How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
If you move to Germany from a country or US state that has reciprocity with Germany then you could exchange your license. In some instances, you may require passing a theory and practical exam.
Prices can vary so make sure you shop around. Pick a driving school which is well-known.
What is a driver's permit?
A driving licence is a document that allows you to drive 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 photo. The driving license also has magnet strips, even though it isn't currently being used.
If you decide to take driving tests in Germany you'll have to pass a theoretical and practical test. The driving test usually takes about 45 minutes and will be conducted by a certified examiner. The examiner will ask you questions regarding German road signs and rules along with some general knowledge. 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 few weeks until you get your license.
When you are taking your driving test, the most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. Many people fail their driving tests because they panic or forget the rules of road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as you can before the actual exam particularly if you come from a nation where the driving laws differ.
If you're only in Germany for a brief duration the driving license from your home country will probably suffice. If you're planning to permanently move to Germany then you'll require a new driving license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you could exchange your driving license in exchange for a Fuhrerschein once you have registered your address in Germany.
You have to present your first certificates attesting your vision and health. It is also essential to undergo driving lessons at an accredited German Fahrschule and pass both the theoretical and practical tests before you can obtain your license. It's costly, 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 aggregater.
How do I obtain a German driver's license?
You might be able exchange your driving license for a Fuhrerschein without having to pass a theoretical test or a practical test if you are a resident of an agreement country with Germany. The exact procedure varies from one country to another, so you should contact the local driving office for the most current information. In general, you'll have to declare your residency and provide proof that prove you're healthy and have clear vision. In some cases you may also be required to present documents attesting that your license is not suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without having to pass any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria, however you'll have to pass the theory and the practical test to be able to get a full-time license.
The process for getting a German driver's license can be more complicated for drivers who are from countries which don't have a formal agreement with Germany, or from the United States. You'll usually need to pass a theoretical and practical test, and a course at a driving school in Germany before you can get Fuhrerschein. You'll also need to sign up your car and attend a first aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment with your Strassenverkehrsamt oder Fuhrerscheinstelle, and bring all the required documentation. You'll be sent a confirmation letter after your appointment that will inform you when you'll be able to pick-up your German driving license. Your application can take up to six weeks to process.
Once you've obtained an German driving license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's about to expire, you can renew it by bringing your driving permit along with a passport photograph to a local licensing authority. There's an amount that is usually around EUR24. It is important to inform your licensing authority immediately if you lose your German driver's license. This will stop fraudulent use of your identity and/or unlawful actions. You'll have to provide an acknowledgement letter that states that you will return your license if it's found.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I already have a foreign license?
If you hold an driving license issued by one of the countries in the EU, EEA, or a country with an agreement of reciprocity you can exchange it to obtain the German license without having to pass any theory or practical tests. This is only feasible in the event that the driver has been driving for some time, if they have established a regular residence in Germany and registered their residential address.
In this scenario you'll need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photograph. You must also register your vehicle with the authorities and pass a safety check (TUV). You must also obtain car insurance, as this is obligatory in Germany. More information about this on our page on driving in Germany.
In general you can only keep your driving licence for 15 years. When you're getting close to the end of its validity you must arrange an appointment with the local driver licensing office at least four weeks in advance to renew it. This will give you time to complete all the necessary paperwork. You'll need the renewal form as well as your current driving licence and a recent passport photo along with you.
The specific requirements for obtaining an international driving licence may differ depending on the federal state in which you reside. If you are unsure then we suggest you get in touch with the local office for driver's licenses (Fuhrerscheinstelle) for more personalized details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a signed statement (or theft report), and an image of your passport. You'll then need to pass a written and/or practical driving test, as as pass a medical examination.
During the test for practical driving during the test, you'll be asked questions regarding traffic laws in Germany. Then, you'll be asked to demonstrate your driving abilities on a public highway. If you're successful, you'll receive your new German driving licence within a few weeks.
Can I obtain a German driving license if I have an US license?
Rules vary based on the state the country from which the license was issued. In the US every state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. For instance, in Massachusetts those who hold an active German driving license are able to drive in the USA for up to a year without requiring an exchange or having their US licenses amended.
registrierten führerschein online kaufen is recommended that those who plan to stay in the USA longer than this time duration or who plan on returning to Germany as permanent residents get an International Driver's License while in the United States. If you don't have one, you'll need to change your American driving license to one German one when 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 states and countries in which a driver’s license from that country may be transferred without retaking a 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 do not come from a country or state listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for an alternative license, you must complete the required course of instruction and pass the tests. This involves signing up at a driving school, taking classes in theory, passing a written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to show that you know the rules of the road and that you can handle a car. The driving test is administered by an experienced examiner. The cost of theory and driving lessons could range from several hundred euros to a few thousand euros.
You will also have to purchase mandatory auto insurance. Prices vary from one company to another. Compare quotes online. Some of the biggest companies in Germany are DA Direkt and ADAC.