How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US with reciprocity. In some cases, however, you may be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure you shop around. Also, make sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive an automobile. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, blood group, fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also has magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically takes 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. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of the road. It's important to learn as much driving as possible before your driving test, especially when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You might be able exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure differs from one country to another and therefore you should inquire with your local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide proof proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll need to pass a theory and practical test to get a full license.
For those who come from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting a German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll have to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete the first aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks 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 bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement on reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to pass any tests in theory or on the road. This is only feasible if the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registrated their residential address.
In this scenario you'll be required to prove your identity and a current passport photo. You will also need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety test (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.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks in advance of the date on which it expires. This is to give you enough time to complete all required documents. You will need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ depending on the federal state in which you live. If you aren't sure, we recommend that you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign licence to a German one, you'll need to provide an official written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical exam and a written or practical driving test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you pass, you'll receive your new German driving licence a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a US driving license?
The rules differ based on where you got your license. The US is a nation where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with an active German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them modified.
For those who plan to remain in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to get an international driver's license while 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 a 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 a list of states and countries where a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen are not from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to take a different license class, you must complete the required course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes signing up for a driving school as well as taking classes in theory, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will vary, but could be anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.