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 could exchange your license. In certain situations you might be required to take an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary, so make sure you 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 an automobile. It includes information such as your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules and also some general information. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam especially if you're from a nation where the driving rules differ.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries that has a partnership with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should contact the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to submit certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get a full driving license.
The process of getting an German driver's license is more complicated for those coming from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get the Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. After your appointment, you'll receive a letter that tells you when you can pick up your German driver's license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you've got the German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unauthorised actions. You'll need to provide 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 foreign driving license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to one German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. 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.
You will still be required to show proof of your identity and a passport picture. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have insurance for your car. You can find out more about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity it is recommended to arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may differ depending on where you live. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
If you're looking to exchange a foreign license to a German one, you'll need to provide a written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical driving test You'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. You will receive your new German licence in a couple of days in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For deutschen führerschein legal kaufen , in Massachusetts drivers with valid German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is suggested that those who plan to stay in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are in the USA. If you don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license to a German one when 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 the list of states and countries where a driver's licence from this country is transferable without retaking 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 are not from a state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different type of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning the theory classes and passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to two thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. The cost will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.