How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical test.
Prices can vary, so make sure you shop around. Select a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not after the test. If you succeed, you will receive an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you can get your license within a few weeks.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where driving laws are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate that confirm your health and vision. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at a certified German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. You can find driving schools that speak English on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
If you're from a state or country that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence to an Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without taking a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and you should check with your local driving office for the most current 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 certain instances, you could also be required to provide certificates attesting your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one that's a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to get 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 an German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical test, along with an instruction at a German driving school, before you can obtain a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to a local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of identity and/or illegal actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with a reciprocity agreement that allows you to exchange it for the German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this scenario, you will still be required to prove your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. You can find more information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This is to give you time to complete all the necessary documentation. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can differ depending the location you reside in. If you are unsure then we suggest you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for one of a German one, you will have to submit 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 well being able to pass a medical test.
During eu-führerschein kaufen driving test You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving license a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
The rules vary based on the place you got your license. In the US, each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
It is suggested that those who are planning to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License during their stay there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license to a 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 this country can be transferred 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 would like to obtain an alternative class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes taking a driving course and taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination and a practical test to show that you know the guidelines of driving and that you are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but can be anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices can vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.