How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations however, you could be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices vary, so take your time and shop around! Also, make sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information like your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you can drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test usually takes about 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. Many people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It's also important to practice driving as much as possible prior to the actual test particularly if you come from a country where driving laws are different.
If you're only in Germany for only a short time and you're driving a car, your license from your home country may suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license to Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also complete 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 expensive, but it is the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. You can locate English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get current information. In general, you will have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or removed.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for a German one without needing to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
The process for getting an German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical exam, as well as taking a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you will be able to 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 is valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving license and a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your identity or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to exchange your foreign driving license for a German one without taking any formal or theoretical exams. This is generally 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 residence address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll still require proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain car insurance, as this is a requirement in Germany. More information is available on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driving licence for 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driving license, renewal form, and a recent passport photo with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may vary depending on the state in which you reside. If you're unsure then you should contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and a passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and a written or practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to show your driving skills on a public road. You will receive your new German licence a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules differ based on the country from which your license was issued. In deutscher führerschein zu verkaufen has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license are able to drive in the USA up to one-year without having to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
deutscher führerschein zu verkaufen is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA for a longer duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while there. If you don't, you'll have to change 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 states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country is transferable 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 that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course as well as taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to prove that you understand the rules of driving and can manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Prices will vary from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.