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 could exchange your license. In some cases you might be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so shop around! Choose a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate an automobile. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you can drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also includes a magnetic strip though this is not yet in use.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules along with some general information. eu führerschein kaufen erfahrungen will inform you if you have passed or failed the test. If you succeed you will be given a slip allowing you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. The most common reason that people fail their driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is important to learn as much driving as possible before your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein once you've registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. It is also essential to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. There are driving schools that speak English on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to submit certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to obtain a full license.
The process of getting an German driver's license can be more complicated for drivers who are from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. It is common to have to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with taking a course at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and take the first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will tell you 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 a German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unauthorised actions. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you have driving licences from a country within the EU, EEA, or one that has an agreement of reciprocity that allows you to exchange it for an German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for a long time, and has established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this case you'll still require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have insurance for your car. More details can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. You must renew your licence at least four weeks in advance of the date of expiration. This gives you time to complete all required documentation. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you live. If you are unsure then we suggest you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign driving licence to one of a German one, you will require an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You will receive your new German license in a couple of days if you are successful.
Can I get a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules vary based on the state where you obtained your license. In the US each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have valid German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the United States. If you don't have one, you'll need 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 includes a list of states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country can 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 do not come from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license class, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course, taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to operate a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices can differ from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.