Hi
can anyone have the info on how to apply for a driving license in cologne.I cuurrently have it of my native country but I have heard that it is valid only for six months.So after that can it be further renewed for another six months as i have to stay only for a year here or i shud apply for a new one.How much is the cost of the whole process and how long does it take?

thanx in advace

Try a search for what you're looking for: Conversion of an Indian driver's license to German

There are other threads that will help, but an Indian license is not eligible for conversion, you'd need to take both the theoretical and practical tests (and pay at least something to a Fahrschule) to get a German license.
Since you are only staying for a year, you can get the Führerscheinstelle to provide you with an extension of the validity of your Indian license. You will need to bring proof that you are returning within a year, and they could require a translation of your license (translation policies vary widely from office to office). There will likely be a fee from the Führerscheinstelle--I don't exactly how much, but probably under 35€ (as that is the conversion fee).

As you write, your license loses its validity six months after you register as living in Germany.

Thanx for the reply.Is there any official website in english regarding this or does anyone know the address or contact no. from where i can get the precise information.

Amt für Öffentliche Ordnung, Führerscheinregister
(02 21) 2 21 - 26155

Ottmar-Pohl-Platz 1

51103 Köln

if you google "German license", you will find a lot of links

this one is OK to start:
http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/driving.html

my recommendation: get a training CD (either buy it for 15€ or go to the public library at the VHS on Neumarkt) and simply memorize the answers in German
the English language test is just nonsense and you really should try and learn the German version of this if you are planning to stay awhile

search on TT as well, I think that this topic has been done to death

There's no need for a test to get the extension to 12 months if you're staying less than a year.


There's not much that's been posted about the extension, to the best of my knowledge.

my bad, did not read the message through
but getting a German license is such a fun experience, why deprive him of the fun?

fun experience??, theoretical and practical???...i can think of better ways to describe the experience.

Well, getting a German license gave me better insight into Kafka's The Trial
Commuting between Cologne in Düsseldorf helped me understand the Metamorphosis much better
without actually living in Germany, you really don't get the humour of the situation

though I'm sure that other countries also have bureaucratic black holes, Germany/Austria/Switzerland really have refined the art

I know what you mean. Personally, though, getting my German driver's license was one of the simplest things. I went to the Führerscheinstelle with my US license (from a state with a reciprocal arrangement) and a passport photo, fully expecting to be sent away to get a translation, take a first aid course, etc. etc. and was able to complete the process right then and there. I paid the 35€ and my new license was ready for pickup within one week. I even told the official processing my app how I was surprised at how simple the process was and she replied "So sollte es sein!" with a smile.

yeah, but I come from one of the smaller, little known states with no reciprocity

You don't just have to be from a small state...among the 14 or so states with no reciprocity with Germany are New York and California!

Good grief. Why ever not?

I don't know, I guess they don't want to recognize German licenses.
the American Chamber of Commerce has some good info--see questions 10 & 12: http://www.amcham.de/location-germany/drivers-license.html

Hi Sarika,

I´m an indian & i did get my driver´s license about 2.5 yrs ago which was less than 1year into my stay in germany. It was not a very difficult process but i had to anyway take the theory and the practical test. As far as i know, if we have a permanent DL from a foreign country, you dont have to take up the compulsary driving lessons(prac & theory), you can just study for the theory & take up the exams right away. Btw, the theory exam in English is also quite detailed & i would suggest that you take it up if you are not new to german language. You anyway have to get registered to a driving school(fahrschule) & they will help you take the exam. I would also recommend that you take up atleast 2 or 3 hrs of practical driving lessons from the fahrschule to just get a feel of driving in germany even if you have a lot of driving experience in india. Overall, assuming that you would need only 2 or 3 hrs of lessons, the cost of getting a german drivers license would be less than 400 euros(or max 500 euros). This is of course much cheaper when you want to get it done afresh. Btw, as a foreigner, if you have lived in germany for more than 3 yrs & want to apply for a DL, you have to definitely start afresh & it would be expensive.

Thanx all for ur replies and attention especially kaushik for his detailed response.I got it extended, and the process was simple and cheap.