How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to 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, so be sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate an automobile. It contains information like your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you can drive, an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general knowledge. After the test, the examiner will tell you in person whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. The majority of people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as possible before the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move 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 in exchange for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. You can find driving schools that speak English online using this search aggregator.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for an 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 contact your local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get an all-inclusive driving license.
The process for getting a German driver's license is more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll typically need to pass a theoretical and practical test, along with taking a course at a German driving school before you can be granted the Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete the first-aid training.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that 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 the application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll need to provide a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you hold driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity, you can exchange it for an German license without having to take any tests in theory or on the road. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is a requirement in Germany. More details can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date it is recommended to make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you enough time to complete all required paperwork. You'll need 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 aren't sure, we recommend that you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign driving licence for one that is a German one, you will need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. You will receive your new German licence a few days later in the event that you pass.
Can motorradführerschein kaufen obtain a German driving license if I already have a US license?
Rules vary depending on the state where the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
For those who plan to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's licence while there. If you don't, you'll need 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 includes the list of states and countries where a driver's license from the country is transferable without having to retake 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 listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license class, you must complete the instruction course and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and can handle a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have 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 include DA Direkt and ADAC.