How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases however, you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices vary So, shop around! Be sure to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive, an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, even though it is not yet in use.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. After the exam the examiner will inform you directly if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be given a slip which allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The most common reason that people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where the driving rules are different.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short period and you're driving a car, your license from your home country should suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. This can be expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the internet.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a country or state that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass an exam in theory or on the road. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and you should check with the local driving office to get current information. In general, you will need to register your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some instances, you'll also need to submit certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're 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 need to pass an exam in theory and practice to be able to get a full-time license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll need take a course at a driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that will let you know when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
Once you have a German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful actions. You'll have to provide an official letter stating that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You can often simply 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 a possibility when the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driving license for just 15 years. You should renew your licence 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 driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ depending on the federal state where you reside. If you're unsure then you should contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving, 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 road. deutschen führerschein legal kaufen 'll be issued a new German licence a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which your license was issued. In deutschen führerschein legal kaufen has its own set of rules for driver licensing. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License during their stay in the USA. If you don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license to 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 includes the list of countries and states where a driver's licence from the country can be transferred without retaking 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 are not from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get an alternative class of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes signing up at driving school, taking classes in theory and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will differ from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.