How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country within the US that has reciprocity. In certain situations however, you could be required to take an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary, so make sure you compare prices. Select a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a motor vehicle. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the authorized vehicle types you can drive, an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a photo of the driver. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, though this is not yet in use.
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 approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you can pick up your license a few weeks later.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The majority of people fail their driving tests because they panic or don't remember the rules of road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a nation where the driving laws are different.
If you're staying in Germany for only a short duration, then your driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the practical and theoretical exams before you can 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 who speak English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to an Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or a practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you'll also need to provide certificates attesting that your license isn't suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical exam is required to obtain an official driving license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, along with an instruction at a driving school in Germany before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all of your required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport photo and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. wie kann ich meinen führerschein kaufen of around EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal actions. You'll have to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you are a holder of a driving license from one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain a German license without having to pass any practical or theory tests. This is only a possibility when the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this scenario, you will still need to provide proof of your identity and a current passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany you are also required to be insured for your car. You can find more information about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks prior to the date on which it expires. This gives you enough time to complete all required paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a current passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may vary depending the location you reside in. If führerschein zum kaufen about the requirements, you can call your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more detailed information.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and a passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test and a written or practical driving test.
During the practical driving test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public roadway. You will receive your new German license a few days later in the event that you pass.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. In the US each state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses changed.
If you intend to stay in the USA for longer than this time, or return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's licence while there. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to give them your American license to obtain an 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 includes a list of states and countries where a driver's license issued by the country is transferable without retaking 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 do not come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take a different license, you have to complete the instruction course and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course, taking theory classes, passing a multiple-choice test and a test of practical to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will differ, but it can run anywhere between a few hundred and a couple thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. The cost will differ from one company to the next company. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.