How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances however, you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Select a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document that permits you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
If deutsche führerschein kaufen decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other information. After the exam the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll be given a slip that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. Most people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It's also important to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test especially if you're from a country where driving laws differ.
If deutsche führerschein kaufen staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can be granted a license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate driving schools in English online using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a state or country which has a relationship with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license to the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you'll also be required to provide proof that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
For those who come from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll have to take a course at an driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take between four and six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll have to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an official letter that states you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange it for an German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. This is only possible when the driver has been driving for a period of time, and has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this scenario you'll still be required to prove your identity as well as a recent passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. More details can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. When you're close to the expiration date it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your 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 as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ depending on the state in which you live. If you're unsure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence for a German one, you will require an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll then need to pass an oral or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You'll receive your new German licence in a couple of days in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
The rules are different depending on where you got your license. The US is a country in which each state has jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license while 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 includes a list of states and countries where a driver’s license from that country may be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 state or country listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain an alternative license class, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This involves signing up at driving school, taking classes in theory and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and can drive a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of theory and driving lessons can range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.