How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases you may require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices vary, so be sure to shop around. Also, be certain to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive an automobile. It includes information such as your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you can drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints, and a driver photo. The driving license also includes magnetic strip, although it is not currently in use.
When deutschen führerschein kaufen erfahrungen take an exam for driving in Germany you'll need to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving exam usually takes approximately 45 minutes, and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations and also some general questions. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not after the test. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you pick up 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 exam is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It's important to learn as much driving as you can prior to taking your driving exam, especially when the driving regulations in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin will suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates that prove your health and eyesight. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you are able to get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine will 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 for the Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another, so you should contact the local driving office for current information. In general, though you'll need to verify your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances you'll also have to provide certificates attesting that your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical test is required to get an all-inclusive driving license.
The process of obtaining an German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical test, and an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can get the Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can get your German driver's license. The application process can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15-years. You can renew your license if it's close to expiring by presenting a passport photograph along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact the licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is usually only possible if been driving for a long time and have established a regular residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this scenario, you will still be required to prove your identity and a current passport photograph. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have insurance for your car. More information is available on our page regarding driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date, you should 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 necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a current passport photo with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may vary depending on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure, we recommend that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and a passport photo. You'll also have to pass a medical test as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. If you're successful, you will receive your new German driving license just a few weeks later.
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 in which states have authority over driver licensing, so each state can set its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are there. If you don't, you'll have to change 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 includes the states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without retaking a 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 country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license, you must complete the course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This means signing up with driving school, taking the theory classes and completing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and are able to manage a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can range between a few hundred and several thousand euros.
You'll also need to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can differ from one firm to another. You can compare quotes on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.