How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US that has reciprocity. In some instances however, you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary So, take your time and shop around! Be certain to choose a reputable driving school.
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, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
If you are taking an exam for driving in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test usually lasts approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other information. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you pass the test, you will receive an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to take your license for after a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as you can before taking the test especially if you're from a nation where the driving laws are different.
If führerschein kaufen in deutschland are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and take both the theory and practical tests before you can be granted a license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to a 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 one country to another and therefore you should inquire with your local driving office for current information. In general, though you'll need to verify your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
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 does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, along with an instruction at a German driving school, before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you've got a German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by bringing a passport picture and your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraud and illegal activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it's found.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you have driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or one that has an agreement on reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to take any tests in theory or on the road. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for a long time, and has established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this situation, you will still be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have insurance for your car. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This is to give you time to complete all required documentation. 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 a foreign driving licence can vary depending on the state in which you reside. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more detailed information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence to a German one, you will require an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then you'll need to take either a practical or written driving test, as well as pass a medical examination.
During the practical driving test You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license a few days later when you've been successful.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
The rules differ based on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a country in which the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license are able to drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you plan to remain in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license while in the USA. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender 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 contains a list of states and countries in which a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without having to retake a 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 are not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different type of license, you'll be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This means signing up with driving school, taking the theory classes, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and a practical driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will differ from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.