How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases you may require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary and you should shop around! Also, make sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet in use.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules and also some general information. After the exam the examiner will inform you directly whether you passed or failed. If you pass the test, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you are able to pick up your license a few weeks later.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. führerschein kaufen legal in deutschland why people fail the driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as you can prior to your driving exam, especially when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you're in Germany for only a short duration the driving license from your home country may suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. It is also required to undergo driving lessons at an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical tests before you can obtain your license. This can be expensive however it's the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. This search engine will help you find driving instructors who speak English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to another, so you should contact your local driving office for current information. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you'll also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get an all-inclusive 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 a German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a practical and theoretical test, along with a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain a Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driver's license and a passport photo to a local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraud and unlawful actions. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if it is found.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a foreign driving 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 can often simply exchange your driving license from another country to one German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is typically only possible if been driving for a long period of time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this scenario you'll still need to provide proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photograph. You will also need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. 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. When deutsche führerschein kaufen to the expiration date you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license can vary depending the location you reside in. If you're unsure then you should contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more specific information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) as well as a passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the test for practical driving, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. If you're successful, you will be issued a new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a US driving license?
The rules vary based on the place you got your license. In the US each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is suggested that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while in the United States. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for 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 a list of states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country is transferable 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 are not from a state or country 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 pass all tests. This includes signing up for a driving course, taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test, 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 exam is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost for theory and driving lessons can vary from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. Compare prices online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.