How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you decide to move to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some instances however, you could be required to take a practical and theory exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you compare prices. Select a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to operate the 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 photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
If you are taking an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test usually lasts 45 minutes and is administered 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. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not after the test. If you pass, you'll be issued a certificate that allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
When you are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the 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 only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany, you will need a new driving license. Fortunately, most countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. It is also required to attend driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. There are driving schools in English on the internet by using this search aggregator.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
If you're from a state or country that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take a theory or practical test. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get current information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one that's a German one without needing 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.
For those who come from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to pass a theoretical and practical exam, as well as an instruction at a German driving school before you can be granted Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your car and take the first aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will tell you when you can pick-up your German driving license. It can take four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
If you already have an German license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is close to expiring by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to provide a letter stating you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you are a holder of driving licences from a country in the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement of reciprocity that allows you to exchange it for an German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is usually 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 need to show proof of identity and a passport photo. You must also register your car with authorities and pass a safety check (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.
In general, you can keep your driver's license for a period of 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity, you should make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you enough time to complete all necessary paperwork. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for transferring your foreign driving license can vary depending on where you live. If you're not sure then we suggest you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for one that is a German one, you'll require an unwritten statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll then need to pass an oral or practical driving exam, as well being able to pass a medical test.
During the test for practical driving You'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you will be issued a new German driving licence a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a US license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. In the US, each state has its own set of regulations regarding driver licenses. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have valid German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without having to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you plan to remain in the USA for a longer time, or return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are there. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have 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 countries and states where a driver's licence from this country is transferable without having to retake 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're not from a country or state which is listed in Anlage 11, or you want to get a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing the written (multiple-choice) test, and passing an actual driving test in order to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can handle a car. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will vary, but could run anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand euros.
kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen will also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices differ from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.