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 shop around. Also, make sure to select a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive the vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving license also comes with magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
If you are taking driving tests in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts approximately 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules along with some general knowledge. After the test the examiner will inform you straight away whether you passed or failed. If you succeed, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you are able to get your license a few weeks later.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason people fail their driving test is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is essential to learn as much driving as you can prior to taking the driving test, particularly when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're only in Germany for a short period and you're driving a car, your license from your home country will probably suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence for a Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first submit certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theory and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain an German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if reside in an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next, so you should contact your local driving office for the most current information. In general,, you'll need to register your residence and provide proof showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you'll also need to provide proof that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one of a German one without needing to take any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however, you'll need to take the theory and the practical test to obtain a full license.
For those who are coming from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to pass a practical and theoretical exam, as well as a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take the first-aid training.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It could take anywhere from four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's about to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. There's a small fee, usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent fraudulent use of your identity or illegal actions. legalen führerschein kaufen 'll 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 hold driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or a country with a reciprocity agreement that allows you to exchange it for an German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
You will still be required to show proof of your identity and a passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have car insurance. You can find more information about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your licence at least four weeks in advance of the date of expiration. This will give you time to complete all the necessary documentation. You will need to bring the renewal form along with your current driving license and a recent passport photograph along with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may differ depending on where you live. If you're unsure, you can contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They will be able to give you more details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) as well as an image of your passport. Then, you'll have to pass either a practical or written driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the practical test you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then fuhrerschein kaufen will be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public road. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
The rules vary based on the state where you obtained your license. The US is a nation where states have authority over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. For instance, in Massachusetts, people who have a valid German driving license can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to remain in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are there. If you don't, you'll have to change your American driving license to one German one when 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 a list of states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 state or country that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain a different license, you have to complete the instruction course and be able to pass the tests. This means signing up with an instructor at a driving school, learning the theory classes, passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and an actual driving test in order to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can manage a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost for driving lessons and theory could range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will vary from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the major companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.