How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US that has reciprocity. In some instances you might be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary, so shop around! Be sure to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. After the test the examiner will inform you in person if you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. Most people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is important to learn as much driving as possible before your driving exam, especially when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're only in Germany for a brief duration and you're driving a car, your license from your home country may suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. You can locate English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without having to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get an all-inclusive driving license.
The process of obtaining an German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll typically need to pass a theoretical and practical test, and taking a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain the Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15-years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of identity and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it is discovered.
Can kaufe deutschen führerschein obtain a German license even if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold driving licences from a country within the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to take any theory or practical tests. This is typically only possible if you've been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More details can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks before the expiration date. This gives you enough time to complete all the necessary documentation. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a current passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may vary depending on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more specific information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign license for one of a German one, you will require an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You will receive your new German licence a few days later if you are successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a US license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with an active German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
It is suggested that those who are planning to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License during their stay there. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to surrender your American license to obtain a German license.
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 countries and states where a driver's license issued by that 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes enrolling in an instructor-led driving course and taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test and a practical test to show that you know the rules of driving and are able to manage a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can vary from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Prices will differ from one firm to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.