How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US which has reciprocity. In some cases you may have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices vary, so be sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact blood group, fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. führerschein zum kaufen driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be given an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you can get your license within a few weeks.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving exam is to remain calm and calm. The most common reason that people fail the driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible prior to the actual test especially if you're from a country where the driving rules differ.
If you're 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. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for a Fuhrerschein when you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. You can find driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from country to country, and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll need to verify your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to submit documents attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one of a German one without having to take 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.
The process of obtaining an German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and take an initial aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you can pick up your German driving license. It 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. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driver's license and a passport photo to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or illegal actions. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany You can often simply exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still have to show proof of your identity and a passport photo. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you also need to have insurance for your car. More information about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general, you are able to keep your driving license for just 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity you must schedule an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This is to give you time to complete all the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may vary based on where you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you get in touch with your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and an image of your passport. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test You'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving licence within a few weeks.
Can I get a German license if I already have a US driving license?
Rules differ based on the country from which your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance, in Massachusetts drivers with an active German driving license can drive in the USA for up to one year without exchange or having their US licenses changed.
For those who plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for one German one when 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 the list of states and countries where a driver's license from the country can be transferred without retaking 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 you are not from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license, you must complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving exam is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons could range from several 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 include DA Direkt and ADAC.