How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US which has reciprocity. In certain situations you might be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you shop around. Choose a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving exam usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules, and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not after the exam. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you can get your license.
When you take your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving tests because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible before the actual exam, especially if you are from a country where driving laws differ.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short time, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
However, you must first present certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also essential to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical exams before you can get your license. This can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon nation with Germany. The exact procedure differs from country to country and you should consult the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and submit documents that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you'll also have to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or removed.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to a German one without needing to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll have to pass a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
For those who come from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll have to complete a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and attend the first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive a letter that tells you when you can get 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. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. A small amount of EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority right away to prevent fraudulent use of your name and/or unauthorized activities. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it is discovered.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany You can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In kann man führerschein kaufen need to be insured for your car. You can find out more about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for just 15 years. You should renew your license at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This is to give you enough time to complete all necessary documentation. You'll need the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license can vary depending on where you live. If you're unsure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more details.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) as well as a passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical driving test You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving abilities on a public highway. You'll be issued a new German licence within a few days in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that 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 states have authority over driver licenses, and each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is suggested that those who plan to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are in the United States. If you don't, you'll need to change your American driving license for a 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 contains a list of states and countries where the driver's license of that country may be transferred 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 are not from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license, you have to complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and completing the written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and are able to manage a car. The driving exam is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons could range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.