How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases however, you could be required to pass the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Also, make certain to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive and an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving licence also includes a magnetic strip though this is not yet being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving test typically lasts 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other information. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or not following the exam. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you pick up your license.
The most important thing to remember when you are taking the driving test is to be calm and calm. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is essential to take as many driving lessons as possible before your driving exam, especially if the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin is sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need an additional license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate that confirm your health and vision. You also must take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to be granted a license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a car in Germany. You can find English-speaking driving schools on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you're a citizen of one of the states or countries which has a relationship with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence for a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for current information. In general, you'll need to verify your home and submit documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to provide certificates attesting your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for one of a German one without having to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice to obtain a full license.
The process of obtaining the German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In most instances, you'll need take a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can receive Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and take a first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all of your required documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can get your German driver's license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
If you've got the German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is close to expiring by bringing a passport picture and your driving licence to the local licensing authority. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraud and unlawful actions. You'll need to submit an official letter stating that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold a license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to one German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is typically only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your address with the authorities.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks before the date of expiration. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a passport photo from the last few months along with you.
The requirements for transferring your driving license from another country can differ depending on where you live. If you're unsure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more specific information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and the passport photo. Then, you'll have to pass either a practical or written driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll receive your new German licence 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?
Rules vary depending on where your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts, for example drivers who have a valid German license can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to remain in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's licence while in the USA. Otherwise, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to give them 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 contains the list of countries and states where a driver's licence from that country can be transferred 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 such a good point don't come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license, you have to complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This means signing up with a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing a written (multiple-choice) test and a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could be anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You'll also have to buy mandatory insurance for your car. Prices can differ from one firm to another. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.