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 can exchange your license. In kann man legal einen führerschein kaufen , you could be required to take the theory and practical test.
Prices can vary and you should shop around! Select a driving school that is reputable.
What is a driver's licence?
A driving license is a document that permits you to drive in a vehicle. It contains information like your name, your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you can drive, an emergency contact number fingerprints, blood group and a driver's photo. The driving licence also includes a magnetic strip though this is not yet used.
If you are taking driving tests in Germany you'll need to pass a theoretical and a practical test. The driving test usually lasts 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, regulations and other details. The examiner will let you know whether you passed or failed the test. If you pass the test you will be given the certificate that permits you to drive until you are able to get your license a few weeks later.
If you are taking your driving test the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The most common reason that people fail the driving exam is because they panic and don't know the rules of the road. It is important to practice as much driving as you can prior to taking your driving exam, especially when the driving rules in your country are different.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your current license from your country of origin is sufficient. If you're moving permanently to Germany then you'll require a new license to drive. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for the Fuhrerschein when you've registered your address in Germany.
However, you must first submit certificates that prove your health and eyesight. It is also essential to take driving lessons with an accredited German Fahrschule and take both the theoretical and practical exams before you can get your license. It can be costly 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 a German driving license?
If you're from a state or country that has a partnership with Germany, it may be possible to exchange your driver's licence for a Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without having to take an exam in theory or on the road. The exact procedure is different between countries, and you should consult your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you'll have to register your home and submit documents proving that you are healthy and have good eyesight. In certain instances, you could also be required to provide certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or cancelled.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can change your license to one of a German one without needing to take any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however, a theory and practical test is required to get an official driving license.
If you're from an area that doesn't have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of cases, you'll need to take a course at an driving school and pass a theoretical and practical exam before you can get an Fuhrerschein. You'll need to register your vehicle and take an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documents. After your appointment, you'll get an email that informs you when you can get your German driver's license. The application process can take up to six weeks to process.
If you already have an German license, it is valid for 15-years. If it's about to expire you can renew it by bringing your driver's license along with a passport photo to the local licensing authority. A small fee of EUR24 is required. It's important to notify your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will help prevent fraud and unauthorised activities. You'll need to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will replace your license if it's found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you have a license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you can usually exchange your driving license from another country to one that is a German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only possible when the driver has been driving for a long time, and has established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this scenario, you will still require proof of your identity and a current passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and undergo a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain insurance for your car, as it is required in Germany. More information can be found on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can keep your driver's license for a period of 15 years. It is recommended to renew your license at least four weeks in advance of the date of expiration. This will allow you enough time to complete the application. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form, and a recent passport photograph with you.
The requirements for changing your foreign driving license may vary based the location you reside in. If you're not sure it is recommended that you get in touch with your local driver's licensing office (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more specific information.
You will need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and a passport photo. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving exam, as well passing a medical exam.
During the test for practical driving during the test, you'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. You'll then be given the opportunity to show your driving skills on a public road. If you pass, you'll receive your new German driving licence just a few weeks later.
Can I obtain a German license in the event that I already have a US driving license?
The rules are different depending on the place you got your license. The US is a nation where each state has jurisdiction over driver licensing, which means that each state is able to establish its own rules. For instance in Massachusetts those who hold a valid German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to one year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses amended.
It is recommended that those who plan to stay in the USA longer than this time period or who are planning on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the USA. In the event that you need to visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to surrender your American license in exchange for an German license.
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 in which a driver’s license from the country can be transferred without retaking a driving exam. 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 don't come from a country or state included in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for a different license class, you must complete the course of instruction and pass the tests. This includes signing up for a driving school, taking the theory course and passing a multiple-choice examination, and a practical test to show that you know the guidelines of driving and that you are able to handle a vehicle. The driving test is administered by an expert examiner. The cost of driving lessons and theory can vary 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. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.