I think it should be clear to everyone that you need an appropriate driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
That’s what I thought too.
Since I’m already 55, I also thought that the “old” driver’s license is automatically valid up to 7.5 tons.
That’s generally true, but! And that “but” is significant.
First comes the sale, then the problems. But not for the sellers.
Unfortunately, I had to learn that the hard way.
The RV saleswoman doesn’t ask whether I already have an appropriate driver’s license. Why would she? I’m apparently old enough.
The insurance broker doesn’t ask either—well, why should he? That might have something to do with “service.”
But the real kicker is that the driving instructor and the receptionist, despite my question about whether they want to see the driver’s license, tell me “we don’t need it”!
Okay, let’s think about this. At the very least, he should know that. But apparently it doesn’t matter, because you’re here to take practice lessons. (Not exactly cheap, by the way.)
And now comes the bombshell. For some time now, EVERYONE who has reached their 50th birthday must apply for a renewal every 5 years. This requires an eye test, a medical examination, and some paperwork. That’s actually not a big deal.
But it is when you’re 55.5 years old like me and haven’t known about this rule until now.
Let’s take a look at my driver’s license. It was issued on April 28, 1988.
I turned 50 on May 11, 2017. So that year of life was completed on May 10, 2018.
Today is September 15, 2022—a whopping 4.5 years too late.
The important ones here are the C1 and C1E licenses. (without and with trailer)
Due to a longer processing time, you should always apply for this 8-10 weeks before expiration, otherwise you won’t get it in time.
Anyone who continues driving after that is doing so without a valid driver’s license and, in the worst case, can face 180 daily penalty units and imprisonment.
Not a pleasant prospect!
Tips and what I learned from this:
- Don’t trust that someone who sells you something will also ask whether you’re even allowed to use it.
Not the RV dealer, not the insurance agent, and certainly not the driving instructor.
Unfortunately, no one is obligated to do so. - Get information about renewal in time and do it “prophylactically,” even if you don’t yet have plans to drive an RV.
- Note that the training including the exam currently costs approximately €2,000. You need to budget for that first.
- An appointment with an ophthalmologist can take time. I can only get one in 2 weeks. It’s not available everywhere due to the necessary equipment and required personnel.
Where to inquire or get help:
- If you’re an ADAC member, ADAC legal advice is initially free of charge
- The citizen hotline will confirm that this is the case, but you won’t get binding information
- At the driver’s license office (here KVR-Kreisverwaltungsreferat in Munich), everything must be submitted in writing. Questions are not answered by phone
- Various websites explain the topic, but nowhere 100% completely, and certainly not the rules of individual federal states, as these differ and the employees at the office apparently have a certain “decision-making authority.” So always be polite, please!
- You can find an example here in the link with quite detailed information. (external source. No guarantee)
