How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances you might be required to take a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so look around! Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and a practical test. deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen driving test typically lasts approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules, and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
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 test because they panic or don't remember the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before taking the test, especially if you are from a nation where the driving rules differ.
If you're in Germany for a brief time and you're driving a car, your license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Most 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 attesting your health and vision. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the internet.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a resident of a state or country that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for an Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure differs from one country to another and you should check with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to submit certificates attesting your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
The process for getting the German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and attend the first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email stating when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by presenting a passport photograph and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorized activities. You'll need to provide a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is generally only possible if you've been driving for a long period of time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
In this situation, you will 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 undergo a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This will give you time to complete the application. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a current passport photo with you.
The requirements for changing your driving license from another country can vary depending on where you live. If you aren't sure then we suggest you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and an image of your passport. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. You'll receive your new German license within a few days if you are successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state where the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is highly 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 during their stay in the USA. If you don't, you'll have to exchange your American driving license for 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 a list of states and countries in which a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without retaking a 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 don't come from a state or country listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license, you have to complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes enrolling in a driving school and taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to show that you know the rules of driving and can handle a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.