How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances, you may have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Choose a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate the vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
When you take a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules, as well as some general questions. After the exam, the examiner will tell you in person whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued a slip allowing you to drive until you are able to take your license for after a few weeks.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving test 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 especially if you're from a country where driving laws are different.
If führerschein kaufen in Germany for only a short period, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you register your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can help you find English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're from one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license 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 and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass the theory and the practical test to obtain a full license.
For those who are coming from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a practical and theoretical exam, as well as an instruction at a German driving school, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you've got a German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photograph to the local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorized activities. You'll need to provide an official letter that states 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 a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your foreign driving license for a German one without taking any formal or theoretical exams. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this situation you'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your car, as it is obligatory in Germany. More information can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driving license for only 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. You'll need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ depending on the federal state in which you live. If you are unsure, we recommend that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and a passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test, 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 receive your new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have an US driving license?
The rules differ based on the place you got your license. In the US each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts, for example, drivers with valid German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is suggested that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while in the United States. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to surrender your American license to obtain the German license.
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 states and countries where the driver's license of the country is transferable without having to retake 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 don't come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take an alternative license class, you must complete the course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This includes enrolling in a driving course 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 are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will vary from company to company. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.