence based on their home country licence.

There are special arrangements for certain US states and some nations, such as Canada; check out the rules for your state or country. Americans from some states are exempt from both the practical and the written test when applying for a German licence.

Others can swap their home licence for a German one or can get one just by passing a written test.

In a bid to keep on the right side of US business, some German states, such as Hamburg, have radically simplified the procedure for Americans to obtain a driving licence. Under certain conditions, they can apply to automatically convert their US licence.

Those from some nations, though, such as Australia, New Zealand and India, will probably have to take a driving test to get a German licence.

Those forced to apply for a German driving licence often opt to go through a driving school ('Fahrschule'). Costs vary, but tuition is often around EUR 500.Many schools have simplified courses for experienced drivers, which cost less than beginning ones; shop around. A word of warning however: if you don't obtain a German licence within three years after gaining residency, you will then have to take as many behind-the-wheel and theory lessons as a first-time applicant is forced to endure.

Shorter stays

Those staying in Germany for less than six months need not register to legally drive on their home licence in Germany.

Those staying between six months and a year can drive using their home licence, but must go to the local driver's registration office ('Führerscheinstelle') within six months to announce that they plan to do so.

You must bring an official translation of your licence (the ADAC automobile association can make you one), plus proof of when you are leaving (such as an airline ticket or a work contract).

Checklist

When applying for a licence, you are likely to be asked to bring the following:
· Your home licence with an official German translation
· A statement by the applicant that the licence is still valid
· An official ID such as a passport
· Your residency registration from the Einwohnermeldeamt
· A recent photograph (35x45mm)
· Proof of how long you have been a resident in Germany (normally available from the     Ausländerbehörde)
· The results of a recent vision test
· The name of the Fahrschule you intend to go to, if applicable.

But check before you go as requirements can vary between states.

Required equipment

German law requires that all vehicles be equipped with a triangular caution sign and a first aid kit (DIN number 13164). First aid kits are available at the ADAC.

EU licences

The German authorities are encouraging people to swap over their European Union national licences for EU licences. The licences essentially set out information stating name and date of birth.

If you did decide to swap your licence for a EU licence you can normally do this at your local Führerscheinstelle or sometimes at the Einwohnermeldeamt/Meldestelle.

You can also try your local ADAC office, where the queue might not be quite as long.

Either way you need to take several documents, including passport/European ID, passport photos, and your polizeiliche Anmeldungsbestätigung. There will also be a charge.

Speed limits

Speed limits are 50km/h in cities and towns, and 100km/h on the highway unless otherwise marked. In certain areas, for example near schools, the limit is 30km/h.

And in some urban areas, marked 'Schrittempo', you are expected to crawl along in first gear.

There is no speed limit on the 'Autobahn', except where marked. German road authorities, however, recommend a top speed of 130km/h.

Speeding fines

Fines for speeding in Germany start at EUR 15 for exceeding the speed limit by 10km/h. At more than 70km/h,you'll be fined EUR 425. In addition, you'll lose four points and also have your licence taken away for three months.

Giving way

Drivers in Germany must give way to the right - that is, give the right of way to vehicles and cyclists coming from the right - except on streets marked as priority roads.

Drink driving

In line with most EU states, Germany fines anyone caught driving with more than 0.5mg of alcohol per 1ml of blood. The fine for first offenders is EUR 250; you will also lose four points and your licence will be suspended for one month.

Parking

The cost of metered parking can vary considerably depending on location. You should expect to pay EUR 1 an hour, though you could pay as much as EUR 1 per half hour.

Parking fines are between EUR 5 and EUR 35. In areas with limited but unmetered parking, you sometimes need a Parkscheibe - a cardboard disc indicating what time you parked at - which you display under your windshield.

Leasing

Those backed by companies can lease a car during their stay in Germany. Procedures are fairly standard across the country, but as with most contracts and major purchase agreements in Germany, it's a good idea to go through the agreement with a lawyer glancing over your shoulder.

Buying a car

Let's face it: buying a car anywhere can be a nightmare. And things can be worse in a foreign country. The easiest way is to head to a showroom. Grim times in the global car business means German dealers are falling over themselves to sell you a car.

European interest rates are already low; now many dealers are offering in-house financing with no interest. Some carmakers also offer discounts to certain professions - journalists, for instance.

Different national tax rates mean new cars can be imported into one EU country from another and sold at a lower price. Look for a sign saying 'EU-Fahrzeuge' (EU cars).

Don't expect a test drive, and pay close attention to service clauses in the contract.

If you have a car to trade in, many dealers will beat the price given in the 'Schwacke Liste', which sets out the value of used cars. Car magazines publish it, dealers and car clubs offer it, and it's available online.

Used cars

For used cars, try listings in newspapers, specialist publications and websites; or visit second-hand yards or a dealer selling used cars with reconditioned parts. The latter is a way to get a nice older-model car with a new engine. But check which parts are reconditioned and what the warranty covers. Dealers often only take cash and won't allow test drives. Some dealers sell 'Jahreswagen' - cars bought at a discount by carmakers' employees and sold after a year.

Insurance and papers

You must show proof of car insurance and roadworthiness inspection before registering a car. The insurance market is highly competitive; shop around. The consumer group Stiftung Warentest publishes comparative listings. 'Haftpflichtversicherung' (liability insurance)is necessary; 'VollKaskoversicherung' (comprehensive collision insurance) can be required for cars being financed and is often advisable for new cars.

Roadworthiness inspections, done by the 'Technische Überwachung-Verein' (TÜV) and authorised mechanics, are strict. New cars automatically pass for three years, and it's usually handled by the dealer.

With a used car, it might be, but it's really your responsibility. If there is a certificate, see how long it has to run before you pay.

An Abgas check - 'Abgasuntersuchung' (AU, for cars with catalytic converters)or 'Abgassonderuntersuchung' (ASU, for those without) - must also be done before registration. The certificate, a marker on the licence plate, lasts two or three years, depending on the car's age and whether you're the first owner. There are penalties if it's out of date, though usually you'll get a friendly reminder.

Finally, get a 'Grüne Karte' (green card) from your insurer and carry it when driving, especially abroad. Also carry the 'Fahrzeugschein' (which lists the car's details).You'll receive a 'Fahrzeugbrief' (proof of ownership) after you've paid off the car.

Biking

One of the pleasures of living in Germany's cities and towns is that the bicycle is considered to be a real alternative to other forms of transport. It is not necessary to buy a bicycle if you plan only on the occasional scenic ride or are visiting a town. For example, in Berlin you can rent a bike from Fahrradstation, which has several branches around town, for about EUR 15 a day.

Radius Bike Rental in Munich rents bikes for a similar price. Deutsche Bahn also provides the 'Call a Bike' system, where you can rent a bike for as long as you
want. The bikes are red and silver and have a red DB sign on them, and you'll find them parked on various streets in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne or Munich.

To rent one, call the number on the bike and follow the instructions (most receptionists speak English) to register and pay by credit card. You will be charged on a per-minute basis (EUR 0.06, maximum EUR 15 per day) so don't forget to call back when you've finished! See the Deutsche Bahn website for more information.

Useful websites:

Bussgeldkataloge (lists fines): www.bussgeldkataloge.de
ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), Germany's main automobile association: www.adac.de
Deutsche Bahn: http://www.db.de (some pages in English)

Please send comments, suggestions and corrections to feedback@expatica.com.

A version of this article appears in the current edition of Expatica's Expat Survival Guide.

27 September 2006

Copyright Expatica 2006

Subject: driving in Germany, German drivers licence, cars, automobiles, car insurance, buying a car in Germany, speed limits in Germany