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 can exchange your license. In some instances, however, you may be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you shop around. Also, be sure to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It contains information about your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the vehicle types that you are permitted to drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it isn't currently in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically takes approximately 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations along with some general knowledge. After the exam the examiner will inform you in person whether you passed or failed. If you pass the test you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It is important to practice as much driving as you can prior to taking the driving test, particularly if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also required to undergo driving lessons at an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're from a country or state that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and you should check with your local driving office for current information. In general, though you'll have to register your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to submit certificates attesting your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one of a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get an official driving license.
For those who come from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical exam, as well as an instruction at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll need to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority right away to stop fraudulent use of your identity or unauthorized activities. You'll have to provide a letter stating that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a license issued by an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You are able to exchange your driving license from another country to a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only possible if the driver has been driving for a period of time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
You'll still have to show proof of your identity and a passport photograph. You must also register your car with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany you also need to be insured for your car. More information is available on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form, and a recent passport photo with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging an international driving licence may differ depending on the state in which you reside. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more specific information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical examination as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public highway. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving license a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary depending on where your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is suggested that those who are planning to stay in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are there. If you do not, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to give them your American license to obtain the 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 contains the states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country can be transferred without retaking 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 don't come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license class, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes enrolling in an instructor-led driving course and taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and can manage a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost for theory and driving lessons could range from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Prices can vary from one company to another. Compare prices online. legal führerschein kaufen of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.