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 certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so shop around! Also, be sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a motor 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 photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations, as well as some general information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you can take your license for after a few weeks.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam especially if you're from a country where the driving laws differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need a new license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical tests before you can obtain your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can locate driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're from a state or country that has a partnership with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure is different from country to country and you should check with the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some instances you'll also have to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or revoked.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one of a German one without having to take any tests. If legalen führerschein kaufen from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get a full 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 a German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to take a theory and a practical test, and a course at a German driving school before you can get the Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can pick up your German driver's license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by bringing a passport photo along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent fraudulent use of your identity or unauthorized activities. You'll need to provide an email stating that you will return the license if it is found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you hold driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement on reciprocity that allows you to exchange it for an German license without having to take any tests in theory or on the road. This is usually only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of identity and a passport picture. You will also need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. You can find more information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. When you're close to 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 give you time to complete all required documents. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form, and a recent passport photo.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ based on the federal state where you reside. If you're unsure, you can contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more detailed information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as the passport photo. Then you'll need to take either a practical or written driving test, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical driving test during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license a few days later when you've been successful.
Can eu führerschein kaufen apply for a German license if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where your license was issued. In the US, each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have an active German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses modified.
For those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to a German one at the time 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 the states and countries in which drivers' licenses 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 do not come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain a different license class, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing 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 test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices can differ from one firm to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.