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 could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Be sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently in use.
If you decide to take an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass 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 regarding German road signs and rules, as well as some general information. After the test, the examiner will tell you directly if you passed or failed. If you pass the test you will be issued an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to get your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of road. It's important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to the driving test, particularly when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can be granted a license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can help you find driving instructors who speak English on the Internet.
How do I get a German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for the most current information. In general, though you'll have to register your home and submit documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof 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 pass 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 obtaining the German driver's license is more complicated for those coming from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. In most instances, you'll need take a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can obtain a Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and attend a first aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you've got the German driving license valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by presenting a passport photograph along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or unlawful actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it is discovered.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have a driving license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you are able to exchange your foreign driving license to one German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this case, you will still 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 check (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As kann man führerschein kaufen can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging an international driving licence may differ depending on the state in which you live. If you are unsure it is recommended that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to show your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You will receive your new German license in a couple of days if you are successful.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
The rules vary based on where you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with valid German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
For those who plan to stay in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to get an international driver's license while in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license for one 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 countries and states where a driver's licence from this country can be transferred without having to retake 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 included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take an alternative license, you must complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course as well as taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test 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 of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You will also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.