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 cases you may require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so look around! Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also has a magnet strip, though it isn't currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, regulations and other information. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not following the test. If you pass the test you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you take your license for after a few weeks.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving exam, especially when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence for a Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
However, 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 receive your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license for an Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one that's a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with a course at a German driving school before you can be granted a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take a first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will tell you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.
If you've got a German driving license valid for 15 years. If deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany You can often simply exchange your driving license from another country for one that is a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. 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.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your car, as it is obligatory in Germany. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks before the expiration date. This is to give you enough time to complete all the necessary documentation. You'll need the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license may differ depending on where you live. If you're not sure, you can contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as an image of your passport. You'll also have to pass a medical test and a written or practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You'll receive your new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. The US is a country in which states have authority over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's licence while there. Otherwise, when you go to 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 contains a list of states and countries where the driver's license of the country can 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 don't come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take a different license, you have to complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes enrolling in an instructor-led driving course, taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can run anywhere from a few hundred to two thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will differ from one company to the next company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.