How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a foreign 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 exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure to shop around. Also, be sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive a vehicle. It contains information like your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you are permitted to drive and an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test. 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 regulations and also some general questions. After the exam, the examiner will tell you in person if you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll be given a slip that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving test because they panic or forget the rules of the road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to taking the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need an updated driving license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates that confirm your health and vision. You must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to receive your license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. You can find driving schools in English on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence in exchange for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure is different between countries, and you should contact the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll be required to verify your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and attend the first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photograph to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraud and unauthorised actions. You'll have to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can usually swap your driving license from a foreign country for one that is a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You will still be required to show proof of your identity and a passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is required in Germany. You can find out more about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for only 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you live. If you're not sure, we recommend that you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving test, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical test 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 will receive your new German licence a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have a valid German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
It is recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are in the USA. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to surrender your American license in exchange for a 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 includes a list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by this country can be transferred without retaking 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 don't come from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license, you must complete the course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This means signing up with driving school, taking theory lessons and completing a written (multiple-choice) test, and a practical driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and are able to handle a car. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could range between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. The cost will differ from company to company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.