How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US which has reciprocity. In some cases however, you could be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so shop around! Also, be certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate a motor vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it is not currently being used.
If you decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen will also ask general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, rules and other information. After the test, the examiner will tell you in person whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of the road. It is important to practice as much driving as you can prior to the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're only in Germany for a short period the driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany, you will need a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your health and vision. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine can help you find driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're from a state or country that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from one country to another 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 are healthy and have a clear vision. In some cases you'll also have to provide proof that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one that's a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however, you'll need to take an exam in theory and practice to be able to get a full-time license.
The process of getting an 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 usually need to take a theory and a practical test, and an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can be granted a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete a first-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring 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. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you've obtained a German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport photo and your driving license 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 right away to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the 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 an driving license issued by a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement on reciprocity, you can exchange it to obtain a German license without taking any tests in theory or on the road. 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 residence address with the authorities.
In this case, you will still require proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information is available on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This will allow you time to complete the paperwork. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photo along 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 then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more specific information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report), and a passport photo. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving exam, 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 be asked to show your driving abilities on a public highway. You'll be issued a new German license a few days later if you are successful.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have a US driving license?
Rules differ based on where the license was issued. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as a 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 a list of states and countries where a driver's license issued by this country is transferable 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're not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes signing up for a driving school and taking theory classes and passing a multiple-choice examination and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to operate a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost for theory and driving lessons can vary from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices will vary from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.