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 test.
Prices can vary so make sure you compare prices. Pick a driving school which is reliable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to drive in a 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 photo. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany, you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified 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 failed the exam. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can get your license after a few weeks.
When you take your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving test because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as you can prior to taking the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need a new license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your health and vision. It is also essential to attend driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical exams before you can get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate the vehicle in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools on the internet by using this search aggregater.
How do I get a German driving license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without the need to pass a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you will be required to verify your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to present certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get an official 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 most cases, you'll need to complete a course in an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete the first-aid training.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the required documentation. deutschen registrierten führerschein kaufen 'll receive a confirmation letter after your appointment that will let you know when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you've got the German driving license is valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll have to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will return your license in the event that it is found.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you have an driving license issued by a country within the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement that allows you to exchange it for a German license without taking any practical or theory tests. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still have to show proof of your identity and a passport picture. You will also need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driving license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the expiration date. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary documentation. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a current passport photo with you.
The requirements for exchanging your foreign driving license may vary depending the location you reside in. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and an image of your passport. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules differ based on the state where the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have an active German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to hand over your American license in exchange for a 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 contains the states and countries where a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without having to retake 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 do not come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain an alternative license, you have to complete the required course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes enrolling in a driving course, taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to operate a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices will differ from company to company. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.