How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases you may require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Also, make sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It contains information about your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
When you take a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules along with some general questions. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not following the test. If you pass, you will be given a slip which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to practice as much driving 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 short period, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein when you have registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates that confirm your health and vision. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can find driving schools in English online using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreed-upon nation with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases you may also be required to present documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll have 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. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical test, and an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you can pick up your German driver's license. The application process can take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you have an German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll have to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraud and illegal actions. You'll have to provide a letter stating that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country for one that is a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for a period of period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In führerschein zum kaufen 'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a current passport photo. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have insurance for your car. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks before the expiration date. This gives you enough time to complete all required documentation. You'll need the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ based on the state in which you reside. If you aren't sure, we recommend that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. You'll be issued a new German license within a few days when you've been successful.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which the license was issued. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is suggested that those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are in the USA. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have 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 states and countries where drivers' licenses from that country may be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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're not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different class of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course as well as taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and can operate a car. The driving exam is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could range from a few hundred dollars to two thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices can differ from one firm to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.