Embarking on the journey to acquire a German driving license in Kaiserslautern can seem like an odyssey, especially for those of us arriving with a license from our home country. Fear not, fellow expats and adventurers, for I've navigated these waters and returned with a map to guide you through. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step account of my experience, aimed to help you with your own quest for a German driving license.
1. Eye Test at Fielmann: Start your journey with an eye test, essential for ensuring you meet the vision requirements. Head to Fielmann - Ihr Optiker & Hörakustiker at Fackelstraße 29, 67655 Kaiserslautern. Remember to book an appointment. The good news? It’s free of charge and English is spoken here, making the process smoother.
2. License Translation: Your home country's driving license needs to speak German before it can take to the roads of Deutschland. Several services offer translations, so choose one that provides an official document accepted by authorities. I did mine from ADAC. Please see the link below https://www.adac.de/der-adac/regionalclubs/rheinland-pfalz/service-beratung/fuehrerscheinuebersetzung/ Eisenbahnstraße 15, 67655 Kaiserslautern
3. First Aid Course: While finding an English-speaking first aid course in Kaiserslautern might be a challenge, https://www.die-ersthelfer.com/ in Frankfurt comes to the rescue, offering courses in English. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek to Frankfurt, but consider it a mini-adventure. Bonus: They include a free eye test and passport pictures for your driving license application.
4. Driving School Registration: Next, choose a driving school. I went with Fahrschule Ullrich (Davenportpl. 5A, 67663 Kaiserslautern). Ask for Nick if you can; his English and teaching skills are top-notch. Gather all your documents—eye test results, first aid certificates, photos, and the translation of your license—for the next step.
5. Appointment with the Führerscheinstelle: Book an appointment with the local Driver’s License Office (Führerscheinstelle) online. You’re looking to select "Umschreibung ausländischer Führerschein" (conversion of foreign driving license). The link is https://www.kaiserslautern.de/serviceportal/dl/037455/index.html.de. Bring all your documents and prepare to pay a fee of around €50. Ensure your license translation explicitly states it’s based on the original document, or it might be rejected.
6. Official Registration and Exam Letters: Once successfully registered, you’ll receive two letters from TÜV: one for your theory exam fee and another for your practical exam fee.
7. Theory and Practical Exams: I dedicated six months to passing the theory exam, followed by seven practical lessons with Nick, each lasting 90 minutes. Thankfully, I passed my practical exam on the first try—credit goes to Nick for his excellent instruction.
In Total: The entire process took nearly a year and cost around €1,600, but it was worth it. This pathway is streamlined for those who already hold a driving license from another country. New drivers have additional steps, including mandatory theory lessons.
I hope this guide demystifies the process and aids every newcomer in their quest to obtain a German driving license in Kaiserslautern. Safe travels and good luck!
Its very good and soo helpful for the new ones great job
It's a great, detailed answer to the entire procedure. very much appreciated 👏🏻
Muhammad Khalid Asked a question- My driving license just expired. Can I still go through with this process?
To Answer your question! For Ex: If your expiry date of Drivers license is 24-Feb-2024 and you came to Germany on 25- Dec-2023 which means before the expiry of your driving license than the authorities should accept your expired driving license. If it is expired than why dont you renew from Pakistan but if your start Date of your driving license is after your date of Arrival in Germany than the authorities will not accept your license because they will say that you made it after your arrival in Germany.
In my scenario when i registered for my driving license it was Valid but when i passed my driving test my license was already expired and the authorities did not say anything.