How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US with reciprocity. In some cases you may need to pass a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you compare prices. Also, be certain to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the 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 license also comes with magnetic strip, although it is not currently being used.
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 conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations, and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking 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 also important to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test especially if you're from a country where driving rules differ.
If you're in Germany for a short duration, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also essential to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools online using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's 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 licence to a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should consult the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to provide documents attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
If eu-führerschein kaufen from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to pass a practical and theoretical exam, as well as a course at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and attend a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it is recommended to contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorized activities. You will 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 have an international license?
If you have an driving license issued by a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
In this scenario, you will still be required to prove your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is a requirement in Germany. You can find out more about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for just 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This gives you enough time to complete all the necessary documents. You'll need the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining a foreign driving licence can vary depending on the federal state in which you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign license to one that is a German one, you will require a written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical test as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
The rules differ based 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 those who hold valid German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses modified.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license to 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 includes the states and countries where a driver’s license from that country may be transferred without having to retake a 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This means signing up with a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of theory and driving lessons can vary from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You'll also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. The cost will differ from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.