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 with reciprocity. In certain situations, however, you may be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary So, shop around! Also, be sure to select a reliable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group, and driver photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations and also some general information. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be given an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you can take your license for within a few weeks.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving test is to remain calm and calm. Many people fail their driving test because they panic or forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible prior to the actual test, especially if you are from a country where the driving laws are different.
If you're in Germany for a short duration and you're driving a car, your license from your home country may suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates that confirm your health and vision. It's also necessary to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next 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 submit documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you'll also have to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
The process for getting a German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical test, and a course at a German driving school before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
fuhrerschein kaufen 'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will let you know 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. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by presenting a passport photograph and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit a letter stating that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country for one that is a German one without taking any formal or theoretical exams. This is only possible when the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this situation you'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is a requirement in Germany. More details can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. When you're close to the expiration date you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you time to complete the paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license can differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and an image of your passport. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the practical driving test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days if you are successful.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with valid German driving license can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
It is recommended that those planning to remain in the USA for longer than the duration or who plan 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 have to exchange your American driving license for 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 contains the list of states and countries where a driver's license from that country can be transferred without having to retake 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 are not from a state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get an alternative class of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This means signing up with a driving school, taking theory lessons and completing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and are able to handle a car. The test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand euros.
You will also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices will vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.