How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances you might be required to pass an exam in theory and practice.
Prices vary, so take your time and shop around! Choose a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate 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 photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strip, although it isn't currently being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and regulations, as well as some general information. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.
When you take your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving test because they panic or forget the rules of the road. It's important to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to your driving test, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need a new license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. It is also required to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also have to provide proof that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to a German one without having to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get an all-inclusive driving license.
The process of getting an German driver's license is more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of cases, you'll need to take a course at driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can obtain an Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will tell you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity or unauthorized actions. You will need to submit a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you are a holder of an driving license issued by a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain a German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
In this situation you'll still need to provide proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. If you're nearing the end of its validity, you should make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at minimum four weeks in advance to renew it. This is to give you time to complete all required paperwork. You'll need the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The requirements for exchanging your driving license from another country can differ depending the location you reside in. If you're not 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 license to one of a German one, you will have to submit a written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and a valid passport photograph. Then, you'll have to pass an oral or practical driving exam, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be required to demonstrate your driving skills on a highway that is public. You'll receive your new German license within a few days in the event that you pass.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules vary depending on the state where your license was issued. The US is a nation where the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance, drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this time frame, or return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to one German one at the time 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 states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without retaking a driving test. deutscher eu führerschein kaufen 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 state or country listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take an alternative license, you have to complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning the theory classes and completing an exam written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and can handle a car. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. The cost will differ from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.