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It is quite important to have a German driving licence if you are in Germany for a long period of time.

If you want to live in a sparsely populated area that is most likely in a remote city or village, getting proper public transportation services may be hard.

In such a case, getting a driving licence and buying a vehicle will be necessary.

In this post, we will highlight everything you need to know about getting a German driving licence.

Is your foreign licence valid in Germany?

Citizens of EU countries can use driving licences from their respective country. Visitors from non-EU countries can use their original document if it is translated by recognized automobile authority.

This privilege is valid for the first six months, after which drivers are required to transfer their documents in a process known as “Umschreibung”.

How and where to register for a driving licence

After six months of using your foreign non-EU driving licence, you need to apply for the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or German Driving Licence. Log on to MeldeBox to find a registration office near you.

The office will determine whether you can receive a licence transfer or recommend a test for you. You might want to familiarize yourself with the traffic signs and rules before your test.

Documents needed for a successful licence transfer

• Your passport or ID card
• A borderless 35 x 45 mm photo
• A valid foreign driver’s licence
• Proof that you completed a first-aid course
• Proof that you are a resident of Germany.
• 40 euros cash to pay for the licence fee if tests aren’t required.

You might have to wait for up to six weeks before your licence is ready.

How you can get hold of a German driving licence

If you want to get your first driving licence, here is what you need to do:

• Register at a “Fahrschule” or driving school. There is a higher chance of finding an instructor who is familiar with your language in big cities.
• Take the “Erste Hilfe” or first aid course.
• Visit an ophthalmologist or optician for the “Sehtest”

To be able to drive category C vehicles (lorries) or D (buses), additional documents need to be provided. Find more about licence categories on BMVI.

What is the cost?

The cost is largely dependent on the number of sessions that your instructor feels are ready to prepare you as a driver. As such, it may go beyond 1000 euros.

Do you have more questions about this topic? You can ask us privately or ask the public in our Quick Question community.

There are numerous reasons why you should visit Germany and one of them is its wonderful places.

You will love the marvelous cuisine, fabulous cities, medieval villages, castles, exciting festivals, the exquisite beaches, gorgeous mountain sceneries, wine and historic destinations.

There is something for everyone!

If Germany wasn’t on the list of places you would love to visit, this post might help change your mind about the country.

Here are the some best places to visit in Germany in 2021:

1. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

This is a magnificent region in the northern reaches of Berlin.

It is also known as Meckpom, and can be accessed cheaply and quickly by bicycle, car or train.

Consider cycling from Berlin to the town so as to experience the lush feeling of the greenery along the road.

The town consists of elegant infrastructure, with a few camp grounds and resorts spread out along the route.

The sparsely populated state is a perfect way of getting away from the busy city life and breathing fresh air as you let your mind take you to new places.

2. Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany has its fair share of special castles. This particular castle gives an unhindered view of the Bavarian Alps.

A guided tour can help you explore the interior of the castle, and horse-drawn carriages can be provided for that extra appeal.

In Füssen, you will love the Altstadt’s pedestrian-oriented streets that are bordered by lustrously colored structures. The frescoes and cobblestone in the environment make the old town come alive. Take your time to enjoy the 700-year-old traditions in cafes and restaurants within the area.

3. Bodensee

Bodensee is a popular and excellent summer retreat that offers numerous events and activities to visitors from all over the world.

You can take a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the land and water. Most rides offer meals and drinks onboard.

If you like water sports, then you will love what the Bodensee has in store for you! You can go for a canoe ride close to the shore, or if you are adventurous, venture out to the open waters for a quick windsurfing run.

We recommend that you stay in the Landhotel Bodensee or Bodensee Yatchthotel Schmattmaier as you enjoy the summer.

4. Rothenburg

Rothenburg is located on the Romantic Road, a legendary location in Germany. The medieval city is the perfect example of a fairytale town. This should definitely feature on your bucket list.

It has appeared in several films.

Take some time to explore the ancient walls that feature magnificent architectural developments from the past. Once you are done, get to the top of the Town Hall Tower to reward yourself with an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city and marvelous countryside.

5. St. Goar

St. Goar is a lovely summer destination. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River.

The adorable setup and friendly residents will melt your heart. You can walk to the train station, visit the Rhine Gorge, Rheinfels Castle or enjoy the romantic sceneries in the area.

While you can’t visit the Castle Katz, you can enjoy the beautiful view from afar. Take time to explore the Rhine on a boat. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the splendid fireworks display.

6. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf can be undoubtedly considered as one of the best places to visit in Germany with its endless list of exciting activities. The city is brought alive by different cuisine and outdoor events.

It offers various Japanese traditions that blend in with the native customs. After getting a taste of Düsseldorf, you will want to visit Japan to experience the original inspiration of the exquisite dining.

While Düsseldorf offers all year round enjoyment, visiting over the summer will provide you with the best opportunities of touring the Rhine River, the gorgeous paths in Altstadt, and the longest bar in the world.

If you don’t mind, get yourself any of the local beers and enjoy delicious dishes as you watch people go about their daily routines.

Also, indulge in the Carlsplatz Market’s exciting goodies and stay tuned for the Medieval festival.

Here you can find more about visiting Düsseldorf.

7. Munich

Munich was nearly flattened out during the war. Fortunately, it still has abundant locations that will make your vacation memorable.

Starting with the Marienplatz, right at the heart of the city, you can explore other ancient building, churches and gorgeous landmarks all over the city.

Visit the Old and New Town Hall, the Marina Column, and the Mariensaule. At the century-old Glockenspiel, you can listen to the chimes of the Dgures at noon.

If you love a good brew, Munich has plenty of it for you to try out. Also, consider visiting in October to experience the legendary Oktoberfest.

Visit Tripadvisor to have a better idea of the best things you can do in Munich this year.

8. Lindau

Lindau is a small but charming town. It has been standing since the 9^th century and resembles a fantasy Bavarian lake countryside.

You will surely lose yourself once you get to the adorable passageways and streets. You can let your mind wander as you explore the harbor’s fantastic views.

Lindau is at times referred to as the “Garden of Eden”, given that it is located on the beautiful shores of the turquoise Lake Constance.

Visitors are treated to magnificent views of the lakefront cafes and medieval structures all around the area. If you love boat rides, head out to the water to get an amazing glimpse of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria.

9. Lübeck

Lübeck offers a reprieve to the hot sun experienced in most regions of central Europe.

It can be accessed easily from Hamburg and luckily, you won’t have to deal with crowding. Visit the town to get away from your normal schedule for a few days.

Start by visiting the Holstentor, an iconic landmark built in the early 15^th century. There are other historic points that you can visit from here.

Notable historic centers include the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the city hall, St. Peter’s church, St. Mary’s Church, and the European Hansemuseum.

Enjoy the fine marzipan that Lubeck offers. Get your treat from Café Niederegger and enjoy your vacation!

10. Weimar

Last but not the least in this list of best places to visit in Germany, we have Weimar. Weimar is a picture-perfect location in East Germany. It should be a must visit location for history lovers.

It is the origin of legendary artists such as Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche.

Some tourists visit the Buchenwald concentration camp to get a feel of the deep terror of the Nazi Regime.

Enjoy your vacation!

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