How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances however, you could be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Also, make sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving exam usually takes approximately 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other details. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or failed the exam. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can get your license after a few weeks.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test particularly if you come from a nation where the driving rules are different.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of a country or state that has a partnership with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next, so you should contact your local driving office for the most current information. In general, though you'll need to verify your residence and provide documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to present documents attesting that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
If you're 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 pass the theory and the practical test to obtain a full license.
For those who are coming from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of cases, you'll need to complete a course at driving school and pass a theoretical and practical test before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will let you know when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. führerschein kaufen could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by presenting a passport photograph and your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent unauthorized use of your name and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to provide a letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it's found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is only a possibility when the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
You'll still need to provide proof of identity and a passport photo. You will also need to register your car with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. You can find more information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. You must renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This gives you enough time to complete all required documents. You will need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ depending on the federal state in which you live. If you're not sure, you can contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign driving licence to one that is a German one, you will need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then, you'll have to pass an oral or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you will be issued a new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules differ based on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance 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 have them amended.
If you plan to remain in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is advisable to pick up 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 surrender your American license to obtain an 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 contains the states and countries where a driver’s license from that country may be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different class of license, you'll need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices will vary from one company to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.