Driving and getting around: exchanging your license, buying a used car safely, or living car-light

Inside the EU/EEA, many licenses are mutually recognized, but rules tighten after a few years or following certain infractions. Outside the EU, exchange windows can be short. The simplest approach is to ask two questions at city hall: "Is my current license valid as is?" and "What's the deadline to exchange without retaking a test?" Check our complete moving checklist for other administrative deadlines.

Write the dates in your calendar and don't let them slip—lost deadlines are expensive. Most countries allow you to drive with your existing license for a limited period while you arrange the exchange, but regulations vary significantly between countries. For border crossing requirements, see our EES travel guide.

Think like an auditor for one afternoon. Request the official vehicle report, ask to see the car cold (no pre-warmed engine), and bring a simple checklist: mileage that matches records, service book with stamps, even tyre brand consistency.

Test drive on a quiet road, then a fast one. Insurance is a phone call away in most countries; third-party is the minimum, but civil liability plus breakdown assistance is the real stress reducer. Registration offices increasingly accept appointments with digital documents—scan everything as you go. Keep all documentation from previous owners, including technical inspection certificates.

A monthly combo often beats ownership: a transport pass for the workdays, a car-share account for weekend errands, and a bike subscription to bridge the gaps. The trick is to make the combo effortless. If you're building your life abroad, good transport is key to integration.

Save the car-share location near your home, set your bike subscription to auto-renew, and add a single transport wallet to your phone. You'll spend less, worry less, and still reach the lake on Sunday. Many cities now offer integrated mobility apps that combine public transport, bike-sharing, and car-sharing in one interface. Setting up your European bank account early helps with transport subscriptions.