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 cases, however, you may be required to take an exam in theory and practice.
Prices vary, so be sure you shop around. Also, be sure to choose a reputable driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive a motor vehicle. It contains information about your name along with your father's name, as well as date of birth. It also includes the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints, and a driver photo. The driving license also comes with magnetic strips, even though it is not yet used.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a qualified examiner. The examiner will also ask you a few general questions and inquire about German road signs, rules and other details. After the exam, the examiner will tell you straight away if you passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a couple of weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before taking the test particularly if you come from a country where the driving regulations are different.
If you're only in Germany for a brief duration the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're planning to move permanently to Germany then you'll require a new license to drive. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for the Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you have to first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. You must also take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests to get your license. It's costly, but it is the only way you can legally drive a vehicle in Germany. There are driving schools that speak English on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I get a 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 licence for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take a theory or practical test. The exact procedure varies from country to country and you should check with the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to register your residence and provide documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to submit certificates attesting your license has not been suspended or revoked.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to take 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.
For those who are coming from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of obtaining the German driving license is more difficult. It is common to have to take a theory and a practical test, and a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your vehicle and complete a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the necessary documents. You'll receive a confirmation letter following your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application could take up to six weeks to be processed.
If visit the next document 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 and your driving license to the local licensing authority. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. It is essential to inform your licensing authority immediately in the event that you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. führerschein ohne prüfung legal will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have an international license?
If you hold a license issued by an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country to a German one without taking any theoretical and practical 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.
In this situation you'll still be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photograph. You will also have to register your vehicle with the authorities, and undergo a safety check (TUV). In Germany you also need to have insurance for your car. More information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driver's license for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks before the date of expiration. This will allow you time to complete the application. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a current passport photograph with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ based on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure, you can contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more specific information.
You'll need a duplicate of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and a passport photo. Then you'll need to take an oral or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the driving test, which is a practical one during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving skills on a highway that is public. If you're successful, you will receive your new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I apply for a German license if I already have a US driving license?
The rules differ based on the place you got your license. In the US, each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to one year without having to exchange or have their US licenses amended.
It is suggested that those who are planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the United States. Otherwise, when you go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany and you'll have to surrender 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 contains a list of states and countries where a driver's license from the country can be transferred without retaking 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 are not from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to take a different license, you have to complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes taking a driving course and taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination and a practical test to demonstrate that you are aware of the guidelines of driving and that you are able to operate a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of theory and driving lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a few thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.