How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations however, you could be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary and you should look around! Be certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate in a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for approximately 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations, and other information. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or failed the exam. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The most common reason people fail their 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 the actual exam, especially if you are from a country where the driving rules are different.
If you're only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require a new license to drive. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first present certificates that prove your eyesight and health. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical tests before you can obtain your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should consult your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, though you'll have to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However, you'll need to take an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full 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 most instances, you'll have to complete a course in an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take the first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
Once you've obtained the German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license and a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent unauthorized use of your name and/or unauthorized actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it is discovered.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. führerschein kaufen für 500 euro is generally only possible if you've been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this case you'll still require proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This will allow you enough time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form, and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for changing 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 will be able to give you more detailed information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign license to a German one, you'll require an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German licence within a few days in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where states have authority over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with 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 modified.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this time, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to get an international driver's licence while there. If you don't, you'll need 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 contains the states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without retaking a 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 state or country that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning the theory classes and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can manage a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but can run anywhere between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.