The driving licence renewal is a topic that affects many drivers and at the same time often causes confusion. Strictly speaking, it is not in all cases the driving licence that is renewed, but sometimes merely the document that is exchanged. The crucial factor is the difference between the driving licence (document) and the entitlement to drive (driving right).<\/p>\n
While for a car driving licence usually only an administrative exchange is necessary, drivers of lorries and buses must actively renew their licences on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
There are essentially two different systems:<\/p>\n
The EU driving licence issued by the Class B<\/a> has been valid for a fixed term of 15 years since 2013. This means that the document must be renewed once this period has expired. However, this has no effect on the driving licence, which remains valid. No test or new examination is therefore required.<\/span><\/p>\n In the Driving licence categories<\/a> The situation is different for C, C1 and CE, as well as D, D1 and DE. Certain documents are required to renew or exchange a driving licence. These may vary depending on the category:<\/p>\n These checks are carried out to regularly assess drivers\u2019 fitness to drive and road safety.<\/p>\n The procedure is usually simple and easy to plan:<\/p>\n Many towns and cities now also offer an online service portal for booking appointments or submitting applications in advance. It is advisable to submit your application around 3 to 6 months before it expires to avoid waiting times.<\/p>\n The fees depend heavily on the amount of work involved:<\/p>\n All in all, the total costs for professional drivers can quickly add up to between \u20ac100 and \u20ac300, or even more.<\/span><\/p>\n Any questions?<\/a><\/p>\n An expired driving licence can have various consequences:<\/p>\n In most cases, this is simply a fine for failing to exchange the document in good time. The driving licence remains valid.<\/p>\n The situation is considerably more serious here. If the licence is not renewed, it will lapse. Driving without a valid driving licence is a criminal offence under Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG) and may be punishable by a fine or a prison sentence.<\/p>\n Anyone who moves their residence to Germany must have a foreign driving licence exchanged under certain conditions. As a rule, the following applies:<\/span><\/p>\n Here too, submitting the correct application to the driving licence authority plays an important role. Any questions about driving licence exchange<\/a>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n No. In most cases, it is a purely administrative procedure without a theoretical or practical test. EU driving licences are generally issued for 15 years. At the responsible driving licence authority or the citizen's office in your city.<\/p>\n The driving licence renewal is not a complicated process, but it requires attention to deadlines. Whilst car drivers usually only need to renew their document, for lorry and bus drivers a regular renewal of the driving licence is strictly necessary.<\/p>\n Anyone who acts in good time, prepares all the documents and submits the application early will avoid unnecessary costs and problems. It is particularly important to distinguish between an exchange and a genuine renewal, as misunderstandings often arise here.<\/p>\n With good planning, your driving licence remains valid without interruption and your journey on the road stays safe and legally compliant. We at the Driving School Frankfurt<\/a> expert advice!<\/p>\n2. Lorry and bus driving licence (Categories C and D)<\/h3>\n
\nIn this case, the driving licence itself is only issued for a limited period and must be renewed every five years. This is governed by the Driving Licence Regulations (FeV). This applies in particular to professional drivers, for whom the professional driver\u2019s qualification (code 95) is also relevant.<\/p>\nPrerequisite: What documents are required?<\/h2>\n
Standard documents (car exchange)<\/h4>\n
\n
Additional documentation (lorries & buses)<\/h4>\n
\n
The process for renewing a driving licence<\/h2>\n
1. Submitting an application to the driving licence authority or the citizens\u2019 advice bureau<\/h3>\n
2. Submission of all required documents<\/h3>\n
3. Processing by the authority<\/h3>\n
4. Issuing and posting the new driving licence<\/h3>\n
Costs and fees for renewing a driving licence<\/h2>\n
\n
What happens if your driving licence expires?<\/h2>\n
Car driving licence<\/h3>\n
Lorry and coach driving licence<\/h3>\n
Special cases: Foreign driving licences<\/h2>\n
\n
Frequently asked questions about driving licence renewal<\/h2>\n
Act in good time and keep track of deadlines<\/h3>\n