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 can exchange your license. In some instances, you may have to pass a theoretical and practical test.
Prices can vary, so look around! Select a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It includes information such as your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it is not currently in use.
When you take an exam for driving in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts for approximately 45 minutes, and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules along with some general questions. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not following the test. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving exam is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany then you'll require a new license to drive. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence for a Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. It is also required to undergo driving lessons at an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you'll need to register your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances, you'll also need to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain a full driving license.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining an German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to take a theory and a practical test, along with an instruction at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and take the first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment that will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you have a German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license and a passport photo to a local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or illegal actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is discovered.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold a driving license from a country within the EU, EEA, or a country with a reciprocity agreement that allows you to exchange it for a German license without having to take any theory or practical tests. This is typically only possible if been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your vehicle, since it is obligatory in Germany. You can find more information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In führerschein ohne prüfung kaufen can keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the expiration date. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. You'll need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ based on the state in which you reside. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving test, as being able to pass a medical test.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions regarding 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 license a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where your license was issued. The US is a nation where states have authority over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to a year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses modified.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are there. If you don't have one, 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 includes the list of states and countries where a driver's license from that country can be transferred 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 don't come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license class, you must complete the required course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course, taking theory classes, passing a multiple-choice test, and a practical test to prove that you understand the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Again, the prices will differ from one company to the next company. Compare prices online. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.