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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 could exchange your license. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Prices can vary and you should take your time and shop around! Also, be sure to select a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate the vehicle. 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 a magnetic strip though this is not yet in use.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany, you will need to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually takes about 45 minutes and will be conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions and ask about German road signs, regulations and other details. After the test, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you can get your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to relax and remain calm. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving exam is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where driving rules differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require an updated driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your vision and health. It's also necessary to take driving lessons with a certified German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical examinations before you are able to get your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the Internet.
How do I get an German driver's license?
If you're a resident of one of the states or countries that has an agreement with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure differs from country to country, and you should consult the local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, though you'll need to verify your home and submit documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances you'll also have to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria however you'll need to pass a theory and 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 getting an German driving license is more difficult. You'll usually need to take a theory and a practical test, along with an instruction at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and attend the first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. You'll receive a confirmation email following your appointment. It will let you know when you can pick up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to be processed.
Once you've obtained an German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. kann man einen führerschein kaufen Fuehrerscheinn of EUR24 is required. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority right away to prevent unauthorized use of your identity and/or unlawful activities. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it is discovered.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold an driving license issued by a country within the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has a reciprocity agreement, you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to take any practical or theory tests. This is only feasible when the driver has been driving for some period of time, or has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this scenario you'll still be required to prove your identity and a current passport photo. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety check (TUV). You should also get insurance for your vehicle, since it is required in Germany. More information is available on our page regarding driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. When you're getting close to the expiration date it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your 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 driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photo with you.
The requirements for changing your driving license from another country can vary based on where you live. If you're not sure about the requirements, you can call your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to provide more detailed information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report), and an image of your passport. You'll also have to pass a medical examination and a written or a practical driving test.
During the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the opportunity to show your driving abilities on a public road. If you're successful, you will be issued a new German driving licence a few weeks later.
Can I get a German driving license if I already have an US license?
Rules differ based on the country from which your license was issued. The US is a country where each state has jurisdiction over driver licenses, and each state can set its own rules. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses changed.
If you plan to remain in the USA for longer than this period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is recommended to obtain an international driver's license while in the USA. If you don't, you'll need to change 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 contains the states and countries where drivers' licenses from the country can be transferred 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 do not come from a state or country included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes signing up at driving school, taking theory lessons and passing the written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and can handle a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable examiner. The cost of the theory and driving lessons will vary, but can be anywhere from a few hundred to two thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will differ from one company to the next company. Compare prices online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.