How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Pick a driving school which is reputable.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate an automobile. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you are allowed to drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test usually lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not after the test. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can pick up your license a few weeks later.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as you can before taking the test, especially if you are from a country where driving regulations differ.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany, you will need an updated driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate attesting your vision and health. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. You can find driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with your local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you'll need to verify your home and submit documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to submit documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
For those who come from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll have to take a course at a driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take the first-aid training.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will let you know when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an international license?
If you hold driving licences from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement you can exchange it for an German license without having to pass any theory or practical tests. This is typically only possible if you've 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 be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information is available on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a current passport photograph with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you reside. If you are unsure, we recommend that you get in touch with your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for one that is a German one, you'll need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass either a practical or written driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the test for practical driving during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be required to demonstrate your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You'll be issued a new German licence in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license if I already have an US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have valid German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is suggested that those planning to remain in the USA for longer than the period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while in the United States. If you do not, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to hand over your American license to obtain a 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 a driver’s license from the country is transferable without having to retake 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 country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take another license, you have to complete the required course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes signing up at a driving school, taking theory lessons and passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and an actual driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to handle a car. The driving exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can differ from one firm to another. Compare quotes online. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.