Buy A German Driving License: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
How to Buy a German Driving License
A German driving license is a vital and valuable asset, not only due to its strict standards but it also because it is recognized across Europe. Foreigners often want to swap their driving licence from the EU/EEA for the German license after it expires.
What are the requirements for the application?
There are Fuehrerscheinn of requirements for buying a German driving license, such as the type of vehicle you'd like to drive and the age. To get a class-B driver's licence, you must be 18 years old. This is the minimum age for the majority of passenger vehicles and small commercial vehicles. You can also get an E or class C license if you plan to drive heavy vehicles like buses and trucks or a class T license for forestry or agricultural tractors. In some instances you might have to pass a written or oral test before being allowed to take a practical exam.
Certain citizens of countries are able to swap their licenses for one of a German one without having to pass an examination. This includes citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and certain states in the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand. South Korea, Japan.
You'll have to pass both a written test and a practical test if not from one of these countries. In certain cases you may also have to pass a medical examination and vision test.
When you're ready to apply, you should go to your local driving license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). The procedure for applying for a driving license is different however, generally, you'll need a letter from your employer or the city in which you've relocated to Germany and a proof of insurance, and your foreign license. You may need to include an image.
The cost of the driving exam varies according to the location you reside in Germany. However it's usually less than EUR100. Once you've passed the written and practical tests then your German driving license should be available for pickup within a few weeks.
It is essential to know the requirements of the German driving license, as many expats are required to possess one to legally drive in the country. It can be difficult to take public transportation in rural areas and during severe weather. Car ownership can help.
How do I apply for a German driving license?
You can convert a driving licence from another EU country or a country recognized by Germany for full or partial reciprocity to a German license without taking any exams. This process can be completed by arranging an appointment with your local authority for driver's licences known as the Fuhrerscheinstelle. You'll need to bring the original license along with a form or identification and a passport picture. In most cases, you can obtain your German driving licence in four weeks.
If your license was issued in the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland or Andorra, you can use it for up to six months before you can apply for a German license. In order to do so you must identify your residence address and pass a German test of your language, which can be taken by a private institution or at the local language center.
The process of obtaining a German driving license can take a bit of time, but it is essential to be competent to drive safely on the road. In addition, it can make renting a car easier, since some rental companies might require an German license. It is crucial to keep in mind that driving in Germany is an extremely serious business, and must be treated as such.
It is recommended to enroll in a driving class and practice driving. This will make you more comfortable when you take your test. You can locate driving schools on Farschule-123 which lets you sort by location and type of vehicle. Some driving schools also offer theory classes in different languages.
Renewal of your German driving licence is simple. Simply make an appointment with your local driving license authority at least four weeks before your licence expires. You'll need to bring your license, a recent passport photo, and pay a small fee of about 24 euros. Then your new driving licence will be ready for you to pick up within four weeks.
Can I keep my American license?
It is possible to get an German driver's license without having to pass the practical or theory test through a reciprocity arrangement. However, most expats should consider starting from the beginning. This means going through an Fahrschule (driving school) and paying a substantial sum of money.
There are driving schools across the nation. They offer a wide range of courses beginning with a basic driver's car course to a truck or bus license. They will also be able to give you theory classes in your language. Some schools charge less than others. Checking online and asking around reviews is the best way to find an appropriate driving school.
The process to convert an American driving license to a German driving licence can take between two and six months depending on whether you have a reciprocity agreement or not. If you don't have a reciprocity agreement then you'll need an interpreter to translate your license into German. This is done through a certified translation or by an automobile organization. In addition, you can submit the KBA registry extract in your country of birth as proof of residency.
Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to take a practical test. During the test, the driving instructor sits in the seat of the passenger as you drive your vehicle and you must answer questions. You will be issued your driving license in a few days after passing.
If you fail the practical test, you will need to repeat the process with an additional instructor and pay a fee. Additionally, you will need to prove that you have passed a medical exam and, if required, show a certificate of good eye sight.
You can also obtain a German driving license after a period of six months by submitting an application to your local driving licence authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehorde). You will need to provide an original driver's license translated as well as a medical certificate in this case. Additionally, you will need to submit a certified translation your passport along with a photocard.
Can I exchange my foreign license to one that is German one?
If you're moving from one of the states or countries with a reciprocity agreement with Germany, it is relatively simple to swap your license to one from Germany. This agreement is in force with 27 states that include New York, California and others. If you have an official driving license from one of these states, you will not need to take an exam in the form of a road or written test in Germany. You can get your complete German license. You will need to show your current driver's license, proof of identity (usually a valid passport or a national ID card) and a picture taken recently. The requirements for each state (Lander) differ therefore it is advisable to confirm the requirements of your local driving license authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle) prior to making an appointment.
It is only necessary to exchange your license for a German one within the first six months of residence. If you fail to do this, it will be deemed a violation of your residency permit and the authorities may be able to take action against you. If you intend to utilize car sharing services that require a European license or a German license it is more important to start the process of getting your German license.
People who are moving to Germany from outside of the EU/EEA region can continue to use their driver's license up to one year after they have registered their address. However, they must be able to have it translated by a sworn translation, a recognized internationally automotive organization or a licensed interpreter. This is a vital step since most insurance companies won't cover drivers from outside the EU/EEA without a translation.
You will need to visit the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) or driving licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) in your city and make an appointment for a "Umstellung eines Fuhrersscheines (Non-EU/Drittstaaten)". You can make this appointment on the internet, via phone, or at the Burgerhaushalt offices. You'll need to bring your current license, a certified translation of the license into German, your driver's history from your home country, and proof of identification. You will also have to pay a fee of about EUR35 which you can either pay in cash or by an electronic transfer to a bank. You will receive a confirmation via mail once you have submitted all the required documents.