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 instances, you may have to pass a theoretical and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Also, be sure to select a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a vehicle. It includes information like your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression and driver's photograph. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
If you are taking driving tests in Germany you'll have to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving exam usually lasts for about 45 minutes and is administered by a qualified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and rules and also some general information. The examiner will inform you whether you passed or not after the exam. If you succeed you will be given an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to 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 are scared or forget the rules of road. It is essential to practice as much driving as you can prior to the driving test, particularly when the driving regulations in your country are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, then your 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 license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license for the Fuhrerschein once you've registered your address in Germany.
You need to submit your first certificate that confirm your health and vision. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical exams before you can get your license. It can be costly however it's the only way to legally operate a car in Germany. You can find driving schools in English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're a resident of a state or country that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should consult your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide proof that prove you are healthy and have clear vision. In some cases, you'll also need to provide proof that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
For example, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for one of a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however, you'll need to take the theory and the practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
If you're 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. You'll usually need to pass a practical and theoretical test, and taking a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your car and complete a first-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment. It will tell you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you've obtained the German driving license valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it's about to expire by bringing a passport picture along with your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. If you have lost your German driving license, you should contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your identity or unlawful activities. You'll need to provide an official letter that states you will return the license if found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country to one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. fuhrerschein kaufen is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for a long period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. You will also need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is obligatory in Germany. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This will give you time to complete the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may differ depending the location you reside in. If you are unsure, we recommend that you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
If you're trying to exchange a foreign license to one that is a German one, you'll have to submit an official written statement or theft report (as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. Then you'll need to take an oral or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public highway. You'll receive your new German license a few days later if you are successful.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a US license?
Rules differ based on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, so each state is able to establish its own rules. In Massachusetts, for example, drivers with valid German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without needing to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you plan to stay in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it's advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are there. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license to a 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 includes a list of countries and states where a driver's licence from that country can be transferred 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're not from a state or country that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking a different type of license, you will have to complete the entire course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes taking an instructor-led driving course, taking theory classes and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the rules of driving and are able to handle a vehicle. The test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of theory and driving lessons can range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to obtain mandatory car insurance. Prices vary from one company to another. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.