How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, however, you may be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices vary and you should take your time and shop around! Be sure to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document that permits you to drive an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
If you decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test usually lasts approximately 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions and ask about German road signs, rules and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you will receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It's important to learn as much driving as you can prior to your driving test, especially when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you're only in Germany for a short period, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first submit certificates that prove your eyesight and health. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. You can locate driving schools in English on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from country to country, and you should contact the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to provide 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 need to take a theory and practical test to get a full license.
deutschland für den kauf eines führerscheins of getting the German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of cases, you'll need to take a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll have 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 will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It could take between four and 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 driving permit along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to provide an official letter stating that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you hold an driving license issued by a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement on reciprocity, you can exchange it for an German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is typically only possible if you have been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get car insurance, as this is required in Germany. You can find out more about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license may vary based the location you reside in. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign license for a German one, you will need to provide 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 exam 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 road. You'll be issued a new German licence a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?
The rules vary based on the place you got your license. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to get an international driver's license while there. 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 the list of countries and states where a driver's licence from the country is transferable without retaking the driving test. The list 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 Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain an alternative class of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes signing up for a driving school, taking theory classes and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and can operate a car. The test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices will differ from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.