How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can change your license if you are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US which has reciprocity. In certain situations you might be required to take an exam in theory and practice.
Prices can vary so make sure to shop around. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate an automobile. It includes information like your name, father's name date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photograph. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, even though it is not yet being used.
If you are taking an exam for driving in Germany you'll have to pass both a theory and practical test. kann man führerschein kaufen Fuehrerscheinn driving test usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes, and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you in person if you passed or failed. If you pass the test, you will receive a slip allowing you to drive until you can get your license within a few weeks.
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 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 in Germany for a short period, then your driving license from your home country should suffice. If, however, you're moving to Germany permanently, you'll need to get a new license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving license in exchange for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein once you register your address in Germany.
However, you have to first present a certificate attesting to your eyesight and health. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theory and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's expensive, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding driving instructors who speak English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You could be able to exchange your driving license to the Fuhrerschein without needing to pass a theory test or a practical test if are a resident of an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office for up-to-date details. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll need to pass an exam in theory and practice to get a full license.
The process of getting an German driver's license can be more complicated for those coming from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany or the United States. In the majority of instances, you'll have to complete a course in an driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can obtain Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and take an initial aid course.
You'll need to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will let you know when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license and a passport photo to a local licensing authority. A small amount of EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraud and unauthorised actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating that you will replace your license if it's found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an international license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can often simply swap your driving license from a foreign country to one that is a German one, without having to pass any formal or theoretical exams. This is usually only possible if you've been driving for a long time and have established a normal residence in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
You'll still have to show proof of your identity and a passport photo. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety test (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have car insurance. You can find out more 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 close to the expiration date you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks prior to renew it. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your current driver's license, the renewal form and a current passport photo.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ based on the federal state in which you live. If you aren't sure it is recommended that you contact the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll then need to pass an oral or practical driving test, as being able to pass a medical test.
During the practical test you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be asked to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you'll be issued a new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state where the license was issued. The US is a country in which the individual states have jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state has the ability to set its own rules. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with a valid German license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange their US driving licenses or have them amended.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer time frame, or return to Germany as a resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license when you are in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for 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 the states and countries in which drivers' licenses from the country is transferable without retaking a 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 state or country listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain another license, you have to complete the required course of instruction and successfully pass the test. This includes enrolling in a driving school and taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination and a practical test to show that you know the guidelines of driving and that you are able to operate a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can be anywhere between a few hundred and two thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the prices will vary from company to company. You can compare prices on the internet. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.
