How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In certain situations, however, you may be required to pass a practical and theory exam.
Prices vary and you should look around! Also, make sure to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a motor vehicle. It includes information like 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 comes with magnet strips, even though it is not currently being used.
When you take a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations along with some general information. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not after the test. If you pass, you will be given a slip that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to remain calm and calm. The most common reason that people fail the driving exam is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving exam, especially when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein when you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your health and vision. You must also complete driving lessons at an German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you are able to receive your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure varies between countries, and you should check with the local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances you'll also be required to provide proof that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one that's a German one without needing to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
If you're from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll need complete a course in driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can obtain a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take a first-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will tell you when you can 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 is valid for 15-years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraud and unauthorised actions. You'll need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if found.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you have a license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to exchange your foreign driving license to a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is typically only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
You will still be required to provide proof of identity and a passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get car insurance, as this is required in Germany. You can find more information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. You should renew your license at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This will give you time to complete all required paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license can vary based on where you live. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and the passport photo. You'll then need to pass an oral or practical driving test, as being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical test you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. If you pass, you'll receive your new German driving license a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules differ based on the state where your license was issued. The US is a nation where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state has the ability to set its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to a year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this time, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to get an international driver's license when you are there. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to surrender your American license in exchange for an 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 includes the states and countries where a driver’s license from the country is transferable 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 please click for source do not come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take an alternative license, you have to complete the instruction course and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up at an instructor at a driving school, learning theory lessons and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and that you can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could run anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand euros.
You are also required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.