How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some cases you might be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to operate an automobile. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you can drive, an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it is not currently in use.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations, and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you directly if you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be given a slip allowing you to drive until you are able to get your license a few weeks later.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail their driving test is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It's important to learn as much driving as you can prior to your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're only in Germany for a brief duration the driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also required to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical 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 driving schools that speak English online using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon nation with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and you should check with the local driving office to get the most current information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have a clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to present certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For führerschein kaufen , if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one that's a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
For those who come from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course at driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive an Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will let you know when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by bringing a passport picture and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority right away to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unauthorized actions. You will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an international license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is typically only possible if you've been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. You can find out more about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This gives you enough time to complete all the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a current passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging an international driving licence may differ based on the federal state in which you reside. If you're not sure, we recommend that you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence to one of a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving test, as well passing a medical exam.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to show your driving abilities on a public highway. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I get a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules differ based on the state where you obtained your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have valid German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
It is highly recommended that those planning to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License during their stay in the United States. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to hand over your American license in exchange for an 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 includes the list of countries and states where a driver's license from this country can be transferred without retaking the driving test. führerschein kaufen 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're not from a state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking an alternative class of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school as well as taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to prove that you understand the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You'll also need to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices differ from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.