How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices vary and you should take your time and shop around! Also, be certain to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which permits you to drive a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving license also has 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 usually lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, rules and other information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not after the test. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up 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 that people fail the driving exam is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as you can prior to the driving test, particularly if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a short time the driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need an updated driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. This search engine can help you find English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do registrierten führerschein online kaufen get a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for current information. In general, you will need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you're 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 pass an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
The process of getting an German driver's license can be more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll usually need to pass a practical and theoretical test, and taking a course at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you've got the German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license and a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll have to pay an amount that is 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 illegal activities. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you have a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange it for an German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility when the driver has been driving for a period of period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this case you'll still need to provide proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is a requirement in Germany. More information is available on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you are able to keep your driving license for just 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph 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 the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more specific information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign licence to one that is a German one, you'll have to submit an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public highway. You will receive your new German license within a few days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
Rules differ based on the country from which the license was issued. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
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 there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license for one 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 list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by this country can be transferred without having to retake the driving test. The list 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 included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take a different license class, you must complete the required course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This includes signing up at driving school, taking classes in theory and completing the written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can handle a car. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand euros.
You'll also need to obtain mandatory car insurance. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. Compare prices online. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.