How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances you might be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary So, take your time and shop around! Select a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive a vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the types of vehicles you can drive as well as an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group, and a driver photo. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it is not currently being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations along with some general questions. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be given 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. Most people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where driving regulations differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany, you will need a new license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your health and vision. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive the vehicle in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a state or country that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's licence in exchange for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next, so you should contact the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to present documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for 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 to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
The process for getting the German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with a course at a German driving school before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen 'll also need to sign up your car and attend the first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. 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 an email stating that you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get 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 that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to one German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for a period of time, and has established a regular residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you also need to have insurance for your car. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for just 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity, you should arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a current passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you reside. If you're unsure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more specific information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign license for 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 then need to pass either a practical or written driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the driving test, which is a practical one You'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German licence a few days later if you are successful.
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 nation where states have authority over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will 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 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 includes a list of states and countries in which the driver's license of the country is transferable without retaking a 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 listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license, you have to complete the course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes taking a driving school and taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to prove that you understand the rules of driving and can operate a car. The driving test is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory can vary from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also need 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.