How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you are moving to Germany from a foreign country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you can exchange your license. In some cases you may require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary so make sure you compare prices. Be certain to choose a reliable driving school.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to operate a vehicle. It contains information such as your name, father's name, date of birth, address, vehicle types, emergency contact fingerprint impression, and driver photo. The driving licence also includes magnetic strips, though this is not yet being used.
To pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test typically takes 45 minutes and is conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will also ask you some general questions, and will ask you questions about German road signs, regulations and other information. After the exam, the examiner will tell you directly whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive a certificate which allows you to drive for a couple of weeks until you can get your license.
If you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. The most frequent reason why people fail their driving test is because they are scared and forget the rules of the road. It is also essential to practice driving as much as possible before the actual exam, especially if you are from a country where the driving rules are different.
If you are only staying in Germany for a short period, your license from your country of origin will be sufficient. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany and you're moving to Germany for a long time, you'll need a new driving license. Fortunately, many countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein as soon as you have registered your address in Germany.
However, you must 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 receive your license. This can be costly, but it is the only way to legally operate vehicles in Germany. This search engine can help you find driving instructors who speak English on the internet.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
If you're from a country or state that has an agreement with Germany It may be possible to exchange your driver's license to a Fuhrerschein (German driving license) without having to take the test in either theory or practice. The procedure for doing this differs from one country to another and you should check with your local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll need to register your residency and provide documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear and sharp vision. In some cases you'll also have to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or revoked.
For instance, if you're from Australia or New Zealand, you can swap your license for a German one without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia or Tasmania, however it is necessary to pass a theory and practice exam is required to obtain an all-inclusive driving license.
If you're from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting the German driving license is more difficult. In the majority of instances, you'll have to take a course at driving school and pass a theory and practical test before you can get a Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to register your vehicle and complete an initial aid course.
You'll have to schedule an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and bring all the necessary documentation. After your appointment, you'll receive an email that informs you when you can get your German driver's license. It could take between four and six weeks for your application to be processed.
Once you've obtained the German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. You can renew your license if it is about to expire by presenting a passport photograph and your driving license to the local licensing authority. You'll need to pay an additional fee, typically around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it's best to contact the licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unauthorized actions. You'll need to submit a letter stating you will return the license if found.
Can I get a German driving license if I have a foreign license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country, or a country that has a special reciprocity agreement with Germany and Germany, then you are able to swap your driving license from a foreign country for one that is a German one without taking any practical or theoretical tests. This is only a possibility if the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
You'll still need to show proof of identity and a passport photograph. Also, you will need to register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). In Germany, you must also be insured for your car. You can find more information about this on our page about driving in Germany.
In general, you can only keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You must renew your license at least four weeks before the date of expiration. This is to give you enough time to complete all necessary paperwork. You'll need to bring the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a passport photo from the last few months with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining the foreign driving license may differ based on the state in which you reside. If you're unsure then you should contact the local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
You will need a copy of the original document, a written statement (or theft report) and a passport photo. You'll then need to pass an oral or practical driving test, as passing a medical exam.
During the practical test, you will be asked about traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be given the chance to demonstrate your driving skills on a public roadway. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving license within a few weeks.
Can I get a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which the license was issued. In the US, each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. In Massachusetts, for example drivers with an active German license can drive in the USA up to one-year without needing to change their US driving licenses or have them modified.
It is recommended that those who are planning to remain in the USA longer than this time period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the USA. If you do not, when you visit the Fuhrerscheinstelle (driving license authority) in Germany, you will have to hand over your American license to obtain the 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 is transferable without having to retake a 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're not from a country or state which is listed in Anlage 11, or you would like to obtain an alternative class of license, you will need to complete the entire course of instruction and complete all tests. you can try this out includes enrolling in a driving school, taking classes in theory and passing a multiple-choice exam and a practical test to prove that you understand the rules of driving and can manage a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons can range from just a few hundred euros up to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. Prices can vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the largest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.