How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure to shop around. Be sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. It contains information like your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you can drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving license also includes a magnet strip, though it is not currently in use.
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 is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general knowledge. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the test. If you succeed you will be given an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to take your license for after a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to remain calm and calm. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test particularly if you come from a nation where the driving rules are different.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you must first present certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from country to country, and you should consult the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, though you'll need to verify your residence and provide documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one of a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass the theory and the practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
For those who are coming from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with taking a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
Once you have a German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or unlawful activities. You will need to submit an official letter that states you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can often simply exchange your foreign driving license to one German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is usually 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.
In this situation you'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This is to give you enough time to complete all required paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license can vary depending on where you live. If you're unsure, you can contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign licence for one that is a German one, you will require a written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. You will receive your new German licence in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can führerschein zum kaufen get a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules vary depending on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where each state has jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's license while there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license for a German one at the time 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 a list of states and countries where a driver's licence from that country is transferable without having to retake the 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 which is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and complete all tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will vary from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.