How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US with reciprocity. In some instances however, you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure you shop around. Select a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also has magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
When you take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving exam usually takes 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 inform you whether you passed or failed the exam. If you pass, you will receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The most common reason that people fail their driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can before taking the test particularly if you come from a country where driving laws are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany, you will need a new driving license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. This can be expensive however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. There are driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries that has a partnership with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure is different from country to country and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you'll also have to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to obtain a full license.
The process for getting a German driver's license can be more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, and taking a course at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and take the first aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have a German license, it is 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 fee of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or unauthorized activities. You'll have to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country which has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is typically only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll still require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your car, as it is a requirement in Germany. More information about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the expiration date. This is to give you enough time to complete all necessary documentation. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form, and a recent passport photo.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license may vary based the location you reside in. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign license for one of a German one, you'll have to submit an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test and a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving license a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
The rules are different depending on the state where you obtained your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while in the United States. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to hand over your American license to obtain the German license.
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 drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without retaking a driving exam. 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 do not come from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and are able to drive a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but can be anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Again, deutsche führerschein kaufen will vary from company to company. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.