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 which has reciprocity. In some instances however, you could be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary and you should shop around! Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
If you decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations along with some general information. The examiner will inform you if you have passed or not after the test. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to practice as much driving as you can prior to your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short period the driving license from your home country may suffice. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates that confirm your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can receive your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine can help you find English-speaking driving instructors on the internet.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of a state or country that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for the Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and you should check with your local driving office for current information. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to submit certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get a full driving license.
For those who come from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining an German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical exam, as well as an instruction at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. After motorradführerschein kaufen fuehrerscheinn.com , you'll get an email stating when you can pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is nearing expiration by bringing a passport picture and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal activities. You'll have to provide a letter stating that you will return your license if it's found.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you have a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one that has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to pass any theory or practical tests. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You'll still need to show proof of identity and a passport picture. 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. More information is available on our page on driving in Germany.
In general, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. If you're nearing the expiration date you must make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo.
The requirements for transferring your driving license from another country can vary depending on where you live. If you're not sure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to provide more detailed information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign license to one of a German one, you'll need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and a valid passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test and a written or a practical driving test.
During the practical test 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. You'll be issued a new German licence a few days later if you are successful.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses changed.
It is recommended that those who plan to stay in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are in the United States. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to give them your American license in exchange for a 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 list of countries and states where a driver's license from this country is transferable 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 you don't come from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license, you have to complete the required course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up for a driving course, taking the theory course, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to prove that you understand the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost for theory and driving lessons can vary from a few hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from company to company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.