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Driving

Having you own car guarantees you maximum freedom and flexibility despite the heavy traffic and frequent traffic jams in towns, on the motorways, during rush hour, at weekends and holiday times.

Many researchers bring their cars with them from home or buy one in Germany. If you are only staying up to six months this is relatively easy. There are no problems about the validity of your driving license or whether you have a foreign number plate and car papers or even about vehicle tax and third-party liability insurance.

However, many researchers stay longer and then you have to face costly, time- consuming bureaucratic challenges in order to comply with the regulations on driving licenses and registration. And you also have to deal with vehicle taxation and insurance. Do think carefully whether it is really worth your while to bring your own car with you to Germany.

Visit the EURAXESS Germany website for more information on taxation and insurance, the validity of your driving license and how you can get a German driving license.

Automobile associations: The “Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil-Club” (ADAC) is the largest automobile association in Germany. You can also join the “Auto Club Europa” (ACE) or the “Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD)”. They provide services in case of breakdown. You can call them for help if you get stuck on the road. This service is usually free for members; non-members have to pay.

In Marburg: Driving license and vehicle registration

The authority responsible for everything to do with driving licenses (including the transcription of foreign licenses) is:
Fahrerlaubnisbehörde
Marburg Central Office
Im Lichtenholz 60
35043 Marburg

Kfz-Zulassungsbehörde Marburg-Biedenkopf (vehicle registration)
Hauptstelle Marburg
Im Lichtenholz 60
35043 Marburg

Insider Info: If you bring your own vehicle, please make sure to bring the following documents:

  • International driving license
  • Green insurance card (confirming German insurance coverage)
  • Confirmation from your third-party liability insurance provider at home that you have not had accidents