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 with reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you shop around. Also, be certain to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive an automobile. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photo. The driving license also includes magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules and also some general information. After the exam the examiner will inform you in person if you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license within a few weeks.
When you take your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test especially if you're from a country where the driving rules differ.
If you're only in Germany for a short period and you're driving a car, your license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical exams before you can get your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors in English on the internet.
How do I get a German driver's license?
If you're from one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure is different between countries, and you should contact your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances you'll also have to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However, you'll need to take a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time license.

For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining an German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, and taking a course at a German driving school, before you can obtain the Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete 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 that will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you've got a German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll need to pay a small fee, usually around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or illegal actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is found.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a foreign driving license?
If you have a driving license from a country within the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement that allows you to exchange it for the German license without taking any theory or practical tests. This is typically only possible if been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. Also, you will need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany, you must also have car insurance. More information can be found on our page regarding driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks in advance of the date on which it expires. This will give you enough time to complete all required documents. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photograph along with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ depending on the federal state in which you reside. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more detailed information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign licence to one that is a German one, you will need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You will receive your new German license within a few days when you've been successful.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules are different depending on where you got your license. The US is a country in which states have authority over driver licenses, and each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without having to change their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you plan to remain in the USA for longer than this time, or return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are in the USA. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to hand over your American license in exchange for the 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 includes the list of states and countries where a driver's licence from this country can be transferred without having to retake the 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 deutsche führerschein kaufen are not from a state or country which is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and pass all tests. This means signing up with driving school, taking theory lessons and passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and can manage a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Again, the prices will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.