Depending on where you live and work, you can choose between public transport, bicycle and car in Germany. Opt for the means of transport that best suits your personal situation, necessity and preference.
There is a good public transport network in the region Düsseldorf – Mettmann County and you can purchase a day ticket, a season ticket or a monthly ticket for travelling on public transport. The website of the Rhine-Ruhr Public Transport Association (VRR) provides detailed information about your individual options. The cycle network in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) connects all towns and cities in the state using uniform signposting for bicycle traffic. The cycle network primarily serves daily needs, like journeys to work or shopping trips, as well as leisure activities. It goes without saying that you should be familiar with the road traffic regulations and observe them at all times.
If you already have a driving licence that was issued in your home country, different regulations apply regarding the recognition of your driving licence in Germany, depending on your country of origin. For citizens of the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland, the driving licence is valid to the same extent as in your home country. You do not have to change or re-register anything. If you come from another country, you can drive in Germany for six months with your driving licence. This period starts on the day when you register your residence in Germany. After this period, you need a German driving licence. Whether you have to take another driving test in Germany will depend on the country in which you obtained your driving licence.
You must register your car with your local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle). For this you need your vehicle registration document (Farzeugschein) and your car insurance policy. If you bring your car to Germany from abroad, check with the registration office whether you need any other documents. Besides registration, every car in Germany must pass the general inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) every two years. The so-called TÜV (Technical Inspection Agency) checks the car’s technical safety and exhaust gas emissions.
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