How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices vary, so be sure you compare prices. Select a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It includes information such as your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you can drive, an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a photo of the driver. The driving license also includes a magnet strip, though it is not currently in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules along with some general information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or failed the test. If you pass the test you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license a few weeks later.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as possible before your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short duration and you're driving a car, your license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical tests before you can obtain your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if reside in an agreement country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another, so you should contact your local driving office for the most current information. In general, though you'll have to register your home and submit documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide documents attesting that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
For those who are coming from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining an German driving license is more difficult. In most instances, you'll need complete a course in a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can get your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it is 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 amount of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal actions. You'll need 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 a foreign license?
If you are a holder of a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one that has an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is usually only possible if been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this situation, you will still need to provide proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. Also, you will need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In registrierten führerschein kaufen need to have insurance for your car. More details can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This gives you enough time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a current passport photo.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ based on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure then we suggest you contact your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) as well as a passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German licence in a couple of days in the event that you pass.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which your license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to give them your American license in exchange for an German licence.
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 where the driver's license of the country is transferable without retaking a 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're not from a country or state that is listed in the Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes taking a driving school as well as taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice exam, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an expert examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory could range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will differ from one firm to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.