How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US that has reciprocity. In some instances however, you could be required to take an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary so make sure to shop around. Be sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate an automobile. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you are allowed to drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving license also has magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
When you take a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, rules, and other information. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're in Germany for a brief period, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need an updated driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for a Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical tests before you can obtain your license. deutsche führerschein kaufen can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. You can find driving schools in English online using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or practical test if you reside in an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll have to pass the theory and the practical test to get a full license.
The process for getting a German driver's license is more complicated for those coming from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll typically need to pass a theoretical and practical exam, as well as an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will tell you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll have to provide an official letter stating that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a driving license?
If you hold driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is typically only possible if been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). You should also get car insurance, as this is a requirement in Germany. You can find out more about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This gives you time to complete all necessary paperwork. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license can vary based the location you reside in. If you're not sure, you can contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more detailed information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and a written or practical driving test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
The rules vary based on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a country where states have authority over driver licensing, so each state has the ability to set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License during their stay in the United States. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to a German one at the time you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle in Germany.
You can find information about the process and the documentation required in Anlage 11 of the German Federal Road Traffic Act (Standard-Fahrzeugsteuergesetz, SFTG). The Anlage includes a list of states and countries where a driver's licence from the country is transferable without retaking the driving test. The list includes Alabama, Arkansas Colorado, Florida Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky Louisiana, Mississippi Missouri, Montana Minnesota, North Carolina Nebraska Nevada Ohio, Oklahoma South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia and West Virginia.
If you don't come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license, you must complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes taking a driving school as well as taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam and a practical test to show that you know the rules of driving and can operate a car. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices will differ from one firm to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.