How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can transfer your license if are moving to Germany from another country or state in the US which has reciprocity. In some instances however, you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so look around! Choose a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's permit?
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, authorized vehicle types, emergency contact, fingerprint impression, blood group and driver's photo. The driving licence also has magnetic strips, even though it is not yet in use.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theory and practical tests. The driving exam usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations and other details. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or not following the test. If you pass the test you will be issued the certificate that permits you to drive until you can get your license within a few weeks.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail the driving exam is because they panic and forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as you can prior to the actual test especially if you're from a nation where the driving rules differ.
If you're staying in Germany for a short period the driving license from your home country may suffice. However, if you are moving to Germany permanently and you're planning to stay there for a long time, you'll need an additional license. Many countries have reciprocal agreements, and you can exchange your license for a Fuhrerschein after you have registered your address in Germany.
You must submit first certificates attesting your health and vision. You also must take driving lessons at a German Fahrschule, and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can be granted a license. This can be expensive however it's the only way to legally drive a car in Germany. This search engine can help you find English-speaking driving instructors on the Internet.
How do I get an German driver's license?
You may be able to exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theory test or practical test if you reside in an agreed-upon country with Germany. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to the next and therefore you should inquire with the local driving office to get up-to-date details. In general, though, you'll need to register your residence and provide documents to prove that you're healthy and have good eyesight. In some cases you may also be required to present certificates attesting your license is not suspended or removed.
For instance, if from Australia or New Zealand, you can exchange your license for a German one without needing to pass any tests. If you're 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.
The process of obtaining an German driver's license is more complicated for drivers who are from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. In most cases, you'll need to complete a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can receive a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your vehicle and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the required documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can get your German driver's license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
If kann man führerschein kaufen have a German license, it is valid for 15 years. If it's due to expire you can renew it by bringing your driving permit and a passport photo to an authority for licensing in your area. A small fee of around EUR24 is required. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately when you lose your German driver's license. This will prevent fraudulent use of your identity and/or unauthorised activities. You will need to submit an email stating that you will return the license if it is found.
Can I obtain a German license even if I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license issued by an EU or EEA country or a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Germany You are able to exchange your foreign driving license for a German one, without having to pass any practical or theoretical tests. This is generally only possible if you have been driving for a long time, have established normal residency in Germany and have registered your residential address with the authorities.
In this scenario, you will still require proof of your identity as well as a recent passport photo. Additionally, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). Also, you must obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information 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. You should renew your driving licence at least four weeks prior to the expiration date. This is to give you enough time to complete all necessary documentation. You'll need to bring the renewal form, your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can vary depending on the federal state where you live. If you're not sure, we recommend that you get in touch with the local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) to get more detailed details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report) and the passport photo. You'll also need to pass a medical exam as well as a written or practical driving test.
During the practical test you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a highway that is public. You will receive your new German licence in a couple of days in the event that you pass.
Can I get a German license in the event that I already have an US driving license?
Rules vary depending on the country from which your license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts for instance drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA for a period of one year without having to change their US driving licenses or amend them.
If you intend to stay in the USA for a longer period, or who will return to Germany as resident, it is advisable to pick up an international driver's license when you are there. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender your American license to obtain an 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 includes the list of countries and states where a driver's license issued by 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 do not come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to obtain another license class, you must complete the instruction course and successfully pass the test. This includes signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a written (multiple-choice) test and an actual driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can manage a car. The driving test is conducted by an experienced examiner. The cost of the theory and driving instruction will differ, but it can run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
You will also be required to purchase auto insurance that is mandatory. Prices will vary from company to company. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.