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 certain situations, you might need to pass a theory and practical exam.
Prices vary and you should shop around! Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive a motor vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive as well as an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
In führerschein kaufen in deutschland to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically takes approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general questions. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the exam. If you succeed you will be issued an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to pick up your license within a few weeks.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to practice as much driving as you can prior to taking your driving test, especially when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need a new license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical exams before you can get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a vehicle in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure is different from country to country and you should check with the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or removed.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one that's a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however, you'll need to take the theory and the practical test to get a full license.
The process of getting a German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll typically need to pass a theoretical and practical test, along with taking a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take the first-aid training.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive a letter that tells you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
Once you have a German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by bringing a passport photo along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorised activities. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you are a holder of an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with a reciprocity agreement you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for some time, and has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is a requirement in Germany. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity, you should make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary documentation. You will need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ depending on the state in which you reside. If you aren't sure, we recommend that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be required to demonstrate your driving skills on a public highway. You'll be issued a new German licence within a few days if you are successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country in which states have authority over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are in the USA. If you don't, you'll have to exchange 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 contains the states and countries where the driver's license of the country can 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 are not from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This involves signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and passing the written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and are able to manage a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons could range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Again, the prices will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.