How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is an asset that is valuable not only because it has high standards however, its recognition is widely spread across Europe. Many expats want to exchange their EU/EEA driving licence for a German license after it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
There are several requirements to buying the German driving license, such as the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and your age. To obtain a class-B driver's license, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for the majority of passenger cars and small commercial vehicles. You can also apply for an E or class C license if you wish to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses or a class T license for agricultural or forestry tractors. In certain instances you will need to pass an oral or written test before you are allowed to take a practical exam.
Citizens of some countries can exchange their license for one that is a German one without taking an exam. This includes citizens of countries within the European Union or the European Economic Area as well as those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states), and Singapore.
You will need to pass an exam written and a practical test if you are not from one these countries. In certain situations, you might require an eye test and an examination for medical reasons.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for applying for a driving license is different however, generally, you'll need to bring an official letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany along with proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may also need to provide a photo.
The cost of the driving test is dependent on the location you reside in Germany. However it's typically less than EUR100. After you've passed the practical and written tests then your German driving license will be available to pick up within several weeks.
It is essential to understand the requirements for the German license since many foreigners require one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to use public transportation in rural areas, and during bad weather. Having a car can simplify the process.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you hold a driving license from another country within the European Union (EU) or from a country that is recognized by Germany as having reciprocity in full or partial form the possibility of converting your licence to one that is a German one without having to take any exams. This process can be accomplished by making an appointment at the local authority for driver's licenses known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need to bring your original licence along with a proof of identity and a passport photograph. In the majority of instances your German licence will be ready to pick up in around four weeks.
If your licence was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra You can use it for up to six months prior to you can apply for an German license. To obtain this, you must register your address and be able to pass a German language test which can be completed in a local language center or a private language school.
The process of obtaining an German driving license can take a bit of time but it's essential to be competent to drive safely on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental agencies require that you have a German driving license. Driving in Germany is a serious issue and should be treated accordingly.
It is recommended to sign up for driving classes and get a driving lesson. This will help you become more comfortable when you take your test. You can locate a driving school through Farschule-123 which lets you sort by location and kind of vehicle. In addition, many driving schools offer theory classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is easy. You should make an appointment at the local office for driving license renewal at minimum four weeks before your license expiring. You will need to bring your license, a recent passport photograph and pay a small amount of around 24 euros. The new driver's license will be ready in four weeks.
Can I keep my American driving license?
It is possible to obtain an German driver's license without taking the practical or theory test, thanks to an arrangement of reciprocity. However, the majority of expats should consider starting from the beginning. This requires attending a driving school and spending a significant amount of money.
There are driving schools across the nation. They offer a wide range of courses beginning with a basic driver's car course to a bus or truck license. They can also to provide you with theory classes in your own language. Some schools charge less than others. Doing some research and reading online reviews is the best method to find the most suitable driving school.
The process to convert an American driving license to one that is a German driving licence can take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity arrangement or not. If führerschein kaufen legal don't then you will need to translate your driver's license into German, which can be done by a certified translator or a recognized automobile organization. You can also submit a registry extract from the KBA in the country of origin as proof of residency.
You will need to take a practical test once you have all the required documents. During the practical exam the driving instructor sits in the passenger's seat while you drive the vehicle and answer questions. You will get your driving license within a few days after you pass.
If you fail the practical exam, you will have to repeat the entire process with a different instructor, and pay the appropriate fee. You will also need to prove that you passed the medical exam and, if needed, show a certificate for good eyesight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). In this case, you will need an original drivers' license and a medical certificate. You will also need to provide a translation that is certified and photocard of your passport.
Can I exchange my foreign driving license for an German license?
If you're moving from an area or country that has a reciprocity deal with Germany it's relatively simple to swap your license to one in Germany. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement, meaning that if you are able to show your driving license from these states, you won't be required to pass the written or road test here in Germany, which will allow you to get a full German driver's license. You'll need your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an authentic passport or national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The exact requirements differ between the states that are federal (Lander) and therefore it's best to check with the local authority responsible for driving licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) before scheduling an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license for one of a German one within the first six months of residence. If you do not, it could be considered a violation to your residency permit. Authorities could decide to take action against you. If you plan to utilize car sharing services that require the use of a European license or a German license it is more important to begin the process of getting your German licence.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license up to one year after registering their address. However, they must be able to have it translated by a sworn translation, an internationally recognized automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step, since many insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA region without a translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". This can be done online, over the phone or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license as well as the German translation of your license, a copy of your driving record from your country of origin, as well as proof of identity. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fee of around EUR35 that you can pay cash or via an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation mail after you have submitted all the required documents.