How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US which has reciprocity. In certain situations, you might have to pass a theoretical and practical test.
Prices vary, so be sure to shop around. Also, make sure to choose an accredited driving school.
What is a driving license?
A driving licence is a document which allows you to operate a 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 magnetic strips, though this is not yet used.
If you are taking a driving exam in Germany you'll have to pass both a theoretical and practical test. The driving test typically lasts for 45 minutes and is administered by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules and also some general questions. After the exam, the examiner will tell you directly if you passed or failed. If you pass the test, you will receive an authorization slip that allows you to drive until you are able to 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 people fail the driving exam is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It's also important to practice driving as much as possible before the actual exam particularly if you come from a country where the driving regulations are different.
If you're staying in Germany for a brief time, then your driving license from your home country may suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first present certificates attesting to your eyesight and health. Fuehrerscheinn 's also necessary to attend driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's expensive, but this is the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding driving instructors in English on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license to a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The exact procedure varies between countries, and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to-date information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents showing that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some instances, you might also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or cancelled.
If you are from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you are from South Australia or Tasmania, however you must pass a theory and a practical exam is required in order to obtain an official driving license.
If you're from a country that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In most cases, you'll need to take a course at a driving school and pass a theory and practical exam before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll also have to register your car and attend an initial aid course.
You will need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring the required documents. After your appointment, you'll receive an email stating when you can get your German driver's license. The application could take up to six weeks to process.
Once you've obtained the German driving license valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to a local licensing authority. There's an amount that is usually around EUR24. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraudulent use of identity and/or illegal activities. You'll need to provide an official letter that states you will return the license if found.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a driving license?
If you are a holder of driving licences from a country within the EU, EEA, or one of the countries that has an agreement on reciprocity, you can exchange it for a German license without having to take any tests in theory or on the road. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long period of time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residence address with the authorities.
You'll still have to show proof of identity and a passport picture. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities, and pass a safety inspection (TUV). In Germany you are also required to have car insurance. More details can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
As a general rule, you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. You should renew your license at least four weeks prior to the date of expiration. This will give you time to complete the paperwork. Bring your current driving license, renewal form and a current passport photo with you.
The requirements for transferring your driving license from another country can differ depending the location you reside in. If you are unsure it is recommended that you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
When you're applying to exchange a foreign driving licence for a German one, you will require a written statement or theft report (as as well as the original document) and an authentic passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to show your driving abilities on a public road. You'll be issued a new German license in a couple of days when you've been successful.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the state where the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of regulations for licensing drivers. In Massachusetts for instance drivers who have valid German license are able to drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
It is highly recommended that those who are planning to stay in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while in the United States. In the event that you need to go to the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany in Germany, you'll need to hand over your American license in exchange for the 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 drivers' licenses from that country may be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 state or country that is listed in Anlage 11, or you are seeking an alternative class of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. This means signing up with driving school, taking classes in theory, passing the written (multiple-choice) test, and a practical driving test to demonstrate that you understand the rules of the road and that you can manage a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving classes will differ, but it can run anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices will differ from one firm to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.