How to Buy a Driving License in Germany
You can exchange your license if you are moving to Germany from another state or country in the US with reciprocity. In certain situations, you might require passing a theory and practical test.
Prices can vary, so make sure to shop around. Select a driving school that is well-known.
What is a driver's license?
A driving license is a document that allows you to operate a motor vehicle. It contains information about your name as well as your father's name and date of birth. It also includes the authorized vehicle types you are allowed to drive, an emergency contact number, blood group, fingerprints and a driver's photo. The driving license also comes with a magnet strip, though it isn't currently being used.
In order to pass the driving test in Germany you must pass both the theoretical and practical tests. The driving test usually 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 details. The examiner will let you know if you have passed or failed the test. If you pass, you'll receive a certificate that permits you to drive for a few weeks until you get your license.
The most important thing to keep in mind when taking the driving exam is to be calm and calm. The most common reason people fail the driving test is because they are scared and don't know the rules of the road. It is also crucial to practice driving as much as possible before the actual exam particularly if you come from a nation where the driving rules differ.
If you are only staying in Germany temporarily, your license from your country of origin will suffice. However, if you're moving to Germany permanently you'll need a new license. Luckily, a majority of countries have reciprocal agreements with Germany and you can exchange your driving licence to the Fuhrerschein when you register your address in Germany.
But, you must first present a certificate that prove your health and eyesight. It is also required to take driving lessons with an approved German Fahrschule and take both the practical and theoretical examinations before you are able to get your license. It can be costly, but it is the only way to legally drive vehicles in Germany. This search engine will assist you in finding English-speaking driving instructors on the Internet.
How do I obtain a German driving license?
If you're a citizen of a country or state that has an agreement with Germany it could be possible to exchange your driver's license for the Fuhrerschein (German driving licence) without taking the test in either theory or practice. The exact procedure differs between countries, and you should contact your local driving office for the most up-to date information. In general, you will have to declare your residency and submit documents that prove you're healthy and have a clear vision. In certain instances, you could also be required to submit certificates attesting that your license has not been suspended or removed.
If you're from Australia or New Zealand you can exchange your license without taking any tests. If you're from South Australia, Tasmania, or Victoria However you'll have to pass an exam in theory and practice to be able to get a full-time license.
If you're from a country that does not have an agreement with Germany or the United States, the process of getting an German driving license is more difficult. You'll typically need to take a theory and a practical test, along with an instruction at a driving school in Germany, before you can obtain a Fuhrerschein. You'll have to register your car and complete an initial-aid course.
You'll need to make an appointment at your Strassenverkehrsamt or Fuhrerscheinstelle and present all the required documentation. You'll receive a confirmation email after your appointment. It will inform you when you can pick up your German driving license. The application process can take up to six weeks to be processed.
If you already have a German license, it's valid for 15 years. If it's coming up for expiration, you can renew it by bringing your driving license along with a passport photograph to an authority for licensing in your area. You'll need to pay an amount that is usually around EUR24. If you lose your German driving license, it is recommended to contact your licensing authority immediately to stop fraudulent use of your name and/or unlawful actions. You'll have to provide a letter stating that you will replace your license if it's found.
Can I apply for a German license in the event that I already have a driver's license?
If you hold a driving license from an EU or EEA country or a country which has a specific reciprocity agreement with Germany You can usually exchange your driving license from an other country for one German one without taking any theoretical and practical exams. This is only possible in the event that the driver has been driving for a period of time, if they have established a permanent residence in Germany and registered their residence address.
In this scenario, you will still need to provide proof of your identity and a recent passport photo. You will also need to register your car with authorities and pass a safety inspection (TUV). You should also get car insurance, as this is a requirement in Germany. More details can be found on our page about driving in Germany.
In general you are only able to keep your driver's licence for 15 years. You should renew your licence at least four weeks before the date on which it expires. This is to give you time to complete all necessary documents. Bring your current driver's license, renewal form and a current passport photo.
The exact requirements for exchanging a foreign driving licence can differ depending on the federal state in which you live. If you're unsure, you can contact your local driver license office (Fuhrerscheinstelle). They'll be able to give you more details.
You'll need a copy of the original document, a written declaration (or theft report), and a passport photo. You'll then need to pass either a practical or written driving test, as being able to pass a medical test.
During the driving test, which is a practical one You'll be asked questions about traffic laws in Germany. Then you will be asked to show your driving skills on a public road. If you pass, you'll be issued a new German driving licence within a few weeks.
Can I apply for a German license even if I already have a US driving license?
Rules differ based on the country from which the license was issued. In the US each state has its own set of rules for driver licensing. For instance in Massachusetts drivers with an active German driving licence can drive in the USA for up to a year without exchange or having their US licenses amended.
It is highly recommended that those who plan to stay in the USA for a longer period or who will be returning to Germany as permanent residents, obtain an International Driver's License while they are there. If you don't have one, you'll need to exchange your American driving license for a German one at the time 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 where the driver's license of 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 do not come from a country or state that is listed in Anlage 11 or you wish to apply for another license, you have to complete the course of instruction and be able to pass the tests. This includes signing up at driving school, taking the theory classes and passing an exam written (multiple-choice) test, and passing a practical driving test to prove that you are familiar with the rules of the road and can drive a vehicle. The driving test is administered by a professional examiner. The cost of driving and theory lessons can vary from several hundred euros to a couple of thousand euros.
You'll also have to purchase mandatory car insurance. read here differ from one company to another. You can compare quotes on internet. Some of the biggest companies in Germany include DA Direkt and ADAC.