How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations, however, you may be required to take a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary and you should look around! Also, be certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving licence is a document which permits you to drive an automobile. It contains information like your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the vehicle types that you are permitted to drive and an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group, and a driver photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet used.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical test. The driving test usually takes approximately 45 minutes, and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules, as well as some general questions. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you will be given a slip that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The most common reason people fail the driving exam is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving test, especially when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're only in Germany for only a short duration the driving license from your home country may suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require an updated driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first submit certificates that prove your eyesight and health. It is also required to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical exams before you can get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English online using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure is different between countries, and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In some cases you'll also have to submit 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 need to pass the theory and the practical test to obtain a full license.
For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need take a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the necessary documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is close to expiring by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually 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 identity and/or illegal actions. You'll have to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country for a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a period of time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport picture. You must also register your car with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ depending on the state in which you live. If you are unsure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
If you're looking to exchange a foreign licence for a German one, you will require an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an US license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to a year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's licence while there. If führerschein kaufen don't, you'll need to change your American driving license for one German one when 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 contains the list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by the country can be transferred without having to retake the driving test. It 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 do not come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license class, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can manage a car. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.