Eye test for driver's license conversion

Hi all,

Just wanted to go and convert our driver's licenses before the six-month period is up, and thought to try tomorrow (if they are open, that is). Anyone know if a recent eye test is required before filling in the paperwork? Also, from when does the six-month period start? From the date we received our Aufenthaltserlaubnis?

Thanks!

Yes you need an eye examination. It's 3 years from your registration, not 6 months to convert your licence.

Really? I read over and over that after six months you are (in theory) not allowed to drive on your non-German license anymore...although you can apply up to three years later to convert...

Also, do you need to bring the eye test with you when you go to apply or is it something done afterwards?

Sorry, I misinterpreted your question. You can drive for 6 months, then you have a further 2.5 years to convert...correct. Are you eligible for a straight swap or do you need to do the exams again? The answer to this will tell you if you need to take the eye exam with you or not.

We are eligible for a straight swap because we already switched our US driver's licenses to Swiss ones when we lived there, and have now moved from Switzerland to Germany...thank goodness...!

So yeah, no eye test needed.

When I did a straight swap of my license (Canadian to German) I still needed an eye exam. Was very simple and any place that sells eye glasses can do it for a small fee. I just picked a place, walked in, and had it done within 10 minutes or so.

I have gotten more far-sighted since my last eye test (ah, age...). this probably won't make a difference for a driver's license, but in the chance that i have to take an eye test and it does, what happens then? if you don't pass, but get glasses, is it ok then? how does that work?? (sorry, dumb question, but just wondering...)

I've worn glasses since I was 8 and had no trouble passing the eye test while wearing my glasses. While looking into a binocular kind of "microscope" thingie, I was shown 3/4 circles and had to say which way the opening pointed - up, down, left, right. It isn't really a detailed eye test like what you go through to get glasses. I'm in my 40's and starting to think about getting bifocals, so I know what you mean. If you have any trouble with it, then I would assume that after getting glasses to improve your eyesight, you could just take the test again. Heck, that's the point of it in the end - to make sure that folks can see well enough to drive.

As far as I know, no computer record was made, and I got a stamped piece of paper stating simply that I passed the eye test. So it isn't all that big a deal. I think my test cost around 8 euro, so you also aren't risking a lot of money if you try the test before thinking about getting new glasses. Relax, and don't worry a lot about it.

I had a straight swap of licenses 2.5 years ago, no eye test at all...so another case of "whatever the hell their mood is that day"?

Its about 25 years since I exchanged my UK drivers license for a German one (as was then the requirement). I didn't need an eye test in Germany for that. Its just possible that the fact that I had a current flying medical certificate removed the need... (Too long ago to remember).

Actually I'd be in favour of regular eye tests being required for driving - would greatly reduce the number of cars on the roads! Why I as a glider pilot am required in Germany to have the medical condition of almost an astronaut (only mild exaggeration here) whilst others can drive cars loaded with kids after having recovered from a heart attack beats me!