How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US which has reciprocity. In some instances, you may need to pass a theory and practical test.
Prices vary So, shop around! Also, make certain to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the vehicle types that you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass both a theory and a practical test. The driving test usually takes approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations and also some general information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or failed the exam. If you pass, you will be given a slip that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you take your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It's important to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving test, especially when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to receive your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools online using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're from a state or country that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should check with your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you will have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases, you'll also need to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or removed.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one of a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass a theory and practical test to get a full license.
If echten führerschein kaufen from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course in a driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete the first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you've obtained the 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 an authority for licensing in your area. You'll have to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is found.
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 special reciprocity agreement with Germany You can often simply exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this situation you'll still be required to prove your identity and a current passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you also need to be insured for your car. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. If you're nearing the expiration date it is recommended to arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence to a German one, you'll have to submit an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving exam, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the practical driving test during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll receive your new German licence within a few days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have a US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the state where you obtained your license. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have an active German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.
If you plan to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to surrender your American license in exchange for the German license.
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 states and countries where a driver's license issued by that 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 do not come from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school and taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice exam 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 examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also need to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices will differ from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.