How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a crucial and valuable asset, not just because of its strict standards, but additionally because it is recognized throughout Europe. Many expats want to exchange their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license once it expires.
What are the prerequisites for the application?
There are a variety of requirements for buying the German driving license, including the kind of vehicle you wish to drive and the age. You must be 18 years old in order to obtain a class B driver's license that is required for all passenger vehicles as well as small commercial vehicles. You can also obtain a class E or C license if you want to drive heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. Also, you can get a class T for forestry or agricultural tractors. You may need to pass an oral or written test in certain cases before you can take the test in the practical.
Certain citizens of countries are able to exchange their license for a German one without taking a test. This includes those from countries within the European Union or the European Economic Area as well as those from Andorra, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, San Marino, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, France, the U.S.A (certain states) and Singapore.
If you're not from one of these countries, then you'll have to pass a written and practical test prior to obtaining the German driver's license. In certain cases you may also have to pass a medical exam and a vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The exact process varies however, generally, you'll need to bring a letter from your employer or city stating that you have relocated to Germany, proof of insurance, as well as your foreign license. You may be required to submit a photograph.
The cost of the test depending on where you live in Germany, but it is usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed the written and practical tests and passed the written test, your German driving license should be available to pick up within some weeks.
It's important to understand the requirements for the German license since many foreigners will need to have one to legally drive in Germany. Public transport can be a challenge and uncomfortable for those living in rural areas, particularly during bad weather, so having a vehicle is often necessary.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you hold a driver's licence from a different country within the European Union (EU) or from a country recognized by Germany as having reciprocity either in full or in part, you can convert your license to one of a German one without having to take any exams. The process can be completed by arranging an appointment with the local authority for driver's licenses known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You will need your original license as well as a form of identification and a passport picture. In the majority of instances, your German licence will be available to pick up within four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK or Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Switzerland, Andorra or Andorra you are able to use it for up to six months before obtaining the German license. To do this you must sign up for your address and take a German language test that can be taken at a local language centre or a private language school.
Obtaining an German driving license can take some time however, it is essential to be safe to drive on the roads. It can also make renting a car easier, since some rental companies require that you have a German driving license. It is essential to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended that you enroll in a driving school and get some practice behind the wheel in order to make you feel more comfortable during your test. Farschule123 lets you to search for driving schools by location and vehicle type. In addition numerous driving schools offer classes in a variety of languages.
Renewing your German driving license is a simple process. Schedule an appointment with the local office for driving license renewal at least four weeks prior to your license expiring. You'll be required to bring your driving license, a passport photo taken recently and pay a small amount of 24 euros. Then your new driving license will be ready to pick up in four weeks.
Can deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen keep my American license?
It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to take the practical or theory test, thanks to a reciprocity arrangement. However, most expats would be better off starting from the beginning. This requires taking a driving course and spending a significant amount of money.
Driving schools can be found all over the world and offer a range of classes, from an entry-level car course to a truck, bus or passenger transport licence. You can also take the theory course in your own language. Some schools are cheaper than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best way to find the most suitable driving school.
The process of converting an American driving license to a German one can take between two and six months, depending on the availability of the driving school and if you have a reciprocity agreement. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement then you'll need a translator to translate your license into German. This can be done by a certified translation or by an automobile organization. Alternatively, you can submit an extract of the registry from the KBA in your country of origin to prove of residency.
You'll have to take an actual test once you have all of the required documents. During the test, the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive the vehicle and respond to questions. If you pass, you'll be able to obtain your driving licence within a few weeks.
If you fail the test, you'll have to take the test again with an additional instructor and pay the fee. You must also show that you have passed the medical exam and, if necessary present a certificate of good eyesight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). In this case you'll need a translated drivers' licence and medical certificates. Additionally, you will need to present a certified translation of your passport as well as an image-based ID card.
Can I exchange my license from abroad to one in Germany? German one?
If you are moving from an area or state which has a reciprocity arrangement with Germany and Germany, the process of transferring your license for a German one is relatively simple. Twenty-seven states, including New York and California, have this agreement, which means that if you can present your driving license from these states, you will not be required to pass the written or road test here in Germany, which will allow you to obtain a complete German driver's license. You'll need to present your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually an authentic passport or a national ID card) and a picture that was taken recently. The requirements for each federal state (Lander) differ, so it is best to verify the local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), before booking an appointment.
You are only required to exchange your license to a German one within the first six months of residence. If you don't, you could be deemed to be in violation to your residency permit. The authorities could decide to take action against you. If you intend to use car-sharing services that require an European license or a German license It is more crucial to begin the process and work towards getting your German licence.
Anyone who is moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA can continue to use their driver's license up to one year after they have registered their address. They must, however, be able to have it translated by a certified translation, a recognized internationally automotive organisation or a licensed interpreter. This is a crucial step since most insurance companies won't offer insurance to drivers outside of the EU/EEA region without a translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". You can make the appointment online, by phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need your current license, a translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your country of origin and evidence of identification. You will also have to pay a fee of around EUR35 that you can pay cash or via an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation mail once you have provided all the required documents.