{"id":10624,"date":"2022-09-15T10:06:20","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T08:06:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/oops-the-drivers-license\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T11:20:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T09:20:59","slug":"oops-the-drivers-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.der-digitalisierungsberater.de\/en\/oops-the-drivers-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Oops, the driver’s license!"},"content":{"rendered":"

I think it should be clear to everyone that you need an appropriate driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
\nThat’s what I thought too.
\nSince I’m already 55, I also thought that the “old” driver’s license is automatically valid up to 7.5 tons.
\nThat’s generally true, but! And that “but” is significant.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

First comes the sale, then the problems. But not for the sellers.
\nUnfortunately, I had to learn that the hard way.
\nThe RV saleswoman doesn’t ask whether I already have an appropriate driver’s license. Why would she? I’m apparently old enough.
\nThe insurance broker doesn’t ask either\u2014well, why should he? That might have something to do with “service.”
\nBut 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”!
\nOkay, 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.) <\/p>\n

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.
\nBut it is when you’re 55.5 years old like me and haven’t known about this rule until now.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

Let’s take a look at my driver’s license. It was issued on April 28, 1988.
\nI turned 50 on May 11, 2017. So that year of life was completed on May 10, 2018.
\nToday is September 15, 2022\u2014a whopping 4.5 years too late.
\nThe important ones here are the C1 and C1E licenses. (without and with trailer)
\nDue to a longer processing time, you should always apply for this 8-10 weeks before expiration, otherwise you won’t get it in time.
\nAnyone 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.
\nNot a pleasant prospect!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

Tips and what I learned from this:<\/strong><\/p>\n