How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so shop around! Also, be sure to select an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it is not currently in use.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations and other details. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass the test you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license after a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam especially if you're from a country where driving regulations are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period the driving license from your home country may suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany, you will need a new driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate a car in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a country or state which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should contact the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll need to verify your residence and provide documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you are 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 have to pass a theory and practical test to get a full license.
If you're from a country that does not 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 an instruction at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your name and/or unauthorized 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 apply for a German license even if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country to a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is only a possibility when the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this case you'll be required to prove your identity as well as a recent passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is obligatory in Germany. You can find out more about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for just 15 years. If you're nearing 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 allow you enough time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form, and a recent passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging an international driving licence may differ based on the federal state where you reside. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more detailed information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) as well as a passport photo. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as as pass a medical examination.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. registrierten führerschein kaufen erfahrungen Fuehrerscheinn will receive your new German licence within a few days in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
The rules differ based on the state where you obtained 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 instance, drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are there. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to give them your American license in exchange for an 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 a list of countries and states where a driver's licence from that country is transferable without having to retake 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 do not come from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain a different license, you must complete the course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This involves signing up at driving school, taking theory lessons and completing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can drive a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Again, the prices will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.