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 some instances, however, you may be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so take your time and shop around! Choose a driving school that is reliable.
What is a driving permit?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive the vehicle. It contains information about your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also contains the vehicle types that you are permitted to drive as well as an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints, and a driver photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, even though it is not yet used.
If you decide to take a driving exam in Germany you'll need to pass both a theory and practical test. The driving test usually lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about German road signs and regulations, as well as some general information. After the exam the examiner will inform you directly whether you passed or failed. If you succeed you will be issued an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to get your license after a few weeks.
If cool training are taking your driving test the most important thing to do is to be calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It is important to learn as much driving as you can prior to the driving test, particularly if the driving rules in your country differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence in exchange for Fuhrerschein Fuhrerschein as soon as you've registered your address in Germany.
But, you must first submit certificates attesting to your health and eyesight. You must also take driving lessons at an German Fahrschule, and be able to pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you are able to be granted a license. It's expensive, but it is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. There are English-speaking driving schools on the internet using this search aggregator.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're a citizen of a state or country that has a partnership with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's licence for an Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure varies from country to country, and you should consult the 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 a clear vision. In some instances, you might also be required to submit documents attesting that your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you're 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 take a theory and practical test to obtain 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 getting a German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, along with taking a course at a German driving school before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take the first-aid training.
You'll need to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can pick up your German driver's license. It can take four to six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you have an German driving license is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. There's an additional fee, typically around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or unauthorised actions. You'll need to submit an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license in the event that it's found.
Can I obtain a German license if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany, then you can often simply exchange your driving license from another country to a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is only possible if the driver has been driving for some time, and has established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this case, you will still be required to prove your identity and a recent passport photograph. You will also need to register your vehicle with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). Also, you must obtain insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More details can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. When you're close to the end of its validity it is recommended to make an appointment with your local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete the application. Bring your current driving license, the renewal form and a recent passport photograph with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging an international driving licence may vary depending on the state in which you reside. If you're not sure it is recommended that you contact the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report), and an image of your passport. Then you'll need to take a written and/or practical driving test, as as pass a medical examination.
During the practical test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll get the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public road. If you're successful, you will receive your new German driving license just a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have an US driving license?
The rules vary based on where you got your license. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. For instance in Massachusetts, people who have an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for a maximum of one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses changed.
It is highly recommended that those planning to remain in the USA for a longer period or who will be returning to Germany as a permanent resident pick up an International Driver's License while they are in the USA. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license for a German one at the time 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 a list of countries and states where a driver's license from the country is transferable without having to retake 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 country or state which is listed in Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain a different class of license, you will be required to complete the full course of instruction and be able to pass all tests. This includes signing up for an instructor-led driving course, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice examination and a test of practical to show that you know the rules of driving and can manage a vehicle. The driving test is conducted by a professional examiner. The cost for driving and theory lessons could range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Again, the 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.