After discussing life and work in Germany Part-1, of our Germany Guide series, Part 2 focuses on one of the essentials for residents: obtaining a German driving license. For anyone planning to reside in Germany, having a valid license is crucial for mobility and independence.
Exam Preparation:
To receive a German driving license, applicants must pass both a theoretical and a practical exam.
Theoretical exam:
The test is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, making it accessible to newcomers. It contains around 1,300 questions that candidates must study carefully, supported by videos simulating real traffic situations.
Practical exam preparation:
Since 2021, applicants are required to train on both manual and automatic cars, not just one type. Training includes driving in different weather conditions such as rain and snow, during the day and at night, on highways, city roads, and even mountainous terrain when applicable. There is no fixed number of lessons; readiness depends entirely on the instructor’s assessment. While some candidates may be ready after just five lessons, others may need ten or more before being considered prepared for the test.
German driving license Test:
The theoretical test lasts 45 minutes and includes 30 multiple-choice questions, with failure resulting from 10 or more mistakes.
During the practical exam, your instructor and the official examiner will both be present. The examiner sits in the back seat, observing your driving behaviour and decision-making. Importantly, the test is conducted only in German.
Unlike in some countries, the German driving test takes place on real city streets rather than a closed track. Following the examiner’s instructions is mandatory. If performance is unsatisfactory, the examiner will call “stop,” and your instructor will take over, returning the car to the test centre. Passing candidates receive an official certificate immediately.
Applicants who have never held a license elsewhere must first attend a driving school, completing 14 days of mandatory theoretical lessons before following the same testing procedures.
Finally, the German driving license:
Once you receive your pass certificate, it must be submitted to the Traffic Directorate along with your previous license (if applicable) and driving school documents. Your German driving license will then be issued.
The first two years are considered a probation period, during which serious violations may lead to license withdrawal and retesting. Currently, the German license is valid for 15 years—unlike in the past when it was issued for life.
Costs vary depending on the number of practical lessons required, typically ranging from €750 to €3,000.
For young drivers: Applicants aged 16–18 can apply for a special license, provided they drive only when accompanied by a person who has held a valid license for at least three years.
The German driving license is ranked among the strongest in Europe and worldwide, making it a valuable and highly respected document.
If you are a fan of culture & history and are interested in studying and education in Germany, look forward to the next article in Germany Guide.
To be continued ..
Türkiye’s Transition to The Electronic System E-Devlet
Türkiye’s transition to the Electronic system:
Day-after-day e-government services in Türkiye contribute to facilitating the daily lives and transactions of citizens and residents by saving time and efforts. These services vary between municipal services, ministries services, issues related to judicial cases, registration procedures for exams and universities, health and social insurance procedures. Besides, patients can obtain appointments at hospitals through the Internet, in addition to the possibility of applying for unemployment aids and applying for a passport.
Turkish Economy Exceeded Expectations
The Turkish economy delivered a performance that exceeded expectations last year and is forecast to post significant growth this year.
According to the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Turkish Republic, Türkiye has jumped up 10 places and ranked 33rd in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report. It ranked 69th in 2017, 60th in 2018, and 43rd in the 2019 editions of this report.
More than 48 million visitors on New Year’s Eve in Türkiye
The charming Türkiye, The Top Tourist-Generating Country.
Türkiye ranked fourth in Europe in the list of best tourist hosts. Where it hosted in the eleven months of the year 2019 until the eve of the New Year nearly 48 million and 46 thousand and 732 visitors. The largest number of visitors were from Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom, followed by Bulgaria, Iran and Georgia, with expectations of receiving 70 million tourists before 2023.
Languages, Official Exams and University Admission in Türkiye
It is said: “The Turkish language does not accept competition in its country.” Therefore, anyone who thinks about life, learning, and work in Turkey must seriously consider affiliation with the Turkish language teaching institutes for foreigners, which vary in three sources: public universities institutes, private centers, and municipal centers, the differences between these sources are reflected in the curriculum and method of language teaching and whether it focuses on teaching the daily life language, or the academic language, and in the schedule of these courses Quarterly system as in universities or other system, as well as tuition fees for these courses, and the privileges like accredited certificate at most Turkish universities.
Types of Schools and Universities in Türkiye
A family residing in Turkey has several options for teaching children in Turkish schools and universities, Let us begin with schools that vary between public and private schools.