How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases, however, you may be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices vary, so shop around! Also, make certain to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to drive the vehicle. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the types of vehicles you can drive and an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving license also has magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. investigate this site driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules and also some general information. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not after the exam. If you succeed, you will receive the certificate that permits you to drive until you pick up your license after a few weeks.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. Most people fail their driving test because they are scared or forget the rules of road. It's important to learn as much driving as you can prior to your driving test, especially when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you're in Germany for only a short duration the driving license from your home country should suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Most countries have reciprocal agreements. you can exchange your license for an Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first present certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests to get your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a vehicle in Germany. You can find driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregater.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of a country or state which has a relationship with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license to the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure differs from one country to another, so you should contact the local driving office for the most current information. In general, though you'll have to register your residence and provide documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances you'll also be required to provide proof that your license has not been suspended or removed.
For instance, 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 need to pass a theory and practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
The process of getting an German driver's license is more difficult for those who come from countries that don't have an agreement with Germany or the United States. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, along with taking a course at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain the Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and take a first-aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll get an email stating when you can get your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
Once you've obtained an German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact your licensing authority immediately to prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or illegal actions. You'll need to provide a letter stating you will return the license in the event of being found.
Can I get a German license if I already have a driver's license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can usually swap your driving license from a foreign country for a German one, without having to pass any theoretical and practical exams. This is only a possibility in the event that the driver has been driving for a long time, if they have established a normal residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this scenario you'll require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You will also need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain car insurance, as this is a requirement in Germany. You can find out more about this on our webpage on driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's license for 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity you must make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license may vary based the location you reside in. If you're not sure then you should contact your local driver's license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more specific information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign license for one of a German one, you'll need to provide an unwritten statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical test as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving skills on a public highway. You will receive your new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German driving license if I have an US license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts, for example drivers who have a valid German license are able to drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to exchange their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as a resident, it is advisable to pick up an international driver's license while there. If you do not, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to give them 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 includes the list of states and countries where a driver's license from this country is transferable without retaking the driving test. It 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 are not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and pass all tests. This includes taking 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 handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory can range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.