How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases, however, you may be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you compare prices. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you can drive, an emergency contact number as well as fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it is not currently in use.
When you take driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving exam usually lasts approximately 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules and also some general information. After the test the examiner will inform you in person if you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be given the certificate that permits you to drive until you are able to take your license for a few weeks later.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to relax and remain calm. Many people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving exam, especially when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require an updated driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical tests before you are able to receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a resident of a country or state that has a partnership with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without taking a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from country to country, and you should check with the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to present certificates attesting your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you are 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 you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain a full driving license.
The process of getting the German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course in a driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick-up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.
Once you've obtained the German driving license valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence 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 immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your identity or unlawful actions. You'll have to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it's found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for a period of time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still have to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is a requirement in Germany. More information can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This is to give you enough time to complete all the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a current passport photo.
registrierten führerschein kaufen for exchanging an international driving licence may vary depending on the state in which you live. If you're unsure, you can contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more detailed information.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign licence to one of a German one, you'll require a written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test You'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be required to demonstrate your driving skills on a highway that is public. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving license a few weeks later.
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 each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have valid German driving license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.
If you intend to remain in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's licence while in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to exchange 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 states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country can be transferred without retaking 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're not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you'll have to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This means signing up with driving school, taking theory lessons and completing a written (multiple-choice) test, and a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Again, the prices will differ from company to company. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.