How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving licence is an asset that is valuable not only due to its high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. It is therefore not uncommon for expats to wish to exchange their current license for one from a German one when their EU / EEA driving license expires.
What are the requirements?
You must meet a number of prerequisites before you can get a German license. These include the type of vehicle you want to drive and your age. You must be at least 18 years old in order to obtain a driver's license class B which is required for all passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or class C license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractors. In certain instances you will have to pass an oral or written test before you are allowed to take a practical test.
Citizens of certain countries can change their licenses to one that is a German one without having to take an exam. This includes citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
You'll have to pass both the written test and the practical test if not from one of these countries. In some instances you may also be required to pass a medical exam and vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies in each case, but you'll need an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have moved to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may also need to submit a picture.
The cost of the driving test varies dependent on where you reside in Germany however, it's typically less than EUR100. Once you've passed the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available for pick-up within several weeks.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license because many expats will need to have one to legally drive in Germany. Public transportation can be difficult and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly in bad weather, which is why having a vehicle is often essential.
How do deutschen führerschein legal kaufen get a German driving license?
If you have a driving license from another country in the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity in full or partial form, you can convert your license to one of a German one without taking any exams. You can complete this process by arranging an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses or the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring the original license, a form or identification and a passport picture. In the majority of instances the German licence will be ready for you to pick up in around four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you can use it for up to six month before getting the German license. To do this, you will need to identify your residence address and pass the German test of your language that can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
Obtaining a German driving license can take a bit of time, but it is a necessary step to being safe to drive on the roads. It also makes renting a car a lot easier because some rental companies require you to have a German driving license. It is essential to remember that driving in Germany is a serious business and should be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving class and get a driving lesson. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. Farschule123 is a website that allows you to search for driving schools by location and type of vehicle. A lot of driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is simple. Simply schedule an appointment with your local driving license authority at least four weeks before your license expires. You'll need your licence, a recent passport photo, and pay a small amount of approximately 24 euros. Your new driving license will be in place within four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to obtain an official driver's license in Germany without taking the theory or practical test, thanks to a reciprocity agreement, most expats are better off starting from scratch. This requires completing the Fahrschule (driving school for drivers) and paying a substantial sum of money.
There are driving schools across the country. They offer a wide variety of courses, starting from a basic driving instruction in cars to a truck or bus license. They can also to give you theory classes in your native language. deutschen führerschein legal kaufen charge less than others. Asking around and checking online reviews is the best way to locate the right driving school.
The process of converting an American driving license to a German one can take anywhere between two and six months, based on the availability of the driving school and if you have an agreement of reciprocity. If you do not have a reciprocity arrangement, you will need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done by a certified translation or by an automobile association. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residence.
Once you have the necessary documents, you'll have to take a practical test. During the exam, the driving instructor will be in the seat of the passenger and you will drive the car while being asked questions. You will be issued your driving license within a few days after passing.
If you fail the test, you will have to go through the entire process again with a different instructor, and pay the fee. You will also need to prove that you completed the medical examination and, if required provide a proof of good eyesight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). In this case you'll need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificate. führerschein kaufen in deutschland will also have to provide a certified translation and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign license for one that is German one?
If you're moving to one of the states or countries that has a reciprocity deal with Germany, it is relatively easy to exchange your license for one in Germany. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you present your driving license from these states, you will not be required to pass the road or written test here in Germany and will be able to allow you to get a full German driver's license. You will be required to present your current driver's license as well as identification proof (usually a passport or a national ID card) and a recent photograph. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ, so it is best to verify the local authority for your driving license (Fuhrerscheinstelle), before booking an appointment.
You only need to exchange your license within the first six month of your residency. If you do not do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit, and the authorities may take action against you. If you plan to use car-sharing services that require an European license or German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German license.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to utilize their driver's licence for up to one year after they have registered their address. However they must have it translated into German by a sworn translator, an internationally recognized automobile organization or a licensed translator. This is an important step because many insurance companies won't insure non-EU/EEA drivers without an official translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". You can make the appointment online, by phone or in the Burgerhaushalt offices. You will require your current license as well as an official German translation of the license, your driving record from your country of origin, and evidence of identity. You will also have to pay a fee, which is around EUR35. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. You will receive a confirmation by mail after you have submitted all the required documents.