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 can exchange your license. In some instances, however, you may be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Also, make certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles 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 being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving exam usually takes approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules along with some general questions. After the test the examiner will inform you directly if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. Many people fail their driving test because they panic or forget the rules of road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test, especially if you are from a nation where the driving laws differ.
If you're in Germany for a short period, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany, you will need an updated driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
You have to present your 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's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're a resident of a state or country that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for an Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should check with the local driving office for the most current information. 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 provide documents attesting that 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're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
For those who are coming from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can obtain an Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll get a letter that tells you when you will be able to pick up your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it's nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your name and/or illegal activities. You'll need to provide an official letter that states you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If führerschein kaufen ohne prüfung Fuehrerscheinn hold a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a 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 usually 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 scenario you'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (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.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for just 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity, you should arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you enough time to complete all necessary documentation. 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 vary depending on where you live. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more details.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and a passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be required to demonstrate your driving skills on a public highway. You'll be issued a new German license in a couple of days if you are successful.
Can I get a German license if I already have a US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses changed.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to change your American driving license for one German one at the time 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 that country is transferable without retaking 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 that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different class of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning classes in theory, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and a practical driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can handle a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.