I've never found a clear answer as to why each U.S. state has a separate agreement with each German state. My understanding is that a California license can be exchanged in Brandenburg, but not Berlin (if one lives in Brandenburg, of course). It doesn't make much sense and I've often wondered if it's due to some sort of data sharing rules... perhaps California won't give Berlin as much detail as they require for an exchange? Regardless, it's pretty ridiculous to have a system like this - I'm of the firm belief that *everyone* should have to pass some sort of driving test when living in a new country to prove they understand the idiosyncrasies of each country's rules and regulations. But it shouldn't be based on where you came from and starting from scratch. I guarantee spending several years braving Los Angeles traffic is better preparation than someone who lived in suburban Arizona their entire life.
100%. Driving in New Mexico and Colorado did not prepare me for the Autobahn or grouchy, aggro Berlin drivers. And I was clueless about German road signs.
I happen to have a registered address in Maryland, turns out it was 1 out of 5 states that would be acceptable in Germany for switching over to German license without a theoretical or practical test. I also had to submit my US license. They said I can get it back if i ever need. Three years later, i tried to and they said they sent it back to the US (no reason given) and when I called the DMV in MD they said they destroy licenses sent back to them. And to apply for a new one 😒 . Im still unclear on why they want me to leave them my US license, do you know?
Theoretically you're only allowed to have one license. So either German or the US. You can drive in both countries on either license so it makes some sense. I had the same experience. But since the US is so lenient, if you have an address all you have to do is go back and get a "copy" of your DL, if you need it.
Considering all the promotion of Berlin Pride related events in past newsletters, it’s disappointing to see no mention of the violent police aggression and arrests at two LGBTQ marches last weekend :( hopefully in #305?
Congrats on the big milestone, Maurice and Andrew! What a pleasure to be a part of the journey.
Thanks, Igor! Handpicked is close as our heels.
I've never found a clear answer as to why each U.S. state has a separate agreement with each German state. My understanding is that a California license can be exchanged in Brandenburg, but not Berlin (if one lives in Brandenburg, of course). It doesn't make much sense and I've often wondered if it's due to some sort of data sharing rules... perhaps California won't give Berlin as much detail as they require for an exchange? Regardless, it's pretty ridiculous to have a system like this - I'm of the firm belief that *everyone* should have to pass some sort of driving test when living in a new country to prove they understand the idiosyncrasies of each country's rules and regulations. But it shouldn't be based on where you came from and starting from scratch. I guarantee spending several years braving Los Angeles traffic is better preparation than someone who lived in suburban Arizona their entire life.
100%. Driving in New Mexico and Colorado did not prepare me for the Autobahn or grouchy, aggro Berlin drivers. And I was clueless about German road signs.
I happen to have a registered address in Maryland, turns out it was 1 out of 5 states that would be acceptable in Germany for switching over to German license without a theoretical or practical test. I also had to submit my US license. They said I can get it back if i ever need. Three years later, i tried to and they said they sent it back to the US (no reason given) and when I called the DMV in MD they said they destroy licenses sent back to them. And to apply for a new one 😒 . Im still unclear on why they want me to leave them my US license, do you know?
Theoretically you're only allowed to have one license. So either German or the US. You can drive in both countries on either license so it makes some sense. I had the same experience. But since the US is so lenient, if you have an address all you have to do is go back and get a "copy" of your DL, if you need it.
Considering all the promotion of Berlin Pride related events in past newsletters, it’s disappointing to see no mention of the violent police aggression and arrests at two LGBTQ marches last weekend :( hopefully in #305?
>If you’re curious, check out Berlin’s arbitrary rules for licenses from non-EU countries. (German, pdf).
Link is not working here :(
Sorry, it's at the bottom of this page:
https://www.berlin.de/labo/mobilitaet/fahrerlaubnisse-personen-und-gueterbefoerderung/fahrerlaubnis-fuehrerschein/artikel.507450.php
No worries, thank you! Love your newsletter
10k milestone 👏