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 and you should shop around! Select a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive a vehicle. It contains information about your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints, and a driver photo. The driving licence also has a magnetic strip though this is not yet in use.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test usually lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations, and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you directly if you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving test is to remain calm and calm. Many people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test particularly if you come from a country where driving rules are different.
If you're only in Germany for a brief duration, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get an additional license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you've registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and take both the theory and practical tests before you are able to receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. You can locate English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of a country or state that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence to the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and you should check with your local driving office for current information. In general, though you'll have to register your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to submit certificates attesting your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to take a theory and a practical test, and taking a course at a German driving school before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you've got an German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a driving license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your foreign driving license for a German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still have to provide proof of identity and a passport picture. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driving license for just 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity you must make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you enough time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ depending on the federal state where you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for one of a German one, you'll have to submit a written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll also have to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you will receive your new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state where your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In legal führerschein kaufen Fuehrerscheinn , for example, drivers with valid German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while in the USA. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender your American license in exchange for the German licence.
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 countries and states where a driver's license issued by the country can be transferred without having to retake 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're not from a country or state which is listed in 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 enrolling in an instructor-led driving course and taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice exam and a test of practical to prove that you understand the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost for driving lessons and theory can range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices differ from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.