How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances, you may require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Select a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate in a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general information. After the test the examiner will inform you directly whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you can take your license for a few weeks later.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving test, especially when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany, you will need a new license to drive. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your vision and health. It's also necessary to undergo driving lessons at a certified German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving 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 license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without taking a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general,, you'll need to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one that's a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
The process for getting an German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of instances, you'll have to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unauthorized actions. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you hold a license issued by an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany You can often simply exchange your foreign driving license for one German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is generally only possible if been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of your identity and a passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is required in Germany. kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This gives you time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may differ depending on where you live. If you're unsure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more detailed information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and a passport photo. Then you'll need to take either a practical or written driving test, as as pass a medical examination.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you will receive your new German driving license a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a US license?
The rules vary based on the place you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance, in Massachusetts drivers with an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
For those who plan to remain in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license for one 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 contains a list of states and countries where the driver's license of that country may 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're not from a state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam, and a practical test to show that you know the rules of driving and are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices can differ from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.