How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US with reciprocity. In certain situations you might be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive the vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with a magnetic strip though this is not yet in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass both a theory and a practical test. The driving test typically takes 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. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or failed the test. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. The majority of people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test, especially if you are from a country where driving regulations differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a brief period and you're driving a car, your license from your home country should suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates that confirm your health and vision. It's also necessary to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate a car 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 could be able to exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon nation with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with your local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In registrierten führerschein online kaufen 'll also be required to provide proof that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, 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're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time 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 from the United States. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course at driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete the first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the required documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license and a passport photo to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or illegal actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one German one without taking any formal or theoretical exams. This is typically only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. More information 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 close to the expiration date you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form, and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may vary based on where you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence to one that is a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the driving test, which is a practical one, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. You will receive your new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary depending on where the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts, for example, drivers with valid German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for longer than the duration or who plan on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License during their stay in the USA. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to hand over your American license to obtain an German licence.
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 where a driver's licence from the country is transferable without having to retake the 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're not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes taking a driving course and taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.